June 19—aka Juneteenth—is a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Celebrate the spirit of freedom and resilience with book talks, film screenings, concerts, historic tours and plenty of family fun.
Fairfax City Juneteenth Celebration
Party in Fairfax City’s Old Town Square with live performances, food vendors and children’s activities June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Performers include Pastor Eric Kellum of Zion Church in Woodbridge and CAISO Steel Drum Band. 10415 North St., Fairfax
Tara Roberts: Written in the Waters
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and storyteller Tara Roberts will discuss her memoir, which follows her experiences with researchers searching the Middle Passage for wrecks of ships that carried enslaved Africans. The June 17, 7-8 p.m., event is free, but registration is required. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Film Screening: Segregated by Design
Visit Alamo Drafthouse in National Landing on June 18, 6-7:30 p.m., for a free screening of Segregated by Design, a short film based on Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law. The 17-minute film highlights how federal, state and local governments unconstitutionally segregated American cities through housing policy and urban planning. A panel discussion following the film will be led by Arlington resident Monique Bryant, Executive Director of Challenging Racism, and and Arlova Vonhm, Zoning Administrator for Arlington County. The first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of The Color of Law.
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon will offer a full lineup of programs celebrating Black history in America from June 19-21. Included with admission to the first president’s historic property (tickets are $28/adult and $15 for kids over 5) are activities such as arts and crafts at the bowling green from 9:30-3:30 p.m.; an exhibit on John Luckett, who self-emancipated from Fairfax County in 1862; and Music of the African Diaspora on June 20 and 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Additionally, the estate is unveiling June 19 a new permanent exhibit, Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon, that looks at the lives of the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at Washington’s five farms, gristmill and distillery. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt. Vernon
Juneteenth Celebration at the Tinner Hill Historic Site
With a theme of freedom, community and unity, this June 19, noon-5 p.m. event will include a performance of the Cole-Harris Journey, a historical musical by the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center’s Linda Harris and David Cole. 106 Tinner Hill Road, Falls Church
Juneteenth: A Moment of Unity, Reflection, Joy and Freedom
Gunston Middle School’s Step Team and Faycez U Know are among the performers at this family-friendly event at High View Park June 19, noon-6 p.m. Other fun activities include a moon bounce, ring toss, arts and crafts, a live DJ and food trucks. 1945 N. Dinwiddie St., Arlington (Glebewood)
Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Juneteenth Concert
Listen to traditional African American storytelling and songs about the journey toward freedom, as shared by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble. Find them in Market Square in front of Alexandria City Hall on June 19, 1-3 p.m. 301 King St., Alexandria
2nd Annual Juneteenth Community Day at Met Park
Now celebrating 21 years, the Arlington organization Challenging Racism will host “a family-friendly celebration of African American culture, heritage, and the historic emancipation of enslaved Africans” with live music, cultural performances, food and activities for all ages. This free event on June 19, 4-7 p.m. at Met Park is staged in partnership with the Arlington Coalition of Black Clergy, Arlington Historical Society, Black Heritage Museum of Arlington and NAACP Arlington Branch. 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Juneteenth Celebration at The Athenaeum
Learn about the holiday through hands-on activities, art, African drumming, poetry and vendors on June 19, 6-8 p.m. The free event will be hosted by KaNikki Jarta, the inaugural poet in residence for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association. Performers include the MIN ~ World Music Duo, Ayanna Gallant and 13 of Nazareth. 201 Prince St., Alexandria
Falls Church Concerts in the Park
The Falls Church Concert Band will perform Lift Every Voice and Sing at a show on June 19, 7 p.m., as part of The Little City’s annual summer concert series. The party continues on June 26 with a blues show by Bushmaster featuring Gary Brown. (Find more outdoor concerts here.) Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
The Pack Drumline
This high-energy group blending percussion and choreography will rock McLean Central Park on June 19, 7 p.m. Admission is free. (Check out their performance on America’s Got Talent.) 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
Frying Pan Farm Park’s Historic Meeting House and Grounds
Visit this historic working farm on June 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., for insights into the lives of free and enslaved African Americans who were members of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House. Tour the church and surrounding grounds while learning about the former location of the Lee house, where an African American family lived after the Civil War. 2709 W. Ox Road, Herndon
Alexandria Juneteenth FestivalÂ
Celebrate the holiday at this community festival featuring live music, games and food, plus exhibits by the Alexandria Black History Museum, on June 21, noon-6 p.m. The day’s festivities are free and open to the public. Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., Alexandria
Juneteenth Book Discussion at the Cherrydale Library Branch
Meet at the Cherrydale Library on June 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., to discuss Ralph Ellison’s book Juneteenth. It follows the lives of a preacher and his adopted son, who becomes a U.S. senator after passing as a white man. Admission is free. 2190 N. Military Road, Arlington (Cherrydale)