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.
Author Talk: Nicole Taylor at Arlington Public Library
Nicole Taylor, author of Watermelon & Red Birds, the first cookbook to celebrate Juneteenth, will talk about her recipes and demo one June 18, 6:30-7:45 p.m. This event is free to attend at Arlington Central Library. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Ballston)
The Pack Drumline at McLean Central Park
As seen on America’s Got Talent, the Pack Drumline will bring its high-energy percussion to McLean Central Park on June 18, 7 p.m. This event is part of the amphitheater’s free summer concert series. 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth at Mount Vernon
Visit Mount Vernon June 19-20 to learn about the enslaved people who lived at George and Martha Washington’s Virginia estate and how they worked for their freedom before the Emancipation Proclamation. In addition to guest speakers on June 19, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., this event includes live music performances; spinning, cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations; and character performances. Admission is $30 for visitors 12 and older; $16 for kids ages 6-11. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Tinner Hill Juneteenth Celebration
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, which oversees three historic sites that tie The Little City to African American history, will host its annual celebration June 19, noon-5 p.m. Expect live performances, historic reenactments, activities for kiddos and more. 106 Tinner Hill Road, Falls Church
Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Listen to traditional African American storytelling and songs about the journey toward freedom, as shared by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble. You’ll find this performance June 19, 1-3 p.m., at Shiloh Baptist Church Worship Center. Admission is free. 1401 Jamieson Ave., Alexandria
Halls Hill/High View Park Juneteenth Celebration
On June 19, 2-6 p.m., party in the park with barbecue, a moon bounce, face painting, bingo and a performance by the Faycez-U-Know band. Admission is free, but some food and vendors carry a fee. 1945 N. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Day
Challenging Racism, an Arlington-based anti-racism organization, is hosting a free family-friendly celebration of African American culture and heritage. Revel in live music, cultural performances, food and activities for all ages June 19, 4-7 p.m. Wakefield, High School, 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Juneteenth Celebration in Alexandria
Celebrate the holiday at this community festival featuring live music, games and food, plus exhibits by the Alexandria Black History Museum, on June 19, 4-8 p.m. The day’s festivities are free and open to the public. Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., Alexandria
I Am Not Your Negro at Arlington Drafthouse Cinema
Head to the theater on June 19, 4:30 p.m., for an airing of this pivotal documentary about race in America. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, it imagines how Remember This House, an unfinished book by James Baldwin, might have ended, and connects the Civil Rights movement to present-day anti-racism efforts, such as Black Lives Matter. Tickets are $12. 1660 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Honoring Juneteenth at the Athenaeum
The historic building and event venue in Alexandria will host a Juneteenth celebration June 19, 6-8 p.m., with art, African drumming and poetry. Free to attend, the party includes presentations by artists Ayanna Gallant, The HipHopMomma Princess Best (aka The HEALACIST) and poet 13 of Nazareth. Visitors can also learn how to print Adinkra symbols, which originated in Ghana. 201 Prince St., Alexandria
Jubilee: A Juneteenth Celebration
Gather at the Plaza at Mason Square to celebrate freedom and community June 20, 1-3 p.m. Eat ice cream, enjoy music by DJ Meech and get moving with DMV City Slickerz line dancers. 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)