President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. At this point in time, the American Civil War had already been raging for years. The passage of the Thirteenth Amendment after the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865 officially abolished slavery.
Although many people were immediately granted freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation, a large number in various Confederate territories were not. On June 19, 1865, enslaved Africans living in Texas finally received news of their freedom. The news prompted a celebration and marked the unofficial beginning of Juneteenth. Local events offer a chance to celebrate Juneteenth. Confirm details.
Carr’s Beach Reunion
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park, 7300 Edgewood Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department is bringing back Carr’s Beach for Juneteenth! A special tribute concert and reunion will be free. Enjoy music, local vendors, and food trucks. Bring a folding chair. People who attended events at Carr’s Beach during the resort’s heyday are encouraged to attend. Record your memories to preserve local history. See https://www.annapolis.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10047 for details.
Juneteenth Historic Marker Unveiling Celebration
Thursday June 19, 2025, 11:00-12:00 p.m. at O’Donnell Square Park located at 2917 Odonnell Street, Baltimore, Maryland
The event will feature the dedication of a new historic marker memorializing 48 individuals enslaved on the Canton Plantation in 1805. The marker honors the stolen contributions of enslaved people of African descent and roots Black history visibly in the fabric of the neighborhood. For more information, email: info@CantonCommunity.org or visit https://allevents.in/baltimore/juneteenth-historic-marker-unveiling-celebration/200028269921856.
National Harbor Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 19, 11-5 p.m. 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland
Enjoy activities, promotions, a Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace in the Capital Canopy, Jump DC Double Dutch team, #1 All-Male Step Team in the DMV and more. Hosted by on-air personality for 93.9 WKYS Aladdin from 2 — 6:30 p.m. See https://www.nationalharbor.com/events/annual-events/celebrate-juneteenth/ for details.
The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, 9- 5 p.m., Potomac, Maryland
This festival was established in 2023 by the Scotland community of Potomac, Md., and commemorates the historical significance of African-American land ownership while embracing the spirit of Juneteenth. The culmination of our weeklong celebration, June 19th is a powerful day of honoring freedom and the rich history of the Scotland Community. A Wellness and Social Action Pavilion at Cabin John Village from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. will showcase nonprofits. Enjoy a Family Carnival at Cabin John Park from 11 a.m. – 5.p.m. The Juneteenth Parade at 2:00 p.m. will feature marching bands and more. Fireworks & Tailgating will be held at Shirley Povich Field at 5:00 p.m. *Some events on June 19th will require tickets or registration. Visit https://www.juneteenthscotland.org/schedule-of-events for details.
Annapolis Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Sunday, June 22, 2025
The parade starts at St. John’s College and winds its way through Downtown Annapolis to Amos Garrett Boulevard. Annapolis at 11 a.m. Head to 1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, Maryland, Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds for the festival from 2:00 – 10:00 p.m. Fireworks will be at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, June 22 from 2:00- 8:00 p.m. at the same fairgrounds. See https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/annapolis-juneteenth-parade-festival for more information.
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum’s Annual “Voices of History” Street Fair 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., 1601-1649 East North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum proudly presents the 8th Annual “Voices of
History” Street Fair, a vibrant, free celebration of community arts, culture, and health in Baltimore.Enjoy vendors; music and performances; information booths; museum access; a children’s area; and more. Open to all. Visit https://www.greatblacksinwax.org/events for details.