Looking for ways to commemorate Juneteenth in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered
Kidchella
This weekend, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse will officially bring back its popular Kidchella Music Festival series featuring Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning and nationally acclaimed children’s music artists alongside local youth performers and community partners. This weekend’s theme (Friday beginning at 4 p.m.) will be Juneteenth in Philadelphia, and families are invited to participate in a freedom song sing-along with crafts and activities. Additionally, a Juneteenth community wall will be created to leave inspirational messages about what freedom means to them, and families can enjoy pre-show performances by Mlanjeni Magical Theater and MoveMakers Philly.
To finish up the evening, two acts will hit the stage: Troupe Da Da, a high-energy African drumming ensemble, and Ms. Niki’s Music Class, a virtual music classroom on Youtube created by “edutainer,” singer, and songwriter Niki Addison. Tickets are $12 per person (adults and children of walking age) or $6 for Smith members and ACCESS cardholders. The Youth Arts Zone opens at 4 p.m., with pre-show acts starting at 5 p.m. and the main bands taking the stage from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This event is rain or shine.
3500 Reservoir Drive, smithplayground.org
Barnes on the Block
This Sunday, Philadelphians can head to The Barnes Foundation to check out another edition of Barnes on the Block in partnership with Mural Arts. As a release states, this year’s celebration coincides with Juneteenth, Father’s Day and the opening of the summer exhibition “Isaac Julien: Once Again (Statues Never Die).” Those who attend will be able to check out visual art displays, family-friendly art-making, live performances, food trucks, a beer garden and more.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, barnesfoundation.org
Cherry Hill Juneteenth Parade and Festival
The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association has teamed up with Cherry Hill Township and the Cherry Hill Police Department to host the Second Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival. The event will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Croft Farm in Cherry Hill. But you can kick your day off early with Soulful Yoga at 8:30 a.m. before the parade starts at 10.
100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, chnj.gov
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
There are a few reasons to head to the African American Museum in Philadelphia to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend. The annual block party, which takes place Sunday (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will be headlined by internationally-acclaimed artists Talib Kweli and Lady Alma for one. This year’s theme surrounds “Celebrating the Legacy of Emancipation,” at this free, family-friendly and outdoor event (which is rain or shine). While there, visitors can check out activities, music, visual arts, food, a marketplace of local vendors and free admission to the museum throughout the day. Philadelphia radio icon, Tiffany Bacon, will also serve as host and emcee for the daylong event.
Another addition to the lineup over the weekend is a live discussion with Bobby Seale — an African-American political activist, and co-founder/national chairman of the Black Panther Party. “An Evening Conservation with Bobby Seale” will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The discussion will be led by Catherine Hicks, president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NAACP and publisher of “The Philadelphia Sun.”
Free admission to AAMP will be offered between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. with timed-ticketed entry, courtesy of Wawa. Current exhibitions at the Museum include “Derrick Adams: Sanctuary,” “Taking Care: Recent Acquisitions & Conservation,” and “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” as well as the permanent display “Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 – 1876.” Advance registration for museum admission online is encouraged.
701 Arch St., aampmuseum.org
Go City Attraction Pass
If you can’t decide where you want to go to commemorate Juneteenth in Philadelphia, Go CityPASS can help.
This weekend, Philadelphians can honor Black history by visiting the impactful and inspiring exhibits and tours around the city, according to a news release. From the “This is My Home” exhibit at the National Liberty Museum to the African American Museum, Go City offers easy access to a variety of experiences with just one pass.
Participating museums include the National Liberty Museum, the African American Museum, Longwood Gardens and the Museum of the American Revolution. Those who are interested can download the app and find out more.
