The official Juneteenth holiday is observed this Monday, June 19—however, there are some Philly spots that are celebrating all weekend long with events, specials and other activations to commemorate Juneteenth in Philadelphia in 2023.
The Center City restaurant Square 1682 (121 S. 17th St.), for one, will be honoring Juneteenth with a special, limited-time menu, curated by Chefs Moneisha Williams and Kyrah Reaves. The new food items will be offered at the bar/restaurant on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, as well as during brunch service on Sunday, June 18, and both breakfast and lunch service on the federal holiday itself, Monday, June 19.
Philadelphians will be eating for a good cause as well, as a portion of proceeds will be donated to the local not-for-profit, Colours Organization. Additionally, the space’s Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned ($12, made with Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey, golden fig syrup, black walnut and angostura bitters) will also have profits going to the organization every time it’s ordered.
“We partnered with Colours Organization because they are willing to educate while providing a safe space for the community,” says Williams in a statement. “I remember growing up and wanting to see someone that looks like me in the kitchen and now I’m that woman that can inspire others to take the journey into the hospitality industry.”
The menu will feature Corn and Leek Bisque ($10), Blackened Catfish ($24) fashioned with black-eyed pea succotash and julienned greens, Classic Mac and Cheese ($10) and a Cast Iron-Braised Peach Cobbler ($10) topped with oat crumble.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (118-128 N Broad St.) is also celebrating Juneteenth in Philadelphia with free admission this Sunday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As a release states, while there, visitors can check out ‘Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America,’ a collaborative exhibition with the African American Museum in Philadelphia showcasing works by 20 celebrated artists that examine the provocative and timely question, “Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?”
Philadelphians who want a more immersive look at the exhibit can join a free tour of the exhibition at noon to experience how the 11 artists in the PAFA side of the exhibition—Shiva Ahmadi, Tiffany Chung, Lenka Clayton, Petah Coyne, Eamon Ore-Giron, Alison Saar, Rose B. Simpson, Sheida Soleimani, Dyani White Hawk, Wilmer Wilson IV, and Saya Woolfalk—explore themes of equality, free speech, and other tenets of democracy, the release also states.
‘Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America’.Constance Mensh
This Sunday will also hold the chance to join in on another free tour at 2 p.m. of PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building. Advance registration is recommended for both tours.
This Saturday, City Athletics Community Partners (CACP) is planning to host the largest free Juneteenth Community Block Party in the Nicetown/Tioga Community from 1 to 5 p.m. at City Athletics (1901 W. Tioga St.)
The event will feature a block clean-up followed by a free catered meal with a live DJ featuring barbecue, drinks, water ice and funnel cake at no cost. Other activities also include free pony rides, a bouncy house, face painting, axe throwing, giveaways performances and more. Additionally, there will be over 20 small local businesses that will be selling goods and services.
“This free event is a thank you to the Nicetown-Tioga community. There will be free water ice, funnel cake, BBQ and entertainment. Everyone should plan to come early and stay late to enjoy the festivities” said Curt DeVeaux, City Athletics Owner and Founder in a statement. “I want to thank every sponsor for making this possible, as well as the community for accepting the Center as their own in their neighborhood.”
