13 Events Happening in Broward & Palm Beach Celebrating Juneteenth

We’re back at it again this year providing you with a comprehensive guide on all things Juneteenth, but unlike our coverage last year we’ve had to break this series into two parts because South Florida is bursting at the seams with Juneteenth celebrations. This is our Broward and Palm Beach edition of Juneteenth events happening in both counties. We love that the now federally recognized holiday has caught on and many people are geared up to celebrate the freedom of African American slaves.

Juneteenth is celebrated because on June 19, 1865, the last slaves were finally given their freedom, even though slavery ended two years earlier in 1863 with the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. Maj. Gen Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas with the Union Army and read the slaves the federal order declaring their freedom. Juneteenth, which is the combination of the words June and nineteenth, is also known as Freedom Day and is the oldest US celebration of the ending of slavery.

According to Juneteenth.com, barbecuing and drinking strawberry soda are part of the traditions to commemorate the day. Barbecuing is said to be a popular part of the Juneteenth activities because participants can share in the spirit and aromas that the ancestors would have experienced during their celebrations as newly emancipated slaves. Also according to Dann Woellert The Food Etymologist blog, Strawberry soda became a Juneteenth staple because of our roots in West Africa, and for them, red drinks mark a special occasion. Enslaved West Africans brought their “social punch” with them to America. In the early years, Juneteenth quickly grew from a small Texas holiday to a nationwide celebration for African Americans.

This is our list of 13 events happening throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties celebrating Juneteenth. To read our Miami-Dade county list of events, click here.

Events in Broward County

(In no particular order)

The Florida Panthers and Old Dillard Foundation have teamed up for a Juneteenth community event at Joseph C. Carter Park in Sunrise. The community is invited to come enjoy food, music, shopping with Black-owned businesses and fun for the kids. The event kicks off at 12 p.m. and is free to attend.

2. Join the City of Hallandale Beach Government and the Hallandale Beach Community Civic Association, Inc. for their Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 19th at noon at OB Johnson Park. Enjoy Food, Fun, and Music at this Family Friendly Event.

3. There are several Juneteenth celebrations happening in Fort Lauderdale this week. Here are some highlights: Celebrating Juneteenth: Juneteenth Celebration 2021. This is a virtual event sponsored by Broward County Library Foundation happening Friday, June 18th from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration/ Black Art & Business Expo takes place Saturday, June 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Old Dillard Museum, 1009 NW 4th Ave.

The Black Art Brunch takes place Saturday, June 19 from 12 p.m. – 4p.m. at C&I Studios, 541 NW First Ave.

Looking Forward, Looking Back: Freedom, Afrofuturism, and Reflections Juneteenth is a virtual event hosted by NSU Art Museum. It all kicks off Saturday, June 19th at 3 p.m.

Check out this video from the City of Fort Lauderdale with more details on all of their Juneteenth events.

4. The city of Coral Springs is excited to host an in-person commemoration at Sportsplex Tom Messenheimer Field (2575 Sportsplex Drive) in honor of Juneteenth, Freedom Day. Gates open at 5 p.m. with mainstage entertainment starting at 6 p.m. The commemoration will include a reading of the emancipation proclamation, Spoken Word by May Reign with visual artist Jaquale Rhule, and special performances by international blues singer-songwriter, Kat Riggins and the Valerie Tyson Band. Pod seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each pod comes with a table and four chairs. Attendees may bring lawn chairs. Specialty foods will be available for purchase along with adult beverages and a wide selection of food trucks.

5. Saturday come catch a vibe at B. Lee Entertainment’s four-year anniversary of their popular R&B and Hip Hop parties. The event commemorates their 4 years of hosting some of the best parties in South Florida as well as celebrates Juneteenth. To reserve a table call 3053339187. For pre-sale tickets stop by Stylzncouture in Pembroke Pines, Flat Tops & Fade located at 18577 NW 27th Ave in Miami Gardens, or Sleep’s Barbershop located at 17227 NW 27ave in Miami Gardens.

6. “Juneteenth for Joy” is a hybrid (in-person or online) festival of brilliance, radical self-care, and Black Joy. Their morning opening ceremony is in-person at Dr. Von D. Mizell beach. If you can’t attend in person, then you can watch along with us with the link you’ll get via email.
For the In-person experience, arrive at 8:30 AM on Dr. Von D. Mizell Beach. Parking is $6. At 9 a.m. the events will kick off with the “Water is Life” opening ceremony. The day will be full of events. To see the full lineup click here. The “Juneteenth for Joy” is a celebration of Black liberation through the lens of joy. They invite you to join them for a full immersion in delight and joy — and experience the dream that our ancestors struggled for right now. During their celebration, you’ll have free access to music, comedy, fun conversation, inspiration, a special meditation, and online resources to get access to nourishing food and Black therapy. To attend and register click here.

7. South Florida get ready for the Juneteenth Soirée hosted by F.A.E Experience. Get ready for an afternoon of cocktails, shopping, networking, and more while celebrating Freedom day. The event will follow CDC guidelines and masks are required for entry. Also, be a blessing to the less fortunate, event organizers invite monetary donations that will be donated to the Lou Foundation Bmom Helping Hands Brunch. If you need fashion advice while shopping then Stylist @fats_ambition will be there and she’s bringing some of the most Stylish things with her. The event takes place Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m at Ask EricaM Celebrity Shoes Shoetique and FAE Showroom located at 1975 E. Sunrise Blvd #536, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304. Free parking on 1st level. To attend click here to register.

8. This year, in celebration of Juneteenth, Chef Kulture Broward will be serving the local community once again the way they know best– with a drive-thru meal distribution. The community is invited to drive by for a free meal for you, your family, or someone else in need. To Donate you can send donations via Cashapp to $ChefKultureBroward or via PayPal to www.PayPal.com/PayPal me/sweettowernovelty. This is an opportunity to give back and is open to all who want to volunteer and not just Chef Kulture Broward members. To attend register by clicking here. For more information text 770-256-6803 or email ckbroward@gmail.com.

9. SweeteHeartz Inc, Helping Hands CDC Inc and Juneteeth South Broward have teamed up for a Juneteenth celebration for the community of Hollywood. Join them Saturday June 19th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington Park Community Center. There will be food, spoken word performances, live music and fun for the entire family. This event is free to attend.

10. The Enough is Enough Coalition is sponsoring 580 kids for free swimming lessons in honor of Juneteenth. To register your child or for more information contact event organizer Veronica Nicole.

11. Brown’s Temple Ministries presents their Juneteenth Festival featuring games, music, giveaways and shopping experiences with Black-Owned businesses. The event kicks off Saturday June 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Events in Palm Beach County

12. Juneteenth of Palm Beach County, invites you to join them for a day of music, food, and good vibes as they commemorate our past and be inspired by the future. They will be highlighting local Black businesses and community resources to uplift our people. The event titled “Juneteenth: Unity X Black Excellence Festival 2021” is organized by community members Chris Mcafee and Brittany Mitchell. The event takes place at Riviera Beach Marina Bicentennial and is free to the public. To attend and for more information about the event, click here for their Eventbrite page.

13. In honor of Juneteenth a group of Black-Owned businesses has teamed up to host the “Sip & Spend Pop-Up Shop” in Boca Raton. The event takes place June 19th. For more information contact one of the event organizers, Tay Jackson-Ray.