(PHOTO: VISITPHILLY.COM)
VISITPHILLY.COM
Mark the anniversary of African Americans’ emancipation from enslavement with a parade, street festival, vendor marketplace and more…
Overview
The City of Brotherly Love celebrates freedom, community, and culture during the massive Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival in West Philadelphia.
The annual festival, launched locally in 2016, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States — specifically, June 19, 1865, when the last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news that they were free.
What began with a ceremony and procession near The President’s House — the site of the Philadelphia home where President George Washington once held enslaved Africans — has grown into one of the largest daylong celebrations in the country, drawing crowds of over 25,000 and more than 250 vendors.
The festivities include parade floats, a music festival, an art marketplace, and a carnival-inspired children’s village with plenty of family activities.
The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival takes place on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Parade
The 2023 Juneteenth Parade runs from noon to 2 p.m., starting at the intersection of North 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, flowing down 52nd Street, and ending at the western tip of Malcolm X Park on 52nd and Larchwood Streets.
Parade marchers include members of nonprofit organizations, musicians, dancers, youth groups and more. Expect plenty of live music, elaborate floats (including one dedicated to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop) and other can’t-miss performances along the two-mile route.
After the parade, stick around the area of Malcolm X Park for more festivities.
Music Festival
The Juneteenth Music Festival kicks off at the performance stage at South 52nd Street and Larchwood Avenue and goes from 3 to 7 p.m.
The 2023 lineup includes legendary rapper Fatman Scoop, singer and radio personality Lil Mo, and DJ Cupid (yes, the DJ Cupid).
Marketplace
Throughout the day (from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) over 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses, vendors, nonprofits, and Philly entrepreneurs fill Malcolm X Park with locally produced treats, artwork, clothing, accessories and more.
The Juneteenth Marketplace also features free food giveaways, free yoga classes, an Art in the Park painting party and a variety of other free activities.
Children’s Village
There’s plenty for the kiddos, too. From 2 to 7 p.m., immediately following the parade, a section of Malcolm X Park transforms into a dedicated Juneteeth Children’s Village. Families can look forward to a carnival, kids’ games, arts and crafts activities, face painting, photo booths and more.
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