Celebrate Juneteenth in Long Beach
Long Beach will celebrate Juneteenth with music, culture and community during the inaugural World Famous Block Party: Juneteenth Edition on June 20 at Promenade Square Park. Presented by World Famous V.I.P. Records and The VIP Family Foundation, the event will bring together artists, local businesses, families and creatives for a day of live entertainment, food, art and cultural experiences honoring Black history and achievement.
LOCAL ROOTS
Rooted in Black culture, music and art, the World Famous Block Party: Juneteenth Edition is a free, outdoor event presented by V.I.P. Records, a Long Beach institution since 1978, and its VIP Family Foundation. The free, outdoor celebration takes place Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12 to 8 PM at Promenade Square Park (215 E First St).
Under the leadership of Kelvin Anderson, V.I.P. Records became a global force, launching the careers of such artists as Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Nate Dogg. Today, Anderson and the VIP Family Foundation—a co-presenter of the event, founded by Tenisha Anderson—continue to invest in and uplift the community that helped make V.I.P. Records an enduring success story.
“V.I.P. Records has been part of this community for over 45 years,” said Kelvin Anderson, Owner of World Famous V.I.P. Records. “We have watched this city grow and this block party is our way of giving back. Juneteenth is about freedom and celebration, and there is no better place to do that than right here in Long Beach."
A SIGNIFICANT HISTORY
The oldest nationally celebrated observation of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth commemorates Union soldiers, on June 19, 1865, landing at Galveston, Texas, and announcing the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. In 2021, President Joe Biden established June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday, calling it “one of the greatest honors I will have as president.”
PERFORMERS & EMCEES
The block party will feature two stages of live entertainment. Hosted by KJLH’s Ricky Ruckus, the VIP Main Stage includes a headlining DJ set from legendary West Coast producer DJ Battlecat, alongside Emi Secrest and The Gumbo Brothers, DJ Wes Hannin, Aye Mitch, DJ Alert, Kaaos Jones and many more.
The LBC Park Jam Stage will be hosted by Medusa, the renowned LA-based MC and poet widely recognized as “The Queen of LA's Underground Hip Hop.” Curated by LBC Park Jam, Long Beach's longest-running day party since 2003, the stage will bring sounds spanning multiple genres and generations in a safe, open space for all ages.
BLACK BUSINESS TOUR
As part of the celebration, the Juneteenth Black Business Tour will take place from 1 to 5 PM, with pick-up and drop-off at Edison Theatre (213 E Broadway). Organized by The CRayProject, DIG Life and Urban Society Long Beach in partnership with DRIVER and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, the tour invites community members to discover and support Black-owned businesses throughout Downtown Long Beach. The tour is supported in part by the Arts Council for Long Beach and the City of Long Beach.
VENDORS & ACTIVITIES
Beyond the music, the Block Party will offer a variety of family-friendly activities celebrating art, culture and community. Highlights include an interactive exhibition honoring DJ Battlecat’s legacy and the art of DJing, a hands-on portrait workshop where participants create personalized keepsakes and creative activities for children throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy a curated family game night experience featuring lessons and open play in classic games including Spades, Bid Whist, Tunk and Dominoes.
A diverse lineup of food vendors will keep guests fueled throughout the day, offering a range of flavors that reflects the community. Featured vendors include Marathon Burger, Cultured Soul, Glizzy Street, Wangs n Thangs and Love, Peace & Spades, alongside a variety of local food trucks.
SHUTTLE SERVICE & WHAT TO BRING
Getting to and from the celebration will be easy thanks to complimentary shuttle service provided by Long Beach Transit, connecting the World Famous Block Party at Promenade Square Park with the Juneteenth celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Attendees can also take advantage of a free bike valet hosted by Pedal Movement, conveniently located near the main stage, for secure and hassle-free parking. A clear bag policy will be in effect. No outside food or drink, weapons or lighting devices will be permitted on the premises.
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