Celebrate Juneteenth in Long Beach
In Long Beach, Juneteenth is celebrated through events honoring freedom, history and community. From a lively festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Park—filled with music, food and local vendors—to the reflective program at Aquarium of the Pacific, the city offers meaningful ways to commemorate emancipation while uplifting African American culture.
Gospel Brunch at the Queen Mary
Celebrate Juneteenth aboard the iconic Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) during Grace and Glory, United in Purpose Gospel Brunch, Saturday, June 13 11:30 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy uplifting music from amazing performers, headlined by Long Beach’s own Isaiah “Zaya” Walker, who was featured on the latest season of American Idol. There will also be great food, lots of community spirit and fun as guests are invited to participate in a Sunday Best costume contest including the sure-to-be amazing Best Hat competition!
Aquarium of the Pacific
Commemorate Juneteenth at Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) on June 19, from 1 to 2 PM, with a thoughtful and engaging educational program. This special event–included with your admission ticket–features storytelling, cultural presentations and reflections on the history and significance of emancipation in the United States. Set within one of Long Beach’s most iconic venues, the program offers visitors a meaningful way to learn, reflect and honor Black history.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARK
The Juneteenth celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave) takes place on June 20 from 12 to 5 PM. It’s an afternoon full of live music, dance, amazing food and local vendors bringing serious creativity and flavor. More than a festival, it’s a powerful tradition rooted in emancipation, unity and joy where families, artists and businesses come together to honor African American heritage and spark connection in a welcoming atmosphere. Come out and support incredible Black-owned businesses, talented chefs, inspiring creators and game-changing visionaries.
WORLD FAMOUS VIP BLOCK PARTY: JUNETEENTH EDITION
Hosted by VIP Records and the VIP Family Foundation, the World Famous VIP Block Party: Juneteenth Edition will be held on June 20, 2026, on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. This free public event brings the community together through live music, DJs, cultural programming, and more, creating a cultural moment rooted in history, unity, and joy. VIP tickets include reserved seating, a swag bag, one meal ticket, and access to VIP‑only areas.
Juneteenth's Origins
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. This was two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which had little impact in Texas due to the small number of Union troops located there to enforce it. However, with the surrender of Confederate forces in April, 1865, the additional Union troops in Texas were now able to overcome resistance to the Proclamation. 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.”
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