Juneteenth,
observed annually on June 19
, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Long celebrated by Black communities as a day of freedom and reflection, Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and was formally recognized by the state of Oregon in 2022.
From Portland to Medford, communities across Oregon will come together to celebrate with events that spotlight Black culture, history and resilience through music, art, food and activism. Here’s a look at some of the Juneteenth 2025 gatherings happening around the state:
Portland
Juneteenth at Midland:
Midland Library invites families to celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon of crafts, storytelling and music that honors Black resilience, culture and freedom.
2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.; free to attend;
multcolib.org/events-classes/juneteenth-midland
Juneteenth at North Portland:
This family-friendly Juneteenth celebration kicks off with face painting and crafts starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by a musical performance by the Kids Junk Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Oregon Black Pioneers will present a new program on the history of Black cowboys and ranchers in the West, geared toward teens and adults.
5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, North Portland Library, 512 N. Killingsworth St.; free to attend;
multcolib.org/events-classes/juneteenth-north-portland-0
Juneteenth Gospel Music Workshop & Concert:
Join Dr. JerMichael Riley — lead vocalist of the Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Mississippi Mass Choir — for a four-day Juneteenth gospel workshop in Portland. Evening sessions run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 11-13, with a daytime workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14, all leading up to a powerful community concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 15.
June 11–14 workshops and June 15 concert at Alberta Abbey, 126 N.E. Alberta St.; free to attend;
passinart.org/event/juneteenth-gospel-music-workshop-2/
Equitable Giving Circle Juneteenth Celebration:
Celebrate Black liberation and joy at Equitable Giving Circle’s annual Juneteenth gathering. This community-focused event will feature food, music and space for healing and connection. Full program details and location to be announced.
1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 14; free to attend;
equitablegivingcircle.org/events/egc-juneteenth-event
Community Juneteenth Celebration at Allen Temple:
Celebrate Juneteenth with music, spoken word and messages of hope at this community event hosted by Allen Temple CME Church. All are welcome to attend.
1 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 N.E. Eighth Ave.; free to attend;
ecwo.org/juneteenth-celebration-at-allen-temple-cme-church
Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo:
Black rodeo culture returns to Portland with the third annual Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo featuring 30 elite riders from across the country — ranging in age from 7 to 70. Expect a high-energy show featuring traditional rodeo events, food, vendors and a $60,000 competition prize.
Doors open at 3 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 15, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Ramsay Way; purchase tickets online;
8secondsrodeo.com
Juneteenth at Hillsdale Library:
Hillsdale Library is hosting a trio of Juneteenth events throughout June, each offering a unique way to reflect, learn and celebrate. On Tuesday, June 17,
Juneteenth: Remembering the Land
explores Black Americans’ deep connection to land and farming through storytelling and activities. On Wednesday, June 25,
Freedom Libraries: A Racial Justice Sit-In
honors the student activists of the Civil Rights Movement with a hands-on, educational experience. The month wraps up with
Black Superheroes Craft Fair
on Friday, June 27, where kids can create their own superhero identities through crafts and imaginative play.
All events are free to attend and take place at Hillsdale Library, 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd.; visit
multcolib.org/events-classes
and search “Juneteenth.”
Black Liberation Ride:
Now in its 10th year, this celebratory Juneteenth ride invites Portland’s Black and Brown communities to take to the streets in solidarity and joy. The all-ages, no-drop loop ride begins and ends in Irving Park, with music, energy and space to rep your culture. Meet near the dog park and bathrooms.
6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Irving Park, 707 N.E. Fremont St.; free to attend;
shift2bikes.org/calendar
Juneteenth Oregon:
This long-standing community festival will feature food, music, local Black-owned vendors and educational programming at Lillis-Albina Park. The celebration kicks off with the Clara Peoples Freedom Parade. More details to be announced soon.
Saturday, June 21, Lillis-Albina Park, N. Flint and Russell Streets; free to attend;
juneteenthor.com
Bloom Runway:
Dynasty IX: Returning after a five-year hiatus, Bloom Runway marks the close of Juneteenth week with Dynasty IX: Crowned in Legacy, a fashion show centering BIPOC designers and cultural storytelling. The evening includes runway collections, live performances and a marketplace of BIPOC-owned brands.
6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, The Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St.; tickets are $65-$125;
bloom-agency.com
Vancouver
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Esther Short Park:
Vancouver’s annual Juneteenth celebration returns with live music, food trucks, cultural performances and local Black-owned businesses honoring the spirit of freedom and community. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly afternoon in the park.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver; free to attend;
cityofvancouver.us/events/juneteenth-freedom-celebration-2
Hot Chocolate PDX Juneteenth PreFunk Show:
Kick off Juneteenth week with high-energy performances, DJs and dancing at this late-night PreFunk party spotlighting local Black artists. Hosted at the cozy UnderBar venue, the event promises good vibes and even better music.
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, UnderBar, 1701 1/2 Broadway St., Vancouver; tickets are $23.18;
eventbrite.com
, search “Hot Chocolate PDX.”
Portland area
Milwaukie Juneteenth Celebration:
Join a joyful and reflective Juneteenth gathering featuring music, food, local vendors, face painting and games for kids. This community-led event honors the legacy of Black freedom and amplifies Black voices in the city.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Ball-Michel Park, 9781 S.E. Stanley Ave., Milwaukie; free to attend;
milwaukieoregon.gov/events/juneteenth
Washington County Juneteenth Celebration:
Celebrate the legacy of emancipation and the contributions of Black Americans at this lively community event themed “From Roots to Wings.” Hosted by the Washington County Chamber’s Black Advisory Business Council, the afternoon features live music, art, food vendors, inspiring speakers and a marketplace of Black-owned businesses.
12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station, 943 N.E. Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro; free to attend;
washingtoncountychamberor.com
.
Tigard Juneteenth Celebration:
Tigard’s fourth annual Juneteenth “Freedom Day” Celebration kicks off with a community W(h)ealthy Walk at 2 p.m., followed by food, music and activities in Cook Family Park. Enjoy a free meal from It’s a Vibe Catering, live performances by local artists, along with speakers, art activities and yard games for kids.
3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Cook Family Park, Shelter 4, 17005 S.W. 92nd Ave., Tigard; free to attend;
tigard-or.gov/explore-tigard/community-events/juneteenth
Wilsonville Juneteenth Celebration:
Mark five years of community remembrance and celebration at Wilsonville’s annual Juneteenth event. This family-friendly gathering will feature a keynote address by author and speaker Tai Harden-Moore and remarks by student leaders from Wilsonville High School’s Black Student Union. Enjoy music, activities and limited free food, plus crafts, games and community booths.
5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Town Center Park, 29600 S.W. Park Place, Wilsonville; free to attend;
wilsonvilleoregon.gov/bc-diversity/page/juneteenth-celebration-2
Oregon City Juneteenth “Freedom Day” Celebration:
Celebrate Juneteenth with an afternoon of community, conversation and reflection at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. This year’s event features book giveaways as part of the “One City, One Book” initiative. Join guided discussions led by local poet Emmett Wheatfall and engage in conversations around freedom, identity and history.
2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City; free to attend;
orcity.org/3174/Juneteenth
Lake Oswego Juneteenth:
Honor freedom, resilience and Black excellence at Lake Oswego’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy local food, artisan and nonprofit vendors beginning at 1 p.m., with the main program starting at 2.
1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 22, Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free to attend;
ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/juneteenth-2025
Willamette Valley
In Freedom’s Footsteps Juneteenth Walk:
Reflect on the power of reunion and resilience during this community walk honoring the Gorman family, some of the earliest Oregon Trail travelers who arrived in Polk County in 1844 with their enslavers. Choose from four guided walks or take a self-guided tour along the 2.8-mile downtown Salem loop, starting and ending at the Willamette Heritage Center.
9 a.m.-4 p.m., with guided walks at 9, 10, 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E., Salem; free to attend;
willametteheritage.org/calendar/juneteenth-community-history-walk
Salem Juneteenth:
Black Wall Street Celebration: Celebrate Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of Black Wall Street with an afternoon of empowerment, unity and joy in downtown Salem. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, local vendors, art and family-friendly activities that highlight Black culture and resilience.
12-6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Micah Building, 680 State St., Salem; free to attend; RSVP and vendor info at
eventbrite.com
, search “Black Wallstreet.”
Albany Juneteenth Celebration:
Celebrate freedom, learning and community at this family-friendly Juneteenth gathering hosted by the Linn Benton NAACP. Keynote speaker Michael A. Johnson kicks off the program at 1:30 p.m., followed by breakout sessions for educators and parents. Enjoy music, line dancing, arts and crafts, free food and snacks and a book giveaway.
1-6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. S.W., Albany; free to attend;
allevents.in/albany/juneteenth-celebration-2025/200028241931814
Columbia River Gorge
Black in the Gorge:
Celebrate Black culture and community at the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Gorge. Hosted by Black in the Gorge, this free, family-friendly event features live performances, drumming classes, African dance, a traditional cake walk, face painting and a Juneteenth marketplace.
3-9 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Jackson Park, Hood River; free to attend;
robinallenstyle.com/black-in-the-gorge
Central Oregon
Bend Juneteenth:
Celebrate the resilience of Black Americans and the leadership of Black women at this Juneteenth gathering in Bend, co-hosted by Central Oregon Earthseeds and Moonchild Artistry Events. This year’s theme is “Unbothered. Unbossed. Unbroken.” Expect an evening filled with art, music, dance, performances, a local makers market and food from Jermaican JerkCulture.
3-10 p.m. Friday, June 20, Open Space Event Studios, 220 N.E. Lafayette Ave., Bend; free to attend;
facebook.com/events/678314894600792
Oregon Coast
Lincoln City Freedom Celebration:
Enjoy live music, free food, cultural exhibits and access to the basketball courts and swimming pool at this family-friendly Juneteenth event at the Lincoln City Community Center. Don’t miss the Oregon Black Pioneers exhibit, plus local artists and vendors.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 N.E. Oar Pl., Lincoln City; free to attend;
explorelincolncity.com/events/juneteenth-celebration
Southern Oregon
Medford Juneteenth:
Join BASE Southern Oregon for a full day of music, food and community celebration at their annual Juneteenth event in Medford’s Pear Blossom Park. This all-ages, family-friendly event features live bands, a DJ, local vendors, a dedicated Kids Zone and cultural education to honor Freedom Day.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Pear Blossom Park, 312 E. Fourth St., Medford; free to attend;
.medfordfood.coop/calendar/juneteenth-2025
Grants Pass Juneteenth:
Grants Pass will mark Juneteenth with an afternoon of community gathering and cultural programming at Riverside Park. The event will include food trucks, a Black Vendors Marketplace and interactive activities such as Black History BINGO with prizes and yard games.
4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, Riverside Park, 304 E. Park St., Grants Pass; free to attend;
business.grantspasschamber.org/events/details/juneteenth-celebration
Did we miss an event? Please send the details to cprofenna@oregonian.com and we will add it to our list.
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— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327;
cprofenna@oregonian.com
or
@chiaraprofenna
.
The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
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Oregon events honor Juneteenth 2025 with music, food and reflection
Oregon events honor Juneteenth 2025 with music, food and reflection
Oregon events honor Juneteenth 2025 with music, food and reflection