As Juneteenth approaches, residents of San Diego County can look forward to a vibrant array of events that honor and celebrate the historic day. From live jazz performances to genealogy workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy while recognizing Black history and culture.
Kicking off the celebrations, the Oak Park Library will host a live jazz concert on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will feature the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, under the direction of maestro Gilbert Castellanos. Attendees can also take part in children’s activities and enjoy light refreshments alongside book readings.
Later that same day, the San Diego Central Library will host its Juneteenth Jubilee from noon to 5 p.m. Celebrating the day with live music and poetry, the event will feature San Diego Poet Laureate Paola Capó-García and the Back-Alley Poetry Club, presenting poetry readings throughout the afternoon. Visitors will enjoy the melodious strains from the Dennis Gittens Jazz Duo, while Professor King Britt will delight attendees with a talk about the influence of electronic music in Black and African culture.
Another exciting event on June 14 is the Kinfolk Fest 2025 at Waterfront Park from 2 to 9 p.m. This seven-hour festival will be a jubilant celebration of Black culture and community, featuring live music from artists such as Ainjo, Clay Dub, Deleon Nox, and Dina Maeva. Event hosts Ramel J. Wallace and Tha Speakerboxx will guide participants through a variety of activities, including a spades card game tournament and a vibrant marketplace filled with Black-owned vendors. Tickets range from $39.19 to $81.88.
On the same date, the Skyline Hills Library will hold a special African American genealogy workshop from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., focused on helping attendees trace their family histories. Hosted by the San Diego African American Genealogy Research Group, the workshop will offer various resources and strategies for those just beginning to explore their family roots. Participants can expect free research materials, story time activities, book signings, and fun drawings as well.
As the celebrations continue into the following week, the San Diego Central Library will screen the impactful documentary “Tongues United” by Marlon Riggs on June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. This 1989 documentary features poetry and personal accounts that illuminate the experiences of the gay Black men’s community. The screening will include guest speakers from The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, promising a thought-provoking experience for attendees.
The Carmel Mountain Ranch Library will host a Juneteenth story time for toddlers on June 18 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Children aged 2 to 4 and their parents are invited to this half-hour session, filled with engaging stories that honor the significance of June 19.
On June 19, the La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon. Aimed at launching a financial literacy education program for La Mesa, Spring Valley, and Lemon Grove families, the breakfast encourages generous contributions with a suggested minimum donation of $5, welcoming people of all ages to partake in the delicious breakfast.
Also on June 19, the Casa Del Rey Moro African Latin Museum in Old Town will present “Night at the Black Museum: A Community Celebration” from 5 to 8 p.m. This fundraiser event promises a delightful experience featuring music, food, and private museum tours led by the museum’s founder, Chuck Ambers. Proceeds from the evening will go to support the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and the museum itself, making for a meaningful night out. Tickets are priced at $44.52.
From 5 to 8 p.m., the World Beat Center in Balboa Park will host an Afro-Indigenous Celebration, digging into history with a focus on the Black Seminoles and their leader, John Horse. Attendees will be treated to a keynote presentation, a meet and greet with Chief Thomi Perryman, and a live performance by Ibrahima Ba, enriching the understanding of Afro-Indigenous connections among the Black community.
For art enthusiasts, the celebration of Black culture continues with the 2025 Juneteenth Black Arts Festival, running from June 19 to June 22 at the Diversionary Theatre. This four-day festival, hosted by the San Diego Black Artist Collective, will showcase brilliant talent across various mediums including visual art, dance, music, and acting. Event highlights include an evening of spoken word and music, a reading series, a multidisciplinary showcase, and a gospel brunch. Tickets are priced from $25 to $80.
On the night of June 19, stand-up comedy fans can enjoy a special Juneteenth show featuring Black comics at National Lampoon: The Yellow Door from 8 to 10 p.m. The evening will feature headliner Mal Hall, comic Mark Christopher Lawrence, and opener Fatimah Taliah. Guests can enjoy happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers prior to the show. Ticket prices range from $7.18 to $12.51.
On June 21, attendees at the World Beat Center can participate in the third annual Harriet Tubman Freedom Birdwatch, where they will learn about the role of owls and other birds as signals to guide enslaved people to freedom. This exciting event will include guided birdwatching, storytelling, and an augmented reality presentation simulating the Underground Railroad experience. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is free of charge.
To wrap up the celebrations, Oceanside will host its annual Juneteenth Multicultural Celebration on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event, organized by the North San Diego County NAACP, will feature a vendor market, health awareness booths, live performances, and a youth zone with face painting, games, and arts and crafts activities.
Lastly, the Cooper Family Foundation will celebrate Juneteenth on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in honor of Sidney and Thelma Cooper, emphasizing educational programs, live music, family activities, and local vendors. This free community event promises to foster connection among attendees.
San Diegans are encouraged to participate in these meaningful events that reflect the rich heritage and contributions of Black culture in their community. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of freedom and empowerment, and this year’s celebrations offer a multitude of ways to honor that legacy.
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