As Juneteenth approaches, the Bay Area prepares to honor this significant date with a wide range of activities and celebrations, providing an enriching experience for community members and visitors alike.
The festivities kick off well in advance of June 19, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical significance of the day through various events.
One notable event is the exhibition titled ‘Black Gold: Stories Untold’ running from June 6 to November 2, 2025, at Fort Point in San Francisco.
Organized by FOR-SITE, a curatorial project known for hosting site-specific exhibitions in national park locations, this large-scale display unites 17 contemporary artists and collectives.
The works reflect on the lives of African Americans in California from the Gold Rush through Reconstruction, highlighting the state’s complicity in the enslavement of Black people during that era.
To kick off the celebrations, the fifth annual Juneteenth on the Waterfront takes place on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza in San Francisco.
Attendees can enjoy food and drinks from 20 Black entrepreneurs, browse a pop-up market featuring local crafts, and participate in family-friendly activities.
Following this, the San Francisco Juneteenth Festival is set for Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Fillmore District.
Spanning eight city blocks, this mega-celebration features dozens of retail and food vendors, along with free carnival rides and games. Last year, over 25,000 attendees enjoyed the festivities, which also included an R&B Block Party and live performances from artists like 3TOB—original members of Tony! Toni! Toné!—and Club Nouveau.
Parallel to this, San Jose will host its own Juneteenth in the Streets on Saturday, June 14, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the SoFA District.
Headlined by R&B singer Mario, this celebration is organized by the African American Community Service Agency and promises a lively environment. Last year featured performances from Florida A&M University and Alabama State University marching bands.
Meanwhile, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival will feature a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Healdsburg Plaza.
This free concert day delivers remarkable musical acts including piano virtuoso Orrin Evans, Miss Faye Carol with her trio and string quartet, and the Tyreek McDole Quintet.
Families are especially welcomed, with hands-on art and dance workshops planned for kids and parents.
Another unique event, titled “Pride, Protest, & Praise: A Juneteenth Celebration,” will occur on the evening of Saturday, June 14, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.
This collaborative performance features members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Chorus, along with a house gospel band. Attendees are encouraged to join in the singing of classic civil rights anthems and inspiring songs.
San Francisco’s Bayview area will celebrate both Father’s Day and Juneteenth on Sunday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilman Park.
R&B stars Lloyd and Musiq Soulchild will headline the event, which includes carnival rides, food and retail vendors, a sip-and-paint led by artist Jermaine Dante Burse, and a homemade pie contest.
On the same day, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival is set for Sunday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Alcatraz at Adeline.
Geared towards family entertainment, the festival offers activities like a slime bar and rock wall, alongside performances by the Prescott Circus. A separate stage will present adult-geared performances featuring artists such as Dee Dee Simon and the Twilight Brass Band.
As Juneteenth is recognized on Thursday, June 19, the Hella Juneteenth Festival will be hosted at the Oakland Museum of California from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Presented by Hella Creative, this event transformed the museum’s garden and amphitheater with live DJs, lawn games, line dancing, and various dishes from Black culinary artists.
Participants can also look forward to an afterparty to watch the Golden State Valkyries take on the Indiana Fever following the festival.
Later the same day, Antioch will host its fourth annual city-sponsored Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Williamson Ranch Park.
This family-friendly event will showcase performances by Universal Soul Band and Shanice, alongside games, rides, food, and retail vendors.
As the celebrations continue into the following weekend, Vallejo will present its Juneteenth Parade & Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beginning with a parade at Tennessee St. and Sonoma Blvd. and culminating in a festival at Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green, attendees can look forward to enjoying musical acts such as Tony Lindsay and the Soul Soldiers, and community engagement opportunities alongside fun activities like face painting.
Richmond will also host a Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Nicholl Park.
The outline of their festival includes parade events and musical performances broadcast live by KMEL, enriching the celebratory atmosphere.
Similarly, the Marin City Juneteenth Festival, happening on Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rocky Graham Park in Sausalito, aims to offer a familial reunion-like experience.
Although smaller than its Oakland and Berkeley counterparts, this celebration acknowledges Marin City’s history as a community enriched by Black residents and their contributions.
Finally, the San Francisco Juneteenth Parade will close out the series of events on Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Market St., extending from Spear to 8th Street in San Francisco.
The Bay Area’s diverse and rich array of festivities provides a comprehensive means to honor Juneteenth and the historical significance it holds for African American culture and community.
image source from：https://www.kqed.org/arts/13976970/guide-juneteenth-2025-san-francisco-oakland-berkeley-bay-area
