7 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Pittsburgh This Year
From movie nights to 21+ cruises on the river, local organizations are honoring Black history.
PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK
On June 19 1865, thousands of Union troops descended in Galveston Bay, Texas announcing to 25,000 enslaved people that they were free. That day would be known as Juneteenth.
Now, 161 years later, there are numerous Juneteenth events to celebrate freedom, history and Black culture in the Steel City. Below, you’ll find a list of some of activities happening around the city, ranging from musical performances to movie nights.
Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park
Grab your popcorn and blankets for Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park’s celebration of Black films from Monday, June 15 to Sunday, June 21. The two feature films that will be played throughout the week will be “The Wiz” and “Creed.”
The event is free and will begin at dusk. Locations and films will vary each day. For more information, click here.
Celebrating Juneteenth Family Skate
On Thursday, June 18. strap on some skates at Schenley Park Roller Rink for its Juneteenth Family Skate. The community event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free, but registration is required. To register and find more information, click here.
All Black (Clothing) Boat Party
While most of the Juneteenth events are family friendly, this one is for the 21+ crowd. On Thursday, June 18 at 9 p.m., board the Gateway Clipper Fleet and sail off for a night of music and refreshments.
Tickets are $60 and attendees are encouraged to wear all black. You must be 21 or older to board. To purchase tickets or for more information, click here.
Juneteenth in the Square
Pittsburgh has a celebrated history of famous Black musicians with roots in the city. Most notably, the Crawford Grill, located in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, was a hub for jazz in the mid 20th century.
In Market Square, from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, various musicians will take center stage to celebrate Black culture. With more than 10 acts each day, the performances will touch on numerous genres, including but not limited to soul and gospel music, with both solo and band acts.
The event is free; for a list of the performers and performance times, click here.
WPA Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration at The Main Stage
The musical performances are not confined to Market Square. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, the WPA Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration will be held at Point State Park.
Each day there will be food and vendors with various musical performances. For more information, click here.
Carnegie Celebrates Juneteenth!
The Carnegie Juneteenth celebration will officially kick off on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall.
The event will include soul food, games, arts and crafts and music. If weather permits, the event will be held outside. All ages are welcome; the event is free but registration is appreciated. To register and find out more, click here.
Grand Jubilee Parade
On April 27, 1870 Pittsburghers took to the streets to celebrate the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which gave Black men the right to vote. Now, more than 150 years later, a parade is held to commemorate the event.
The Grand Jubilee Parade will include steppers, dancers, horses and community groups to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth. The parade’s kick off will begin on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. and will take place along Centre Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Liberty Avenue.
