How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Downtown Pittsburgh

By Olivia Miller

Juneteenth, which takes place on Monday, June 19th, commemorates the end of African American slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, Juneteenth is commemorated on June 19th because Texas was the last state to recognize the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19th, 1865. Though the first Juneteenth celebrations date back to 1866, it was recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021. From June 16th to June 19th, there are a variety of events in the Golden Triangle to celebrate the holiday, including:

2023 Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration

This event, which takes place at Point State Park, will feature musical performances by some of the area’s best artists. On June 16th, rapper Hurricane Chris will kick off the event with a performance at 5pm with Arrested Development and KRS-ONE performing later on in the night. Saturday’s festivities start with a performance by the US Army Jazz Band at 2pm and feature infamous singer KeKe Wyatt at 6:30 pm. Sunday will feature lively, soulful sounds from Sammie Deleon Afro-Cuban Band, Soul 4 Real, and Erica Campbell. On Juneteenth, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at 3pm to kick off a night full of performances. The night ends at 9:35pm with a colorful fireworks display.

Juneteenth in the Square

This event, which takes place in Market Square, primarily features three parts: performances, vendors, and a parade. Each day, from June 16th through the 19th, Downtown will come alive with live musical performances from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Performance headliners include the House of Soul Band on Friday the 16th, the 469 West Band on Saturday the 17th, the Kevin Howard Quartet on Sunday the 18th, and the Bill Henry Band on Monday the 19th. There will also be a vendor marketplace showcasing local and national minority-owned businesses along Liberty and Penn Avenue.

Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade

On Saturday June 17th, the Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade will make its way through Downtown Pittsburgh starting at 10 am. This parade commemorates the 1870 Jubilee of Freeman Parade as well as Pittsburgh’s own 1914 Women’s Suffrage Parade. After the parade at 1pm, a voting forum will be held.