Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday celebrated annually on June 19th. Honoring the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the U.S., the holiday has been of great significance since its first celebration in 1865, though the date became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is celebrated with parades, festivals, educational events, art, and more, plenty of which are happening here in the Montclair area for 2025. Keep reading for a list of Juneteenth events happening in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for 2025.
This is a growing list. If you have an event to add, send us an email at [email protected] or submit to our events calendar here.
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th — the name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “Nineteenth.” While Juneteenth has been celebrated throughout the country by many since the initial celebration in 1865, the day was officially recognized as a US Federal Holiday under President Biden in 2021. Known by many names, including Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, the holiday recognizes the time when enslaved Black people in Texas were notified of their freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. Read more about the holiday’s history here.
History at Home: Celebrating Black Music with the Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild (Virtual)
The Nubian Heritage Quilters Guild (NHQG) celebrates their 30th Anniversary with quilt exhibit “30 Years of Quilting Our Legacy” at the Montclair History Center’s Crane House + Historic YWCA Museum.…
Juneteenth Community Cookout at Harriet Tubman Square Park
Harriet Tubman Square 501-551 Broad Street, Newark, NJCelebrate freedom and community at Newark’s annual Juneteenth Cookout. Enjoy complimentary meals from local Black-owned restaurants, live music, dance, family activities, and more in the heart of Tubman Square.
Juneteenth Celebration at The Clairidge
The Clairidge 486 Bloomfield Avenue, MontclairUncover the deep spiritual significance of America’s newest federal holiday with pastor Rasool Berry. Learn how Scripture inspired the faith of enslaved people, travel to the church where America’s first…
Honoring the Journey: Juneteenth and Montclair’s Black History at Art is Bond
Art is Bond 8 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJThis event spotlights Montclair’s historic sites, including the Howe House, St. Mark’s UMC, and the Montclair History Center, which have been added to the Black Heritage Trail. The evening will…
Juneteenth Cocktail Fundraiser at Montclair History Center
Montclair History Center 110 Orange Road, MontclairJoin Montclair History Center for a special Juneteenth Cocktail Fundraiser to celebrate Montclair's rich Black heritage. This event honors three key sites on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail: the…
4th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Nishuane Park
Nishuane Park High Street, MontclairThe 4th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Nishuane Park will feature food trucks, vendors, non-profit tables, and more.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Montclair Brewery
Montclair Brewery 101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJThe beginning of Montclair Brewery's weekend-long celebration in recognition of Juneteenth begins with the holiday. More details to come on what it has planned, but mark your calendar and come…
Asian-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair
One of the most powerful ways to stand in solidarity with the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is by supporting their businesses, and there are plenty to check out in Montclair, New Jersey. We’ve compiled a list of businesses in Montclair owned by AAPI residents, referring to those of Asian descent, from Indian to Pakistani, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Pacific Islander, Chinese, and more. Read on for a list of Asian-owned businesses to support today and every day in Montclair, New Jersey.
Disclaimer: We’ll add to this list at any time; no one was left out intentionally. Please email [email protected] to suggest additions to the list.
Ani Ramen | 511 Bloomfield Avenue
Ani Ramen, owned by New Jersey resident Kathleen Reyesis, is a popular Japanese noodle house known for its ramen, stylish decor, and BYOB. This location is the flagship, as there are also restaurants in Jersey City, Cranford, Maplewood, and Summit.
Bake Me If You Camm | Northern New Jersey
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Verona baker Erin Cammerota has always baked, even during her 17-year career in fashion. A while back, she took a leap to fully commit to the baking industry. This led her to launch, Bake Me If You Camm, where she makes cakes, cookies, cupcakes, covered Oreos, cake pops, and her signature item, which is macarons.
Read More: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Bloomfield
Chatni Indian Restaurant | 381 Bloomfield Avenue
A neighborhood favorite for Montclair locals, Chatni is a restaurant serving a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine. If spice levels concern customers, ask for the sauces on the side.
TheCoderSchool | 51 Upper Montclair Plaza
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TheCoderSchool prepares young minds for the future with classes in coding, geared toward a variety of skill levels and interests. Founded by Hansel Lynn and Wayne Teng, this California-born company is dedicated to helping children learn and develop a passion for coding.
Fujiya Ramen | 413 Bloomfield Avenue
For authentic Japanese ramen, look no further than Fujiya. Owner Minoru Yoshida worked in Tokyo and surrounding cities for 40 years before opening this restaurant with his son.
Fresh Pediatric Dentistry | 39 South Fullerton Avenue Suite 10
Fresh Pediatric Dentistry is a children’s dentist providing services like preventive dentistry, pediatric restorative dentistry, pediatric emergencies, tongue-tie and lip-tie treatment, early interceptive orthodontics, and infant dentistry.
Hunan Taste | 4 Alvin Place
Hunan Taste has served award-winning Sichuan, Cantonese, and Mandarin dishes in New Jersey for over 35 years. The Montclair location is a European-style dining experience with the same great food as the original location in Denville. For those with gluten allergies or sensitivities, Hunan also has many gluten-free options.
Jalwa: Modern Indian Dining | 215 Glenridge Avenue
Founders Akshay and Arnav Jhanjee grew up in the restaurant business, starting at their father’s Indian restaurant, Bukhara Grill, in Manhattan. With their expertise, the brothers opened Jalwa in Montclair in 2021. The restaurant brings authentic Indian cuisine to MTC with a modern feel and features 12 different types of naan that range from classic garlic to truffle oil goat cheese.
Juniper Yoga + Fitness | 213 Bellevue Avenue
At this fitness studio in Upper Montclair, visitors can rid their bodies of toxins in classes like the Bikram Yoga Class and then enter a deep relaxation with a post-workout massage.
Kai-Yang | 345 Bloomfield Avenue
Kai-Yang serves authentic food that brings patrons right to the streets of Thailand. The name literally translates to ‘grilled chicken,’ which is a nod to the signature dish.
Koreander | 128 Watchung Avenue
Traditional Korean BBQ is hard to come by in the area, but Koreander exceeds all expectations. We recommend the Beef Bulgogi, grilled marinated beef, or Bibimbap, which is a rice bowl with vegetables, a choice of protein, and egg on top.
Kung Fu Tea | 375 Bloomfield Avenue
Locals can stop in for Taiwanese tea steeped freshly every three hours at Kung Fu Tea. There are options to top drinks with one of the unique bubble flavors, like mango or the signature tapioca.
Lure Lash | 416 Bloomfield Avenue
Lure Lash is a women and AAPI-owned business providing lash, beauty, and wellness services to customers. This spot aims to change the world by making women feel more confident, one lash at a time.
Minoru | 608 Valley Road
Owned by the same team behind SLA Thai, Minoru is a ramen restaurant located in the former Daikichi space. The Valley Road property will also house the omakase sushi experience, Jonestu Omakase, which plans to open sometime soon.
Montclair Acupuncture | 104 Valley Road
Massage therapist Maria Margate is the local behind Montclair Acupuncture. The spot provides services that alleviate pain, support fertility, and address other discomforts.
New Jin Lin | 350 Bloomfield Avenue
New Jin Lin is an all-around great Chinese restaurant serving up the classics. With quick delivery and delicious food, customers keep coming back for more.
Paper Lantern | 379 Bloomfield Avenue
Paper Lantern is a Montclair restaurant specializing in Sichuan and Chinese fusion dishes. The spot is owned by Alex Niu. Alex is also the owner behind the Jersey City staple, Taste of North China, on 75 Montgomery Street.
SLA Thai | 596 Valley Road
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SLA Thai is teaching its diners all about authentic cuisine from Northern Thailand, where both chefs are from.
Sushi Koshi | 109 Watchung Avenue
At Sushi Koshi, guests will find all kinds of sushi rolls and a hospitable atmosphere. MG pro tip: Try the black rice on the sushi rolls.
T.S. Ma Chinese Cuisine | 199 Bellevue Avenue
This local favorite serves some of the freshest, healthiest, and most authentic Chinese in town. High-quality white meat chicken, low-salt options, and gluten-free sauces can all be found here.
Veggie Heaven | 631 Valley Road
Vegetarians and vegans look no further than this haven, serving 'traditional' Chinese dishes made entirely with vegetables and/or animal protein alternatives.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road, Suite 2
Julia Choi-Rodriguez is the co-owner of Vesta Chocolate in Montclair. At Vesta, locals can satisfy their sweet tooth with homemade chocolate truffles and creamy hot chocolate for the perfect nightcap.
See More: Asian-Owned Businesses in Hoboken to Support
Wahchung | 19 Watchung Plaza
Named after its home within Watchung Plaza, customers can find all the classics in addition to some more traditional Szechuan and Hunan dishes at Wahchung.
