Juneteenth Events Happening in Montclair + Northern New Jersey for 2025
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.
12 events found.
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.…
Free
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Durand-Hedden House
523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ
Celebrate Juneteenth in Maplewood with historical reenactors, musical performances, dance, poetry, face painting, crafts for children, and more. Food will be available for purchase.
Free
Juneteenth in Newark
Join Newark for a full day of events celebrating the significance of Juneteenth — part of the Experience Newark: Local Festivals + Flavors initiative. Start the day at Harriet Tubman…
Free
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony
Corner of Church and Bloomfield
Corner of Church + Bloomfield, Montclair, NJ
Join the Montclair Township in recognizing Juneteenth with the raising of the Juneteenth flag.
Juneteenth Community Cookout at Harriet Tubman Square Park
Harriet Tubman Square
501-551 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
Celebrate 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, Montclair
Uncover 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…
The Nowness of Reparations for Black People in New Jersey: A Timely Conversation at NJPAC
NJPAC
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
This Juneteenth event will feature the release and discussion of the New Jersey Reparations Council’s report, For Such a Time as This: The Nowness of Reparations for Black People in…
Honoring the Journey: Juneteenth and Montclair’s Black History at Art is Bond
Art is Bond
8 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ
This 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, Montclair
Join 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…
$40
4th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Nishuane Park
Nishuane Park
High Street, Montclair
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Nishuane Park will feature food trucks, vendors, non-profit tables, and more.
Juneteenth at Marcus Live!
Marcus Live!
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Marcus Live! is celebrating Juneteenth with a festive “M’s Soulful Supper” special, featuring grilled pork chops with blueberry sauce, loaded sweet potato mash, and garlic-sautéed spinach. M's Block Party Punch…
Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Montclair Brewery
Montclair Brewery
101 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
The 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…
Free
