As Juneteenth approaches, several cities have unveiled their plans to mark the day with events and community gathering across the area. And in one instance, a celebration was canceled in Leimert Park due to lackluster fundraising, rising costs and safety concerns. 

In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The day marks the time when news of the freedom promised in the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the 250,000 people who remained enslaved in Texas — two and a half years after President Lincoln’s historic proclamation and two months after Union victory in the Civil War.

Below are some events still taking place across SoCal.

Irvine's Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, attend the third annual celebration at Great Park Palm Court. Learn about Black culture, and the history and significance of Juneteenth with activities and live performances. The free event, presented by BIPOC Orange County in partnership with the City of Irvine, is open to the public and free parking is available on-site. Also present will be local organizations and food trucks to purchase food.

Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration

Along with music, dancing and face painting, there will be several speakers, including Sen. Laphonza Butler and Mayor Rex Richardson. DJ Pee Wee, also known as Anderson .Paak, will be the headliner at 5:30 p.m. This celebration is free to attend, but it is a ticketed event. It will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 15 at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach. Tickets can be obtained from their website.

CSU Juneteenth Symposium

The California State University’s second biennial Juneteenth Symposium will take place June 13 to 14. It will celebrate and recognize African American history and achievement continuing to promote the anti-racism work across the CSU’s 23 campuses. The livestream event will feature speakers, performances and panel discussions. This year’s Juneteenth Symposium is hosted in partnership with Sacramento State. To register for the livestream, visit the Cal State website.

Juneteenth Oxnard

The annual celebration event will be hosted by Denise Carter and will be held on Saturday, June 15 at the downtown Plaza Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include music from the Ventura County Gospel Mass Choir and others. Vintage attire is welcomed to celebrate the day. The Buffalo Soldier Mounted Cavalry Unit also will be in attendance and showcasing the American Soldiers of that era.

Juneteenth in Culver City

The city is inviting the community to participate in a free Juneteenth celebration and resource fair on Saturday, June 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The day of reflection, education and celebration will take place at Town Plaza at The Culver Steps. Local artists, businesses and organizations will be present at the family-friendly event. Besides kids’ activities and community interactive art, the day also will feature a performance of the Black National Anthem and live music performances, including a modern Jazz band and West African Drummers and Dancers.

Manhattan Beach

Juneteenth Ceremony

The city will commemorate the day with two events. The first is the Juneteenth Ceremony at Bruce’s Beach Park. It will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on June 19 to honor African American history with speakers from the community, special guests and a gospel choir.

Juneteenth Celebration & Concert

The second celebration will feature live music, performances, Black-owned business vendors, food trucks and more. It also will include activities and attractions that celebrate African American culture, history and contributions to America. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Polliwog Park.

Black in Mayberry’s 2024 Juneteenth Festival in El Segundo

Black in Mayberry will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration at the El Segundo Recreation Park on June 15 from noon to 6 p.m. The event promises a day filled with entertainment, education and community engagement. Attendees can expect live music, Black-owned businesses, food trucks and more. This is a free event, but attendees can RSVP to get more information on their website.