34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration! 

The City of Santa Monica and the Juneteenth Celebration In Santa Monica (JCISM) Committee present the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park, a day of community centered on the theme "A Legacy of Liberation: Honoring Our Resistance and Resilience." 

Known as America’s 2nd Independence Day, Juneteenth has been celebrated in Santa Monica since 1992, thanks to LaVerne Ross, who approached the city to commemorate the holiday that her family celebrated in Texas. 

Come celebrate freedom, culture, and community at this in-person event with fun activities, live music, delicious food, and inspiring stories. Whether you're reconnecting with tradition or discovering Juneteenth for the first time, there's something for everyone. 

Enjoy musical performances by ADAAWE, with support from BroadStage, Kobie Dozier Quintet, Eleganthippy & Butterfly feat Nichelle Monroe, The Gumbo Brothers, and more. Join Project KnuckleHead for an interactive Drum Workshop. Their community-based music sessions promote healing justice through West African drumming, bucket drumming, and Sabar rhythms. 

Food will be available for purchase from Jon Que’s Smokeout, the Patty Wagon, Cakes By Chanté, and JuicedUp! (And Fit). We encourage folks to bring their own low chairs, blankets, and picnics for this lively, free, family-centered gathering.