Juneteenth 2025: See what’s happening throughout the Sacramento region
Juneteenth is just around the corner, but events honoring the federal holiday are already underway across the Sacramento region.
On Friday, residents gathered at North Natomas Regional Park for a celebration hosted by Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, while West Sacramento marked its third annual Juneteenth event at Bridgeway Lake Park with food trucks, live music and family-friendly activities.
Festivities continued Saturday, as Old Town Plaza in Elk Grove hosted its second annual Juneteenth Celebration with a rodeo-themed event recognizing elders and community leaders. In Oak Park, the fifth annual Jubilee Block Party drew crowds to the 40 Acres Complex with performances by Digital Underground and others, while Stockton held a daylong celebration at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds featuring poetry, history, and live entertainment.
While the city of Sacramento has yet to formally recognize the holiday, many community members and organizations are already observing Juneteenth, which became a federally recognized holiday in 2021 after President Joe Biden signed it into law.
The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Community groups and local leaders throughout the region are hosting events to reflect on this history and celebrate Black culture, resilience and liberation.
Thursday
Midtown Sacramento
The Juneteenth Art Walk begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m., starting at Celebration Arts, 2727 B St. The walk includes local art and music by Element Brass Band, a New Orleans-style ensemble based in Sacramento.
Natomas
The People’s Juneteenth Kick Back takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at South Natomas Community Center, 2881 Truxel Rd. The free event includes music by DJ Le Raun Warner, free food, and a beer garden.
Oak Park
The Sacramento Juneteenth Day Party runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at Esther Park, 3408 3rd Ave. This 21-and-over event requires ID; tickets start at $17 and are available on Eventbrite.
West Sacramento
The Sacramento River Cats will host the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park as part of a regular-season series. The June 19 game will feature African American Heritage Night and a Juneteenth celebration. Tickets range from $32 to $207.
Friday
Land Park
The 22nd Annual Juneteenth Festival opens with Gospel Under the Stars from 6 to 9 p.m. at William Land Park, 3800 W. Land Park Dr. Performers include gospel choirs from the Bay Area and Sacramento.
Saturday
Land Park
The festival continues with a soul parade at 8 a.m., followed by the main event at 11 a.m. at William Land Park. An after party begins at 8 p.m. at the Crocker Art Museum. General admission is $60; VIP tickets are $70. Both include food. Tickets are available at sacramentojuneteenthinc.org.
Marysville
Marysville’s Juneteenth celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Yuba Park. The event includes guest speakers, live performances, games, and activities for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and shade.
Rocklin
The fifth annual Placer County Juneteenth Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johnston-Springview Park, 5480 5th St. This free event includes food, music, and a sweet potato pie contest.
Saturday
Folsom
A Juneteenth Festival takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Black Miners Bar Recreation Area on Folsom Lake, 9698 Greenback Ln. The event features music, entertainment, food, and a beer garden by Oak Park Brewery. Activities include water sports and guided tours for all ages.
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM.