Portland Juneteenth Celebrations: Freedom Day Marches, Speakers, Music, Rides & More!

In 2025, Juneteenth falls on Thursday, June 19. Juneteenth, also known as “Independence Day” or “Freedom Day,” commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African American slaves.

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation effectively ending slavery on January 1, 1863, however, the Proclamation had little effect in the State of Texas until two and half years later. It was on June 19, 1865, that Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.

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2025 Portland Juneteenth Events & Celebrations

June 15: My First Rodeo @ The Bakery Building in NE | 10am-2pm, Portland Juneteenth Celebration, Western-Themed Brunch, Drinks, Music, and Professional Photography, Vendors, Massages
June 15: Oregon Renaissance Faire @ Clackamas County Fairgrounds | 10AM-7PM, All Ages, Marketplace, Food, Drinks, Entertainment
June 18: Mt Tabor Dance Community @ Peninsula Park | 6-9PM, Free, DJs, Juneteenth Celebration (more info)
June 19: Free Admission at Leach Botanical Garden | 10AM-5PM, In celebration of Juneteenth (more info)
June 19: 10th annual Black Liberation Bike Ride @ Irving Park | Meet at 6:00pm, ride at 6:30pm, This ride is a moment to come together, take up space, and celebrate in solidarity by riding around Portland (more info)
June 19: Juneteenth with Kingsley @ Firefighters Memorial Plaza (Triangular corner of SW Adler, 18th & 19th) | 7-8:30PM, Free Live Concert, Black excellence, liberation vibes, and a whole lotta joy (more info)
June 21: Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival @ Lillis Albina Park | 11AM-7PM, Parade, Music, Food & Drinks, Raffles, Kids Area (more info)
June 21: McMinnville Juneteenth Celebration @ Bierly Brewing | 6-8PM, Free, Features live performances, inspiring speakers, educational displays, and meaningful conversation (more info)
June 28 & 29: Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival @ Lillis Albina Park | Parade, Vendors, Activities (more info)