City of Cambridge Celebrates Juneteenth With Events and Programming

In advance of Juneteenth – a day that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, the Mayor’s Office, City Manager's Office, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Arts Council, Cambridge Juneteenth Committee, and a number of community organizations have come together to collaborate on a range of events, including a parade and music celebration!

Below are citywide events and initiatives celebrating Juneteenth that are free and open to the public.  

Juneteenth Drum Circle
Saturday, June 14, 11-12 p.m.
Main Library, 449 Broadway

Join the Library for an hour of drumming with Ammaya Dance and Drum to celebrate Juneteenth! This event is recommended for children ages 5 and up and their caregivers. In the event of inclement weather, the drum circle will move to the Curious George Room.

CPL PARK SOUNDS 2025: Juneteenth Celebration with the Dave Macklin Band
Saturday, June 14, 12:30- 2 p.m.
Main Library, 449 Broadway

The Library celebrates Juneteenth with the Dave Macklin Band as they pay tribute to the musical contributions of Black artists. PARK SOUNDS 2025 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation. Registration is not required. 

Wednesdays of Wonder
Wednesday, June 18, 2:30-4 p.m.
O’Neill Branch Library, 70 Rindge Avenue

Come to the O’Neill Branch Library for games and Juneteenth crafts with Ashley Herring. Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. Registration is not required.

Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade and Celebration
Thursday, June 19, 10 a.m.
Riverside Press Park, River Street and Memorial Drive

Connect with members in the community, explore the history and traditions of Juneteenth, and help create lasting memories and new legacy traditions at this year’s Juneteenth Parade and Celebration. The family-friendly day will include fun, music, food, performances, games and more.

The parade begins at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street in Central Square. From there, it travels down Pleasant Street to Western Avenue, then to Blackstone Street, and ends at Riverside Press Park. The celebration continues at the park with music, food, and fun for all ages.

This annual event is hosted by the 2025 Cambridge Juneteenth Committee, with support from Paragon Society, Cambridge Public Schools, the City Manager’s Office, and a wide range of community partners and organizations.

Recommended Reads and Juneteenth
The Cambridge Public Library has also curated a wide selection of Juneteenth-related books: https://cambridge.minlib.net/?browseCategory=cambridge_juneteenth. These offerings include various topics, so all readers in the community can find their preferred way to become more informed and engaged in advance of the holiday.