City of Cambridge Celebrates Juneteenth With Events & 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, 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!

City of Cambridge offices, libraries, and senior centers will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of the holiday. Additional service impacts are noted below.

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

Juneteenth Unlimited
Wednesday, June 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Main Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge

In this in-person, interactive workshop, we'll explore the story of Juneteenth, the oldest commemoration of the outlawing of slavery in the United States. Through stories, craft-making, and a Jubilee teach-in, we'll honor the joy and radical resistance of Black Americans then and now. This program is recommended for youth ages 6 and up and their caregivers

Juneteenth Story Time
Wednesday, June 17, 5:30-5:50 p.m.
O’Connell Branch, 48 6th Street, Cambridge

Join us for Juneteenth stories, songs and rhymes! Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers. No registration is required.

Juneteenth Park Sounds with Tim Hall
Thursday, June 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
Joan Lorentz Park, 449 Broadway, Cambridge

Join the Library for a special Park Sounds in celebration of Juneteenth with saxophonist Tim Hall, an award-winning musician, performance poet, and producer from Detroit, MI, now based in Boston. His poetry draws inspiration from his lived experiences - charting the nuances of blackness, masculinity, and the beauties of life. Tim's music has warm neo soul, jazz, and hip-hop influences. All ages.

5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade and Celebration
Friday, June 19, 10 a.m.
Parade Departs from Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street
Celebration Hosted at Riverside Press Park (Blackstone Street)

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 5th Annual Cambridge Juneteenth Celebration & Parade is themed “Roots, Culture & Community!” The event kicks off with a parade departing Massachusetts Ave and Pleasant Street at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., the celebration continues at Riverside Press Park (Blackstone Street) featuring free music, food, performances, activities, and more. The celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Recommended Juneteenth-Related Reads

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.

 

Juneteenth Holiday Closures and Service Impacts

City of Cambridge offices, libraries, and senior centers will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Payments will not be required at City of Cambridge parking meters and parking pay stations. The Cambridge Cemetery office at 76 Coolidge Avenue will be closed, though the gates will be open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Curbside collection of trash, recycling, food waste, and yard waste will be suspended on June 19 and one day behind schedule. Street cleaning that normally would occur on Friday, June 19 has been rescheduled to Monday, June 29.

To register for reminders about street cleaning and curbside collection, sign up for city newsletters (including the Daily Update), project updates, and important alerts via text or email, visit Cambridgema.gov/subscribe.