Where to find Juneteenth celebrations throughout Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Because this year’s Juneteenth falls on a Wednesday, Portlanders have plenty of celebrations to attend the weekend before, the day of and the weekend after.

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they had been freed with the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation two years beforehand.

Oregon lawmakers established it as a statewide holiday in 2021, and just three years later, there is a variety of events that allow Black Portlanders to honor their ancestors.

Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

When: Saturday, June 15 at 11 a.m.
Where: Lillis-Albina Park, N Flint Avenue and Russell Street, Portland, OR 97227

Founded by the late Clara Peoples, the city’s top Juneteenth event will begin with a parade from Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to Lillis-Albina Park.. The rest of the day will consist of live performances, raffles and food.

Black to Drag Dance: Juneteenth Celebration

When: Saturday, June 15 from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: The Get Down, 615 SE Alder St Ste. B, Portland, OR 97214

Two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner A’Keria Davenport will headline The Get Down’s celebration of Black drag queens. Other performers include Mona Chrome, Lala Benet and Cruz Daniels. Tickets cost $20.

Juneteenth Free Admission Day

When: Wednesday, June 19 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236

Admission into the Leach Botanical Garden is typically $5, but it will be free for all visitors next Wednesday. “We invite visitors to use our contemplative, restful space to celebrate Black freedom, honor the ongoing struggle for racial justice, and imagine liberatory futures,” garden staff wrote. The garden showcases about 16 acres of plants and wildlife.

Reclaiming Black Joy

When: Wednesday, June 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Vance Park, 1400 SE 182nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233

Multnomah County’s REACH program partners with the ACHIEVE coalition to bring “a series of gatherings celebrating Black and African culture, resilience and joy” to the area. The next Reclaiming Black Joy event will feature music, food and performances at Vance Park.

Run On the Bluff

When: Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m.
Where: 2951 N Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97217

Big Yard, a foundation dedicated to community empowerment, will lead a 5K run in honor of Juneteenth. Registration is free, but donation-based, with proceeds going toward the organization’s mission. There will be food vendors and music following the run.

Portland Juneteenth Market

When: Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The Cart Blocks, 770 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

The Cart Blocks will host a Juneteenth market highlighting local Black businesses. In addition to products from vendors, event attendees can also purchase food from one of many food carts such as Tito’s Burritos and Rachel & Rose Coffee.

Black Joy Brunch

When: Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown, 319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR 97204

The Black Parent Initiative aims to help families “achieve financial, educational and spiritual success.” The organization’s second-annual Black Joy Brunch doubles as a fundraiser and awards ceremony, complete with a DJ. Tickets are $90 per person.