Celebrated annually on June 19, Juneteenth, also known as “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day,” is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the official emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, states under Confederate control did not comply. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and announced that more than 250,000 enslaved people were now free by executive decree.

“As a federal holiday, this day observes the promise of freedom for all people in the United States,” wrote UnidosUS Senior Director of Racial Equality Initiative Viviana Lopez-Green in a blog post last year. “It is also a day to examine the sociological constructs—like the concept of ‘race’—that fuel the structural inequalities that Black Americans and many Latinos still endure today.”

Looking for ways to commemorate Juneteenth? Here are some events you can attend this week!

• Juneteenth Fashion Show

  On Friday, June 16, don’t miss the “Fashioning Freedom: Honoring the Power of Fashion in the Struggle for Freedom” at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. Sponsored by the Voices Underground Project and the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, the show runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will start off with a discussion on the impact of fashion on self-expression, politics, race, psychology and anthropology.

• Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Parade

  On Saturday, June 17, head to downtown Wilmington for the Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. in Rodney Square and will proceed to Tubman-Garrett Park for the festival at 12 p.m.. Enjoy food, music and games, including drum corps and a performance from rapper Chubb Rock. Admission is free!

• 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival: Block Party

  On Saturday, June 17 from 12 to 4 p.m., Dover High School is hosting a Juneteenth block party with vendors, food, entertainment, face painting, tournaments and giveaways. 

• Juneteenth: Standing Up and Breaking Free

  Check out this event close to campus! Sponsored by Friends of School Hill Association (FOSHA) and the Newark Historical Society, this celebration will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at the George Wilson Community Center in Newark. Attendees can expect live music, historic displays, food trucks, table games and vendors. Parking is available at Clayton Hall and Marriott Hotel parking lots. Bring your own lawn chair!

• Beyond Juneteenth Ancestors Festival: AfrosymPOEMsium & Expo

  On Sunday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is hosting its fourth annual Beyond Juneteenth event. The festival celebrates the ancestral traditions of the enslaved and the accomplishments of their descendants. This year’s theme focuses on education, healing, protection and adaptation of the human spirit.

• Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival

  On Sunday, June 18, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival is hosting several themed events. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Malcolm X Park, the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park welcomes attendees to explore local vendors. The parade starts at 12 p.m. on 52nd Street. From 2 to 7 p.m., the Juneteenth Children’s Village will also be held in an area of Malcolm X Park with a carnival, games, face painting, photo booths and more. Finally, from 3 to 7 p.m., the Juneteenth Music Festival will take place at 52nd and Larchwood featuring artists Lil Mo, DJ Cupid and Fatman Scoop.

• 4th Annual Elkton Community Juneteenth Celebration

  On actual Juneteenth—Monday, June 19—the Elkton Neighborhood Community Center in Elkton, Md. is hosting a day of face painting, balloon twisting, food and more from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a 360-degree photo booth and a performance by the Walnut Street YMCA Essence Legacy Performing Arts & African Drummers. 

• Liberation Rising: Juneteenth Block Party and Free Museum Day

  Another event on Juneteenth is the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In partnership with Wawa and Welcome America, the museum is hosting an all-day, family-friendly outdoor festival featuring Salt-N-Pepa DJ Spinderella to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Guests can enjoy free admission to the museum to explore the multimedia exhibition “Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America.”

• Juneteenth Celebration

  The annual Lewes, De. Juneteenth tradition continues on Saturday, June 24 from 1 to 6 p.m. This family-friendly outdoor event will include live music, history lessons, dance, spoken word, food trucks and more. 

• 26th Annual Delaware Juneteenth Pageant

  On Saturday, June 24 at 5 p.m., attend the Juneteenth Pageant at the Grand Opera House in downtown Wilmington. Ms. Juneteenth Delaware 2022 Trinity Evans will be in attendance to crown the new winner. Pageant contestants have committed to the study of African American history and spirituality, as well as community service. Tickets are required.