Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is dedicated to African Americans and their culture. It is recognized as a federal holiday, and Montgomery County, Maryland, is full of events that reflect the history, heritage, and diversity of the county.
Here are some events in Montgomery County you can attend to celebrate this important holiday!
Kensington Juneteenth Celebration
June 14 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
St. Paul Park
10564 Saint Paul Street, Kensington, MD 20895
Kensington’s Juneteenth Celebration is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages, with organizers, historians, living history performers, and portrayals as well as local black owned businesses.
Juneteenth Black Business Expo
June 15 | 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Head to Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring for a celebration of black-owned businesses and culture through commerce, food, entertainment, and an overall extraordinary experience for all ages at the Juneteenth Black Business Expo. Over 50 black-owned businesses and services will be in attendance for all to enjoy.
Missing History: Rockville’s Middle Lane Community
June 18 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The Historic Red Brick Courthouse
29 Courthouse Square
Celebrate Juneteenth by exploring Black history in Rockville! Following emancipation in 1864, freedmen established a community near downtown Rockville, building homes and founding schools and churches. Descendants continued to live and work in this area for decades. In the 20th century, Black residences and businesses such as Mr. T’s, Kelly’s Sandwich Shop, and Toby’s Pool Room could be found along N. Washington Street and Middle Lane. Today, few of these buildings remain. This short presentation and walking tour will show you some of the vanished landmarks, businesses, and homes, then take you out to see the landscape today.
Juneteenth Opening at Josiah Henson Museum & Park
June 19 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Josiah Henson Museum & Park
Celebrate the life of Reverend Josiah Henson and Juneteenth at the Josiah Henson Museum & Park with free museum admission, hands-on activities, refreshments, and more. Learn about the life and challenges of Henson, enslavement in Maryland, and the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice. Admission is $4 for children and seniors, and $5 for adults. Tickets are available onsite.
I Rise: A Juneteenth Craft Event
June 19 | 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm
The Green Room
7000 Carroll Avenue, Suite 200D, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Spend your Juneteenth reflecting, celebrating, and creating at this Juneteenth craft workshop. Create mosaic frames from glass tiles. Each frame holds a small clay planter or propagation tube. All materials and good vibes provided. Tickets are $40.
NEA Big Read: The Real Juneteenth
June 19 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Olive Branch Community Church
416 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Listen to historian and board member of the Sandy Spring Slave Museum, Reynauld Smith, give a presentation at NEA Big Read on the history of Juneteenth, including his own family’s connections to the original historic events and the holiday.
Juneteenth Opening at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
June 19 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD
Celebrate Juneteenth at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park on Wednesday, June 19. Enjoy free museum admission, explore the Before She Was Harriet StoryWalk®, pick up a children’s take-home activity, and take a hike along the Underground Railroad Experience Trail.
Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival
June 19 | 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Various Locations
Learn about the rich history of the African-Americans who lived in the Scotland Community in the Potomac area at the Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival. Join in on the fun with an Interfaith Brunch, a 5K Race, Family Carnival, music at the Bethesda Theatre, and more.
Freedom at the Rock
June 21 | 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
BlackRock Center for the Arts
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD
Celebrate Juneteenth with the City of Rockville and Montgomery County at Freedom at the Rock featuring live music, food, art, films, and awards. This is a free, family-friendly event, and all are encouraged to “share the event” on their social media pages.
Juneteenth Celebration: A Celebration of Freedom & Families
June 28 | 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Washington DC Temple Visitors Center
Join the Washington DC Temple Visitors Center as they have African American storytellers share stories of faith and resilience, with music and family history for all. Entrance and parking are free.
