How to celebrate Juneteenth

June 19th, 2025

Juneteenth: The official holiday to celebrate the day in American history that the Civil War was officially announced over, freeing all enslaved people. Call it Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, or America’s Second Independence Day. On June 19th, we celebrate freedom for all in America. 

This holiday is a meaningful time to gather with others in your community, reflect on the past, share hopes for the future, and celebrate freedom. Here’s how to prep for Juneteenth celebrations:

To Eat

Savory, summery, and traditional. Did we mention delicious? 

• Watermelon: What better way to walk into Summer Solstice? (June 21st)
• Collard greens
• Sweet potatoes
• Classic barbecue: Ribs, brisket, hot links
• Red velvet cake

Pro Tip: Make it a Take-Out Party! Support your local Black-owned restaurant and order from them.

To Drink

Red-hued beverages in honor of the lives lost throughout slavery.

• Big Red Soda
• Red-ritas: Margaritas, red edition
• The Red Order No. 3

To Decorate

Turn up the mood of celebration with these themed decorations. 

• Hanging paper fans
• Glitter banner
• Ceiling streamers
• Large yard & fence banner
• Juneteenth disposable paper cups 9 oz 

To Listen To

Queue the funk, set the vibe, get the grooves going.

• Juneteenth Cookout on Spotify
• Juneteenth (The Reclaimed) on Spotify

Did you know: The Pan-African flag’s colors mean:

• Red: Represents the bloodshed of African people over the course of history, especially in the time period when liberation was not recognized.
• Black: Signifies pride and strength, along with unifying the identity of African people worldwide.
• Green: Symbolizes hope and upcoming prosperity of the land and development of Africa.

To Do: Represent

Rep the celebration in colors

• Tie-dye T-shirts: Red, black, green, the colors of the Pan-African flag
• Temporary tattoos
• Find an event in your neighborhood to join in

To Play: Games

• Jump rope: For the kids 
• Bingo: Featuring people, events, and symbols of Juneteenth history
• ~DIY or order these from Etsy‍
• Musical chairs: Double time with that funk music coming up in the playlists below, and get the laughs and flashback to childhood going.

To Involve the Kids

• Craft the Pan-African flag out of popsicle sticks

To Send Them Home With

So they can recall and reflect back on the fun of your Juneteenth party, and all that it means for history.

• Cellophane treat bags: To take home any tattoos or goodies for later
• Key chains

So celebrate Juneteenth with pride this year and all that it means for equality throughout the United States. Liberty and justice for all.

References: 

• Paperless Post
• NY Magazine
• ‍Medium.com: Hostowambe