Celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the official end of slavery in the U.S., through a variety of local events, including concerts, educational events and cookouts. Here are some of the highlights in and around Arlington.
Journeys in Genealogy
June 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Learn how to research and trace your family tree at this program which examines African American genealogy. It’s hosted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Woodlawn Pope-Leighey House to complement Woodlawn’s new exhibit, “Woodlawn: People & Perspectives,” which delves into the contributions of African American Families. Trivia buffs can test their knowledge with an ultimate trivia game at the end of the program. // 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria
City of Fairfax Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Find educational, cultural and family-friendly events at this second annual Juneteenth celebration. The program kicks off at Old Town Square with an opening ceremony and a series of speakers, followed by a variety of acts that will go until 4:30 p.m. to keep the whole family entertained. At Old Town Hall, find lots of fun activities for kids, including face painting, cookie decorating and more. There will also be food for purchase from a range of vendors. // 10415 North Street, Fairfax
Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park
June 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy a day of family activities celebrating African American stories and traditions. Explore the history of the free and enslaved members of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House. Ongoing tours will take you through the church and the surrounding grounds while learning about this important part of local history. The tour is free, but registration is recommended.// 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Columbia Pike Blues Festival: Women in Blues
June 15, 1-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the vibrant culture and diversity of our community with live performances, food and activities at the Columbia Pike Partnership’s 27th annual festival. This free outdoor event attracts thousands of music-lovers each year with live blues, soul, funk and R&B music. This year’s lineup of women-fronted performances includes headliner Bette Smith, a New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Bring your own chairs and enjoy the shows while sampling craft beers and wine. // Along S. Walter Reed Drive, from Columbia Pike to 9th St. S.
Sully Annual Car Show
June 16, 10 a.m.
Learn about Juneteenth and little-known African American inventors and patent holders in the transportation industry as you check out more than 200 antique cars on display. Classic cars will be judged and trophies awarded. Included in the show will be restoration displays, cars for sale and tours of the first floor of Sully Historic Site’s main house. Enjoy music, food, a flea market and a children’s tent. Pre-purchased tickets are $12 per adult, $10 for seniors, $8 for children and kids up to 4 years old are free. Prices go up day-of. // 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly
Black Heritage Walk
June 16, 1-3 p.m.
Learn about Black history in Arlington while getting your exercise on a two-hour, guided Black Heritage walk. Stops on the tour led by Craig Syphax, board member and former president of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, include St. John’s Baptist Church and the Freedman’s Village Bridge. Syphax will explain the significance of these local sites, as well as his family’s deep-rooted history in Arlington. The walk ends at the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, where participants can feel free to explore and enjoy the museum exhibits. Free with RSVP. // Towers Park, 801 S. Scott St. (Columbia Pike)
Author Alice Faye Duncan on the True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
June 17, 6;30 -8:30 p.m.
Learn what it means to be free in a presentation by librarian and educator Alice Faye Duncan about Black activist Opal Lee, who envisioned Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone that inspired children to be brave. The conversation at the Shirlington Branch Library will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. RSVP for an event reminder email. Attendance is first-come, first-served until seating capacity is reached. // 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Celebration and Cookout at Jennie Dean Park
June 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy guest speakers, live entertainment, music, dancing and games at the Arlington County Government’s Black Employees Counsel Juneteenth celebration at Jennie Dean Park near Four Mile Run. The programming finishes at noon and will be followed by a cookout. // 2430 27th St. S., Arlington
History Talks: The Long Road to Freedom
June 19, 12 p.m.
The National Museum of the United States Army’s monthly history talk, virtual and in-person, will highlight Juneteenth, Emancipation Day. The talk will explore the U.S. Army’s role in the liberation of enslaved persons and also honor Black soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives for the freedom of all. Free with registration. // 1775 Liberty Drive, Ft. Belvoir (Fairfax)
Juneteenth Celebration and Cookout at Met Park
June 19, 4-7 p.m.
This family-friendly event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved persons and honors African American culture and heritage. This year’s theme is, “What freedom means to me.” Head out for an afternoon and evening of music, cultural performances, food and activities for all ages. This event is sponsored by Amazon, Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, Arlington Community Foundation, and WHUT. It is free and open to the public, but attendees must sign up to reserve a spot. // 1330 S. Fair St. (Metropolitan Park)
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
June 19-22 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Family day on the grounds of George Washington’s estate is dedicated to learning about Ona Judge, Christopher Sheels and many other men and women who resisted enslavement and sought freedom before the Emancipation Proclamation. Learn about the enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon and the legacies they left behind. Be sure to check out the special performance “Breaths Along the Potomac: Breath Art Silent Walks,” with Dominic Shodekeh Talifero, a 2023-24 Mount Vernon Research Fellow. Then honor the lives of the enslaved at the Slave Burial Ground Commemoration Ceremony. The cost is included in a Mount Vernon admission ticket. // 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon