Juneteenth Festival

Focusing on family-friendly entertainment, this annual event brings generations together for a day of music, food, and shopping from Black-owned businesses. The festival spans five blocks along the South Berkeley Alcatraz-Adeline corridor and draws thousands of attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

When & Where

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Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Alcatraz and Adeline

Each year on Father’s Day, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival occurs in the Lorin District along South Berkeley’s Adeline corridor, from Ashby to Alcatraz.

Getting There

Taking BART to the festival? Get off at the Berkeley Ashby Station and walk South on Adeline toward Alcatraz Avenue. AC Transit has plenty of routes to get to the festival. Review their schedule and maps to find more ways that better fit your location.

Consider getting some fresh air, basking in the summer sun, and exploring the scenery by renting a bike or scooter from the Bay Area's program, Bay Wheels. Choose from their bikes or e-bikes all through their app, and don't worry about having to find a parking spot, simply dock the bike at another station.

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Event History and Significance

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The first annual festival took place in 1987, and its 39th year in 2026, the Berkeley Juneteenth festival has become a beloved community event. It began as a way to create community pride and unite South Berkeley businesses and residents in celebrating a significant African American Cultural event. The first annual festival took place in 1987. In 2014, Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations was established, expanding to include Black History Month events each February.

The festival's roots trace back to 1986, when RD Bonds and others first celebrated Juneteenth in Berkeley with chicken dinners and a party at Nick's Lounge to fund the inaugural street festival. Over the years, key figures like James Sweeney, Dorothy Wiggins, and Sam Dyke played roles in its development.

Today, the festival thrives thanks to the contributions of countless individuals, including artists like Carla Oden and Mildred Howard, and community figures like Lothario Lotho, who served as the festival's emcee for over two decades. Juneteenth in Berkeley is a powerful example of belonging as the community continues to celebrate Black culture and resilience.

Learn more about Juneteenth and this annual event here.

Activities

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KID/STEM Zone

The KID/STEM Zone features attractions like a rock wall, roller skating, and hands-on STEM activities. Young children can also enjoy dance, storytelling, slides, jumpers, clowns, face painting, and art projects led by local organizations.

Lothario Lotho Stage

The Lothario Lotho Stage showcases performances geared toward young adults, with acts ranging from music and dance to theatre, spoken word, and fashion.

RD Bonds Main Stage

The RD Bonds Main Stage features music rooted in the African American experience, such as jazz, blues, gospel, neo-soul, reggae, and more. Major artists like H.E.R. have performed here in the past, but the stage also makes space for up-and-coming local talent, providing a platform for them to reach new audiences.

Vendor Information

The event will have a series of vendors offering various foods and goods, including culturally significant dishes that reflect and represent the Berkeley community. Look out for barbecue bites, tasty grilled treats, and more. Looking for information about becoming a vendor? Click here!

Community Outreach

Festival vendors promote healthier, safer communities and prioritize well-being. Nonprofit organizations are on-site to share vital information and local resources.

Shopping

Juneteenth in Berkeley has become one of Northern California’s top events for purchasing African goods and other specialty items. It’s an excellent opportunity to support Black-owned merchants and local entrepreneurs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Juneteenth?

On June 19, 1865, troops marched on Galveston, Texas, to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. In years to come, the date would be a day to honor national freedom in the United States.

How else can I celebrate?

Celebrate Juneteenth by supporting black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Berkeley area. Find local spots to shop this Juneteenth here.

How can I support the festival?

There are plenty of ways to support the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival. Become a sponsor, learn more about the event at the festival's information booth, volunteer, and donate. Check out their website for more information.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes! The event features kid-friendly events and welcomes guests of all ages!

Where can I park nearby?

Street parking will be available, but it can fill up quickly. Down the street is Ashby Station, which has a large parking lot. A little further from the event, but with larger availability, try Kittridge Street Parking, Allston Way Parking, and Center Street Parking Garage.