Here’s how Tacoma, surrounding communities are commemorating Juneteenth
Juneteenth is this Friday, and there are lots of ways the greater Tacoma community is commemorating the federal holiday.
The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. The name refers to June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation finally went into effect for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.
A series of celebrations, cultural gatherings, special presentations and performances are happening throughout the end of the week to observe the holiday.
Juneteenth Commemoration at Washington State History Museum
- 4-6 p.m. on June 18
- Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
- washingtonhistory.org/event/juneteenth-2026/
The Washington State History Museum will host a free Juneteenth celebration on Thursday afternoon, featuring speakers, music and dance. Performers include Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling, singer Jason Turner, musician Naby Camara from Guinea, African dancer and drummer Baba Kauna Mujamal, and Kamau Ron Taplin, according to the museum.
Juneteenth Celebration: A Road to Economic Freedom
- Noon to 6 p.m. on June 19
- Haub Family Field at LeMay - America’s Car Museum, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma
- juneteenthwa.com
This annual event is dubbed the biggest Juneteenth celebration in Washington, and this year it’ll be held at LeMay - America’s Car Museum. The free event will feature food trucks, a car show and performances from Erika Campbell of gospel duo Mary Mary, Tacoma-born gospel singer Crystal Aikin and R&B singer Lyfe Jennings. The main events of the day will also be preceded by a Juneteenth prayer breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m.
Juneteenth Gathering for Peace in Gig Harbor
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. on June 19
- Roundabout connecting Borgen Boulevard, Burnham Drive, Canterwood Boulevard and State Route 16 in Gig Harbor
- instagram.com
This gathering is being put on by Gig Harbor for Racial Justice and Indivisible Gig Harbor. The groups encourage attendees to bring signs with “messages of positivity, unity and pro-social justice.” The groups will meet up with everyone before the event in the Target parking lot.
Juneteenth party at Jazzbones
- 9:30 p.m. on June 19
- Jazzbones, 2803 6th Ave., Tacoma
- jazzbones.com
Jazzbones will put on a Juneteenth party featuring a slate of DJs, presented by Dazjohn Johnson, DJ Taber and Deion of Black Royalty Presents. Doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets are $21.
Juneteenth Vigil and Panel
- 6:30 p.m. on June 19
- People’s Park, 900 MLK Jr Way, Tacoma
- tacaarpr.org/upcomingevents
The Tacoma Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression will hold a vigil on Juneteenth for Rhoda Butler, a 61-year-old woman who was shot and killed during a Tacoma SWAT team standoff in January 2024. “We demand community control of the police and to hold those accountable for any crimes committed while on the force!” reads a press release for the event. Members of the community who’ve been impacted by police violence will also speak at the event, according to the group’s website.
Lakewood Juneteenth Commemoration
- 3-5 p.m. on June 20
- Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood
- cityoflakewood.us/juneteenth
The city of Lakewood will hold its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration this weekend, in partnership with St. Joseph–St. John Ministry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Attendees can expect singing, dancing, live music, poetry, and history, according to the city. The free event will also feature guest speaker Derrick Estrada, an assistant professor at Pierce College.
“ATL” at The Grand Cinema
- 5 p.m. on June 20
- The Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma
- grandcinema.com
The Grand in Tacoma will be showing the film “ATL” this Juneteenth weekend, presented by Dazjohn Johnson. The film, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, depicts the lives of four teenagers in Atlanta as they prepare to graduate high school. “This coming-of-age comedy-drama blends the energy of Atlanta’s south side, music, and young angst in a new classic of Black cinema,” reads The Grand’s description of the film. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, seniors and the military. You can book online or in-person at the theater.
