Culture, community and cuisine: Where to celebrate Juneteenth in South Florida
Friday marks what some call ‘America’s second Independence Day,’ a celebration of the end of slavery.
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom. That began what’s considered the longest-running African American holiday.
In the 161 years since, the holiday spread across states, and in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
In the holiday spirit, venues across South Florida are celebrating with book fairs, tours, exhibitions and galas.
If you need plans this Juneteenth, here are some options for Friday, June 19:
Sepia Vernacular Exhibition
This art exhibit at Overtown’s Lawson E. Thomas Building is made up of 80 photographs showcasing how the community looked in the first half of the 20th century.
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Where: 1021 NW Second Ave., Miami
Contact: www.seopwcra.com
Melanin Miami Tour
Miami tour guide Keymia Sharpe will teach people about how Miami is connected to the Civil Rights Movement, D.W. Dorsey (Miami’s first Black millionaire) and more through different Miami places and cuisine. The tour will begin at the Historic Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum.
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: 480 NW 11th St., Miami
Contact: www.key2mia.com
B.L.A.C. Juneteenth Cook Out
The fourth annual Black Lives Allocating Change Juneteenth Cook Out will include vendors, food trucks, contests, games, music and activities sponsored by Black-led nonprofits.
Time: Noon-6 p.m.
Where: 3299 SW Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
PAMM Free Second Saturdays: Juneteenth Celebration
Downtown Miami’s Perez Art Museum offers free admission for its Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy Black art and participate in different activities for the holiday.
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Contact: www.pamm.org
Roots Book Fair
Black-owned Roots Bookstore & Market will host an all-day book fair in Liberty City in honor of Juneteenth.
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 6610 NW 15th Ave., Miami
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Juneteenth Freedom Day: Paddle and Celebration
Sunrise Paddleboards is offering a day of water sports with a buy one / get one deal on any stand-up paddleboard or kayak adventure. Rentals and beginner guidance will be available.
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: 2520 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Miramar Juneteenth Family Day
Interactive activities with crafts, performances, books, workshops and a pop-up African art exhibit.
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Juneteenth: The Cookout
Overtown restaurant Red Rooster will host a day of special drinks and food as visitors celebrate Black art and listen to live DJs.
Time: Noon-11 p.m.
Where: 920 NW Second Ave., Miami
Contact: www.redroosterovertown.com
Pouring Legacy: A Juneteenth Wine Tasting Experience
Guests at the OVRTWN Corner, a local marketplace, can taste wine from a Black-owned business.
Time: Noon and 6 p.m.
Where: 1119 NW Third Ave., Miami
Contact: www.englishbrownwinery.com
Believe In Broward
Support Broward County artists in a showcase of their work at The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge, including spoken word, visual and musical segments.
Time: Noon-5 p.m.
Where: 721 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Overtown Walking Tour
Florida International University professor Marvin Dunn will lead a walking tour of Overtown, starting and ending at the Red Rooster restaurant, where participants can sample the food.
Time: Friday, June 19, 4-6 p.m.
Where: 920 NW 2nd Ave., Miami
Contact: www.redroosterovertown.com
Black Yacht Day
Black yacht lovers can assemble for this Juneteenth event on the water.
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Where: Miami River
Contact: blackyachtday.com
Coral Springs Juneteenth Celebration
Free admission at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, along with food and live DJ performances as part of a pre-party at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. A ticketed comedy show by Rickey Smiley follows the event at the arts center.
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: 2855 Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs
Contact: www.coralsprings.gov
Legacy In Black Gala
The sixth edition of this annual gala will include live performances in remembrance of Juneteenth and the sacrifices of those that came before us. R&B legend Jeffrey Osborne will perform.
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
In the Paint Exhibition: Movies Under a Simple Tree
Guests can enjoy a documentary about Black actor and activist Paul Robeson under a tree at the Historic Ward Rooming House, a prominent Black Miami institution.
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Where: 249 NW Ninth St., Miami
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Brown Sugar Juneteenth Block Party
The Urban, Overtown’s live music and event space, will have a block party featuring live DJs.
Time: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 1000 NW Second Ave., Miami
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Legacy In Black Afterparty
Immediately after the Legacy In Black Gala, Norland and Carol City high schools host a fundraiser. Guests will be entertained by DJ Bo Weezy and have access to a cash bar and raffles.
Time: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 5:34 PM.
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