Your guide to Juneteenth celebrations in New Orleans

New Orleans offers a rich tapestry of activities and historical landmarks that make it an ideal destination for celebrating Juneteenth. Whether you’re immersing yourself in cultural festivals, exploring the city’s vibrant art scene or walking through historically significant neighbourhoods, the Crescent City provides a deeply meaningful and joyful setting for commemorating this pivotal moment in history.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on 19 June, marks the date in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed the last remaining enslaved people of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth is a national holiday in the United States and a powerful day of reflection, remembrance and celebration of Black freedom, resilience and cultural contributions.

Although Juneteenth originated in Texas, its observance has spread across the country, and few places honour it as vibrantly as New Orleans. With its rich Black history, world-renowned music scene and community-focused events, the city becomes a cultural epicentre of celebration each June.

New Orleans is more than just a picturesque backdrop for Juneteenth, it’s a city that lives and breathes Black culture, creativity and resistance. From the historic Tremé neighbourhood – one of the oldest Black communities in the United States – to the sounds of jazz and the flavours of Creole cuisine rooted in traditions, New Orleans offers a deeply resonant place to reflect and rejoice.

In New Orleans, Juneteenth isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a full-bodied, immersive experience connecting past and present through music, food, art, education and community.

Visit the New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM)

Located in the heart of Tremé, the New Orleans African American Museum is essential for understanding Black history in the city. The museum offers powerful exhibitions exploring Black art, culture and contributions and often curates special Juneteenth programming such as artist talks, cultural performances and community discussions. In 2025, Juneteenth at the Museum features guided tours, local vendors and guest speakers.

Explore Bayou Road

Bayou Road is the oldest street in the city and one of its most culturally rich corridors. Lined with Black-owned shops, cafés, bookshops and art spaces, it comes alive during Juneteenth with pop-up markets, poetry readings and musical performances. The area has a true community feel and offers a great chance to support local businesses while soaking in the spirit of the day.

Celebrate at Armstrong Park’s Juneteenth Freedom Fest

Armstrong Parkis a hub for community events and its annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival is one of the most anticipated. This free, family-friendly celebration features live music ranging from jazz to hip-hop, food vendors, children’s activities and community resource stalls. The 2025 edition of this event includes performances from local musicians, a soul food tasting area and a celebratory atmosphere perfect for all ages.

Experience the Essence of Juneteenth at Congo Square

Congo Square, historically a gathering place for enslaved people, now stands as a sacred site of heritage and resistance. The Essence of Juneteenth Festival held here includes drumming, spoken word, storytelling and traditional dance. It’s a particularly powerful and grounding space to reflect on the day’s meaning.

Join educational talks and panel discussions

Lots of institutions and grassroots groups in New Orleans host community forums, educational panels and workshops during Juneteenth. These events often cover themes such as Black liberation, social justice, civil rights history and community healing. 

Discover local art exhibitions and gallery openings

New Orleans’ art scene plays a central role in Juneteenth celebrations. Many galleries showcase exhibitions highlighting Black artists from both the local community and further afield. Look for special events at venues such as the Joan Mitchell Center or the Cultural Ties Gallery, where you might find a live mural painting, artist talks or interactive art experiences that celebrate Black identity and history.

Enjoy traditional and modern Creole cuisine

No celebration in New Orleans is complete without incredible food, and Juneteenth is no exception. Many local restaurants offer special menus inspired by traditional dishes – think gumbo, red beans and rice, fried catfish and collard greens. Classic establishments like Dooky Chase’s and Willie Mae’s Scotch House are excellent places to celebrate through cuisine. Don’t forget the symbolic red drinks and desserts, often included in Juneteenth feasts to represent perseverance and ancestral roots.

Attend live concerts and second line parades

Music is the heartbeat of New Orleans and during Juneteenth, it pulses even louder. This year, City Park will host a Juneteenth concert featuring jazz bands, soul singers and spoken word performers. You may also catch a second line parade through the streets – spontaneous, joyful and deeply rooted in Black cultural tradition.

Take a heritage tour through the French Quarter

Beyond its lively nightlife, the French Quarter holds stories of resistance, activism and Black excellence. Consider joining a guided walking tour with a focus on Black history. It’s a great way to connect Juneteenth’s national significance with the local context of New Orleans.

Juneteenth in New Orleans is more than a celebration, it's a powerful tribute to freedom, creativity and community. The city’s rich cultural legacy offers endless ways to engage with this meaningful holiday, whether through music, education, food or reflection.

Whether you’re attending your first Juneteenth event or returning year after year, New Orleans is an outstanding spot to celebrate and honour Black history.