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Juneteenth Events in Phoenix

Juneteenth Festival at the Desert Botanical Garden

June 11

Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth at the Garden. Stroll through the trails to enjoy a day filled with activities that celebrate Black culture and traditions. Desert Botanical Garden honors Juneteenth’s legacy of change by celebrating Black culture and excellence through storytelling, history, art, performance, community discussion and entrepreneurship. Stroll our evening market to shop with local artists and vendors. Enjoy an evening filled with music, dance, food and fun. We will honor the past, celebrate the present and embrace a bright future while exploring the rich cultural heritage of Juneteenth.

Desert Botanical Garden

Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix

Through July 28

In partnership with ASU’s Center for Work and Democracy and the George Floyd Global Memorial, ASU Art Museum presents “Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix.” Presented for the first time outside of Minnesota and on view through July 28, 2024 at the ASU Art Museum, “Twin Flames” asks important questions about the role of art and community as a vehicle for bearing witness and creating deeper understanding and empathy. It also examines the state of public memorials in this country, and prompts us to reflect on whose stories are shared, by whom and why. 

ASU Art Museum

11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Tempe History Museum

June 15

The African American Advisory Committee is presenting the 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration to educate the community and celebrate freedom from slavery in the United States. The celebration will be held at the Tempe History Museum, 809 E Southern Avenue, Tempe. This free, family-friendly event will include hands-on activities, a performance by Prime Society, community resources, story time, Police and Fire vehicles, food trucks and more!

Tempe History Museum

20th Annual Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration 2024

June 15

Join us for the 20th Annual Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration taking place at the Historic Eastlake Park in Phoenix. This is a free event featuring fun for the entire family. Highlights include live entertainment with local known musical and arts performers, community groups and schools, free health screenings, educational workshops, youth essay contest, childrenʼs activities, ethnic arts and crafts, vendors, games and the finest authentic soul food.

Eastlake Park

4th Annual Rybe Juneteenth Celebration

June 15

The Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be taking place at the recently renovated Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. This free event will happen on the afternoon of June 15 and offers exciting, knowledgeable, and family-friendly activities as well as raffles and giveaways. Over 50 black-owned small businesses will be in attendance selling art, cultural clothing items, food, and many other accessories. Live performances highlight the celebration which include artist Keith “Sankofa” Johnson, who combines authentic Western African instruments, beats, techniques, and stilt dancers for a uniquely eye-catching show. Guest speakers will also be in attendance, and visitors are encouraged to wear cultural attire to inspire tradition, empowerment, and knowledge amongst visitors. 

Footprint Center

Carver's Inaugural Juneteenth Festival 2024

June 15

Celebrate Juneteenth at one of Phoenix’s only remaining Black Historic Landmarks, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, for our inaugural Juneteenth Festival on June 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  Join us as we commemorate Juneteenth’s legacy of community empowerment through the celebration of Black history, music, culture, and tradition. Explore Carver’s historic halls and enjoy family-friendly performances, arts and crafts, vendor and community booths, and delicious food!

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center

Downtown Tempe Juneteenth Block Party

June 15

Enjoy a night of entertainment with musical performances by this year's emcee, Teri Tobin, spoken word from Urban Poet and DJ sets from DJ Panic and DJ AKSHEN. They will be on the turntables all night, along with performances from the Furious Styles Crew! They'll be opening the floor for all to join in on the fun and express yourself this Juneteenth! Enjoy a selection of adult beverages including Crown Royal cocktails, locally awarded beers from Pedal Haus, and more! Feast on mouthwatering BBQ from Kingpin BBQ and soul-touching dishes from 28 Still Cooking. And don't miss Flav-Oh's old-skool ice cream truck, offering nostalgic treats from the nineties and Sunset Freeze, serving up their legendary sorbets!

CenterPoint Plaza

Queen Creek Juneteenth Festival

June 15

Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Our event is dedicated to recognizing this pivotal moment in history, celebrating African American culture, recognizing American History, and fostering a sense of community. Join us for a day of empowerment and celebration.

Crismon High School

Wings of Heritage: A Juneteenth Celebration

June 15

Welcome to Wings of Heritage: A Juneteenth Celebration - an event celebrating the amazing talents of both pilots and members of the Divine 9 organizations! Join us for a day filled with educational sessions and networking opportunities. Whether passionate about aviation or part of a Divine 9 sorority or fraternity, this event is perfect for you. Come together with like-minded individuals to share stories, learn from each other, and have a great time. Don't miss out on this unique gathering of incredible communities!

The Foundry

Afro & Friends: Juneteenth 

June 15

Experience Afro & Friends: Juneteenth celebration at Phoenix's Egyptian Motor Hotel!

Egyptian Motor Hotel

Black Excellence Night: Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty

June 18

Watch the Phoenix Mercury face off against the New York Liberty at Footprint Center. Celebrate Black Excellence Night! Enjoy an artist inspired tote bag, courtesy of the Mercury's fan giveaway.

Footprint Center

A Mesa Juneteenth Event: Rooted in Resilience

June 19

Juneteenth is significant to American History as the annual holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, celebrated on June 19. In 2024 the City of Mesa, Mesa Community College, and the Mesa-East Valley MLK Committee are partnering to host the annual community-wide Juneteenth Celebration. The theme "Rooted In Resilience" embodies the strength, determination, and perseverance of Black communities throughout history, acknowledging the challenges they have overcome and the progress they continue to make. By embracing resilience, we honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice while recognizing the ongoing struggles for equality and equity.

Mesa Community College

Juneteenth 2024: Freedom Day Cookout

June 19

On Wednesday, June 19th from 5 PM -10 PM, join local Black-led community organizations for a can’t-miss Juneteenth Freedom Day Cookout at AfriSoul Marketplace in Phoenix! This is a free and fun event for our community to gather in celebration dedicated to the liberation of our people. Enjoy the culture through food (including vegetarian/vegan options), music, performance, dance, games, activities for kids, and great vibes all around. Hosting organizations include BlackNet AZ, Black Political Cultivation AZ, Black Phoenix Organizing Collective, Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro, Instituto, and Tomorrow We Vote!

AfriSoul Marketplace

Juneteenth at Phoenix Art Museum

June 19

PhxArt is proud to offer Pay-What-You-Wish general admission all day long on Juneteenth. The Museum will also be activated by special programming including: public tours in honor of Juneteenth, an Open Mic hosted by Trinity Miracle, a performance by Ashton Vaughn Charles, and specialty food and beverage experiences with Trash Panda Vegan, Southern Made, and a pop-up by Harlem Coffee.

Phoenix Art Museum

Juneteenth Family Day 2024

June 19

Celebrate Juneteenth! Our program features educational and insightful speeches, live performances, and interactive activities. Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth and engage with our community through activities and workshops. Come on out to support local businesses and food vendors throughout the event. Enjoy performances in both an indoor and outdoor areas!  All are welcome to attend and participate in this free celebration. 

Goodyear Recreation Campus

Eastlake Park has been the focal point of Phoenix's Black history for most of its existence, becoming a haven where people of color could meet, relax, and celebrate without violating the laws that existed during these times. It is home to numerous civil rights rallies, Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, memorials, and festivities, and was the starting point of many civil rights marches to the Arizona State Capital.  Eastlake Park also hosts an annual Juneteenth celebration –  a tradition that the space has hosted since the early 1920s.

Known as one of the oldest family-owned soul food restaurants, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe has been serving timeless southern classics to Phoenix for over 50 years. Founder Elizabeth White, the namesake for Mrs. White, owns the restaurant with her son Larry White Sr. Although she is retired at age 100, she still returns to the restaurant to check up on things. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the cafe has become an OG Phoenix staple. Some of Mrs. White’s famous dishes include southern fried chicken, fried catfish, smothered chicken, and peach cobbler. Elizabeth has an extra special connection to her restaurant and its location. She started Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe amid the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. She withstood the Great Depression and remained in the Jefferson Street neighborhood to see Phoenix transform as residences became commercial areas. Elizabeth’s grandson, Larry White Jr., now owns an array of restaurants throughout the greater Phoenix area including Monroe’s Hot Chicken and the Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles chain.

Jacob Cutino

has spent his fair share of time in some of the Valley’s top restaurants, including Fox Restaurant Concepts and Bootleggers, working both the front and back of the house. It all began when owner Jacob Cutino’s stepfather had a secret, killer habanero sauce. For years he kept the recipe to himself, and only trial and error and Jacobs’ persistence allowed him to recreate his own version. In 2017, a partnership was born with renowned chef and pizza guru Chris Bianco, a longtime fan of Cutino’s sauce. The collaboration allows the Cutino Sauce Co. to bring more great flavors to an even larger audience.  

Huss Brewing Company

Chip Mulala is the self-proclaimed Minister of Craft Beer who's been saving souls one pint at a time for more than 13 years. According to Chip, craft beer from Arizona is filled with inspiration and a sense of place. He is a past president of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and the director of sales and marketing for Huss Brewing Company, where he’s helped grow the husband-and-wife-run company into Arizona’s third-largest producing brewery. 

LATHA

Swahili for flavor, celebrates Africa and the diaspora’s rich and diverse cuisines. The menu honors the interconnected journey of the foodways and culture of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Southern US. A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Chef Digby Stridiron grew up around what many today call the “slow food” movement—fresh, locally harvested ingredients, and proteins gathered from the sea just steps away. Digby served as a culinary ambassador for the U.S. Virgin Islands and has earned mentions in USA Today’s 10 Best and Carib Journal’s Top 50 Best.   

The Diaspora Collective

houses both LATHA and Soko and exists as a place to celebrate, connect, discover, experience, and honor the food, art, culture, music, and people of Africa and the African diaspora. Soko is a curated marketplace that offers a diverse selection of goods, skillfully created or designed by Black artisans. 

Archwood Exchange

As the host and organizer of the Buy Black Marketplace, Archwood Exchange is dubbed a hub for Black business in Phoenix. Thanks to its cooperative-inspired setup, this is where businesses can sell their products in a pop-up, brick-and-mortar environment without the high costs of overhead. The online shop also offers an eclectic mix of fashion and accessories, such as graphic T-shirts and straw hats. 

Grassrootz Bookstore

Arizona’s only Black-owned bookstore is in the Historic Eastlake Park District in Phoenix. Created to be a community space for empowerment, enlightenment, and education, they feature niche books not typically purchased at the average chain bookstore. Each purchase helps to fund grassroots activism, education, and economic development efforts in Phoenix. 

The Nash

A jazz lounge in downtown Phoenix that is named after local Phoenix musician Lewis Nash. It originally opened in 2012 as a nonprofit educational center but has now grown into hosting large jazz performances. For performances, the Nash transforms into a jazz lounge with live instrumental performances and a choice of wines and craft beers. There are small snacks served at the Nash but no dinner service. 

Black Theatre Troupe

A historical Phoenix organization that was founded in 1970 by former city worker Helen K. Mason. Their mission then is the same as it is presently, to create a platform for Black artists to showcase their talents and advocate for the representation of Black arts and culture in the city. The Black Theatre Troupe continues to provide wholesome live shows to the community at their state-of-the-art facility in downtown Phoenix that is only two blocks away from where the original location once stood.   

It’s All About You Holistic Studio

A family, woman and Black-owned business located near downtown Phoenix. This studio operates as a holistic spa that offers a variety of treatments from massages, steams, halotherapy and Reiki. Massages offered include hot stone, deep tissue, Swedish and therapeutic. The studio offers both Yoni and Lingam steams rooting back to the ancient practice among holistic healers. Their salt room allows guests to engage in a dry method of halotherapy. Reiki sessions are also available channeling the Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Canine Reiki is also available for furry companions. 

For a more comprehensive list of black-owned businesses in Phoenix, check out our list.