Join us for the 2026 Beacon Hill Juneteenth Celebration, a free community block party on Joy Street hosted by the Museum of African American History. This vibrant festival is part of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration — a day of music, art, food, storytelling, and community connection, with more than 1,000 attendees expected from across Greater Boston.

The Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.

Event Highlights

Joy Street Takeover — A pedestrian-only cultural corridor featuring local Black Boston area vendors, art, music, food trucks, and storytelling.

Main Stage Performances — Live music, spoken word, and performances celebrating Black history and freedom.

Family Zone — Hands-on art, puppetry, face painting, story time, music, and fun for kids of all ages.

Ujima Food and Vendor Marketplace — Black-owned food trucks and local Black artisan vendors.

Wellness and Reflection Area — Drumming and dedicated space for healing and community connection.

Free Museum Access — Complimentary admission and mini tours of the historic African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School.

This event is hosted by the Museum of African American History | Boston and Nantucket, a City of Boston community partner. For more information, visit maah.org.

 Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth stands as a celebration of freedom, remembrance, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

Theme for 2026 "Juneteenth Brings Balance to America's Celebration of Freedom"

The ceremony will feature remarks from City leaders, a keynote address, a flag raising, musical performances, cultural traditions, food, and community gathering.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Time: 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Boston City Hall Plaza and Boston City Hall 3rd Floor Mezzanine

This event is free and open to the public.

Program Highlights

• Welcome remarks from City leadership
• Juneteenth reflection and moment of remembrance
• Libation ceremony honoring ancestors and community history
• Keynote address
• Juneteenth proclamation
• Official Juneteenth flag raising ceremony
• Live music and cultural performances
• Community gathering featuring traditional Juneteenth foods and educational displays

Additional Juneteenth Events

Attendees will also be able to learn more about additional Juneteenth celebrations and community events taking place throughout Boston.

Updates and more info

H2O SOS: Water Warning is now on view at the Mezzanine Gallery (3rd floor) in Boston City Hall. This installation will come to life with a special opening performance by the artist.

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 3rd floor. The reception will take place at the top of the stairs.

Please note the exhibition will be on view through August 14, 2026. For more information visit boston.gov/cityhallgalleries.

Are you looking to grow your artistic practice and build a thriving creative career in Boston? Join the Arts Action Consortium, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, and Spark Boston at this free Artist Resource Fair to connect with Boston’s vibrant network of resources and support.

Featuring:

• An art supply swap
• A dance clothing swap
• Access to City departments and arts service organizations
• Free 1:1 arts business coaching
• Free 1:1 physical therapy evaluations
• and more!

Alongside resource sharing, the event will invite creatives into an open dialogue space focused on what artists need to thrive in Boston - from affordable studios and venues to sustainable career pathways. By bringing artists, advocates, and city agencies into conversation, the AAC Resource Fair aims to strengthen Boston’s creative ecosystem and help shape a more sustainable, artist-centered city.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established creative, this is a unique opportunity to build connections, gain valuable knowledge, and deepen your engagement with Boston’s arts community. Don’t miss your chance to discover the tools, resources, and relationships that can support and elevate your artistic journey!

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 165 431 0661

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 165 557 0062

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s). 

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 165 511 3474

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 165 210 8299

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 165 807 1722

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).