Erie's Juneteenth Celebrations

Erie Downtown Partnership

Celebrating America's second Independence Day, Juneteenth commemorates the ending of enslavement in the United States. And Perry Square will be buzzing with activity in celebration including music, cultural presentations, farmers markets, and a community meal.

Beginning Saturday, Jun. 14 and Thursday, Jun. 19*

Juneteenth celebrations will be taking over Perry Square beginning on Saturday, June 14 and then again on Thursday, June 19.

Saturday's celebrations will include a day of music, vendors, giveaways, family-friendly activities, and special guests like the recently announced performance from R&B legend Glenn Jones. Join in the celebration of this historic day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

On June 19,  a continuing Juneteenth celebration featuring a community dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will take place in Perry Square, hosted by Erie's Food Policy Advisory Council (FPAC) and Erie Downtown Partnership. Last year's Juneteenth event had a similar theme, focusing on local urban farmers and Black-owned businesses. This year, a free community dinner will be made up of locally-grown winter greens, greenhouse produce, and ethically-sourced staples to celebrate the beginning of the farmer's market season. According to FPAC, some of the collaborators include Urban Glow and Grow Farm, Black and Green, and Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

" This year we're kind of doubling down and investing in the system," said Dave Tamulonis (40 Under 40 Class of 2022), the events and marketing manager at Erie Downtown Partnership. " We're helping them invest in their infrastructure and supporting the program from the supply side of things. Then also on the community side of things, with events like this, connecting people to those opportunities and making sure that they know what's out there."

Throughout the night there will be an interactive drum circle by AmeriMasala organizer Lynn Johnson and musical performances by DJ and rapper Jonny Evans (40 Under 40 Class of 2024) and friends. " Jonny Evans is an amazing local hip hop producer and rapper and he books a lot of shows at the King's Rook Club and is very, very helpful as a mentor to others in the scene," Tamulonis said. " He's bringing out a bunch of people that he's helped get shows at the Rook and giving them that platform to perform on a larger stage." 

June 14 event: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For more info: eriejuneteenth.com

June 19 event: 6 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For more info: eriedowntown.com

*This spotlight was changed from the print version to reflect updated information