Juneteenth is just around the corner! On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. Read more from the Museum of African American History and Culture to learn more and check out the listings below for opportunities to celebrate locally!
Brattleboro
đź“Ť Municipal Center, 230 Main St
Weekdays, June 16–30, 2025 (9 AM–4:30 PM)
3rd Annual Juneteenth Art Exhibit & Sale featuring local artists in celebration of Black history and expression.
đź“Ť Brattleboro Common
Thursday, June 19, 2025 (5PM–7PM)
Juneteenth celebration featuring family-friendly entertainment, a musical performance from Samirah Evans, the history of Juneteenth, and an overview of the community work of the NAACP.
Burlington
đź“Ť City Hall Park & Lower Church Street
Saturday, June 21, 2025 (2 PM–10 PM)
Citywide celebration featuring live music, community dinner, roller skating, Double Dutch, vendors, and more—produced by REIB and partners.
Ferrisburgh
đź“Ť Rokeby Museum
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Free admission to this National Historic Landmark that offers powerful insight into Vermont’s abolitionist history.
Hartford (White River Junction)
đź“Ť Lyman Point Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025 (2–4 PM)
Community celebration with music, guest speakers, free food, and kids’ games; if rain cancels, move to June 22.
Montpelier
1. Juneteenth: Living Liberation
đź“Ť Vermont State House Lawn
Friday, June 19, 2025 (5–8 PM)
Free community event with performances, readings, speakers (including dance & gospel choir), and food vendors.
2. North Branch Nature Center Celebration
đź“Ť 713 Elm St
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 (5–7 PM)
Music, dance by Shidaa Projects, BYO picnic, yurt visits – open and free for all.
3. Montpelier Freedom Day Festival
Organized by Montpelier Descendants Committee
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Family-friendly festival with live music, food, vendors, and community activities.
4. Gospel Choir Concert
đź“Ť Unitarian Church, 130 Main St
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Pay‑what‑you‑can gospel concert featuring Montpelier Community Gospel Choir & Shidaa Projects.
Rutland
đź“Ť Rutland Free Library
Saturday, June 21, 2025 (11 AM)
Juneteenth Strut – A celebratory walk kicking off Rutland County Pride Festival the same day.
South Burlington
đź“Ť Veterans Memorial Park (1000 Dorset St)
Thursday, June 19, 2025
– 1–2:30 PM – Kids’ Juneteenth bracelet-making (plus Joe Frogger cookie)
– 3v3 Basketball Tournament – Community free‑to‑enter sports event
– 5–8 PM – SB Nite Out & Juneteenth celebration with BIPOC food, crafts, music (Jenni & the Junketeers and Jeh Kulu)
Other related events leading up to the day:
– June 12 – Morning book discussion (“James” by Everett)
– June 17 – Poetry reading + TBD cooking class
– June 18 – Jeh Kulu dance workshop (7–8 PM)
– June 21 – Banned Book Storytime, yoga, and spoken word/musical event
Winooski
đź“Ť Rotary Park
Friday, June 20, 2025 (5–8 PM)
Community gathering with music, food, and a Black‑makers marketplace.