Festival Activities
Buffalo Juneteenth 50th Anniversary Celebration
Honoring the Past. Serving the Present. Inspiring the Future.
Join us for a powerful and unforgettable month of celebration as Buffalo commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Juneteenth—a milestone honoring five decades of culture, community, and commitment. This year’s celebration is filled with meaningful events, dynamic programming, and opportunities for all generations to connect, reflect, and rejoice.
Signature Events & Experiences
Flag Raising Ceremony – June 8th
Niagara Square
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
We begin with a symbolic raising of the Juneteenth flag—an inspiring moment of unity, remembrance, and pride.
50th Anniversary Gala – June 5th
Classics V Banquet Center
2425 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, New York
Time: 5:00 pm
An elegant evening honoring leaders, elders, and changemakers who have shaped Buffalo’s Juneteenth legacy over the past 50 years.
Sankofa Days – May 30th through 13th
Preparing While Repairing
Celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth throughout the entire month leading up to the Juneteenth Festival. All events are free to attend, open to the community, and no registration is necessary. Join us as we celebrate culture, history, unity, and the ongoing journey toward liberation and justice.
African Cultural Day with Keynote Speaker Professor James Small - Saturday May 30th
938 Genesee Str. Buffalo, NY 14211
4:30PM - 7:30PM
Free to public / Donations Accepted | Featuring African Market Place Vendors | Ancestral Memorial Space
Performances by Access to AFreeka, Drum & Dance & Empress Vie
Growing Gail’s Legacy: A Day of Community & Celebration - Saturday June 6th
JFK Park (Near Tennis Courts) Corner of Eagle & Clinton
11AM to 4PM
Join us to honor the life and vision of Gail V. Wells, founder of Buffalo Freedom Gardens. This event brings together gardeners, activists, families, and friends to celebrate Gail’s tireless work in food justice, education, and community empowerment through hands-on activities—including flower planting, workshops on urban agriculture, arts & crafts, and traditional West African drumming class.
Together, we’ll reflect on her impact, share stories, and commit to carrying forward her mission of resilience and collective growth. Join us to cultivate hope, connection, and action in Gail’s name.
Culture In The Corridor - Sunday June 7th
143 Broadway Ave.
5PM - 10PM
Pull up and bring your lawn chair for an unforgettable community celebration! Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and tour the “Keeping Buffalo Archives” bus featuring historic Buffalo documents from the Buffalo History Museum, along with the WUFO Museum, the Colored Musicians Club, and the Baptist Church Museum.
Enjoy family/ kids activities, West African drumming, summer prizes and giveaways.
Special guest performer Ayanna Gregory will also be featured, with more performances to be announced soon!
Can’t make it? Catch the live broadcasting on WUFO 96.5 from 7PM to 10PM.
Sponsored by Juneteenth Buffalo, WUFO & Access to AFreeka, African American Corridor, Key Bank
Community Discussion - Monday June 8
King Urban Life Center
6PM - 8PM
Topic Discussion: Reparations & Africa in the 21st century
Spoken Word/ Open Mic Poetry Night - Tuesday June 9
Empty Cup Cafe
6PM - 8PM
Movie Screening - Wednesday June 10
BECPL- Central Library (1 Lafayette Square)
Starting at 6PM
Presented by Buffalo Historian Doug Ruffin. Enjoy this documentary highlighting Black groups and movements in Buffalo.
Community Expo - Thursday June 11th
Canisius College
9AM to 1PM
Community Resource Workshops | African Drumming & Dance
Sponsored by Canisius College
Pre- Praise & Worship - Friday June 12
Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Near the Bust)
5PM - 7PM
You know better! Pray first!
All are welcome to this spiritual gathering to praise in to the 50th Anniversary Festival weekend! Attendees can look forward to singing, dancing and good ol’ fashioned gospel encouragement!
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20
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2-Mile Run/Walk and Health Fair – June 7th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Time: 10:00 am
A family-friendly wellness event promoting health, unity, and community engagement.
Juneteenth Parade – June 13th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Time: 10:00 am
One of the largest in the nation—celebrating freedom, heritage, and pride with floats, marching bands, community groups, and thousands of attendees.
Edutainment Experiences – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Interactive learning meets entertainment—engaging youth and families through culturally relevant education, performances, and activities.
Youth Empowerment Zone – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
A dedicated space uplifting the next generation through career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and creative expression.
Underground Railroad Tours
Explore Buffalo’s powerful role in freedom-seeking journeys, guided through historic sites and stories that shaped our nation.
Arts & Culture Pavilion – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Stage #3
Time: 1:00 - 6:30 pm
Showcasing local and regional artists, performers, and creatives who bring our stories to life through visual and performing arts.
Agriculture Pavilion – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Shelter # TBA
Time: 1:00 - 6:30 pm
Celebrating Black farming traditions, sustainability, food justice, and healthy living.
Health Pavilion – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Tent TBA
Time: 1:00 - 6:30 pm
Offering resources, screenings, and wellness information to support the health and well-being of our community.
Entertainment Stage – June 13th & 14th
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Stage # TBA
Time: 1:00 - 6:30 pm
Live performances featuring local and national talent—music, dance, and cultural showcases throughout the celebration.
MAAFA Commemoration – June 21st
Freedom Park (Foot of Ferry Street)
Time: 5:30 pm
A sacred and moving tribute honoring the ancestors and remembering the Middle Passage, grounding the celebration in truth, reflection, and reverence.
Stay Connected
This is more than a celebration—it is a movement, a legacy, and a call to community.
