Juneteenth, held every year on June 19, commemorates the abolition of slavery and works to preserve and promote the diversity of African American and Black freedom and achievements. New York has many sites at which to reflect on this history, including important museums and centers dedicated to the stories of the freeing of enslaved people of African descent, including the North Star Underground Railroad Museum and the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. 

New York State also features special events for Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world. The annual festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, vendors, and more, returns to Buffalo’s Martin Luther King Jr. Park for the weekend of June 13-14, 2026.

Learn More About Black History and Culture
In New York State

More information about the history of Juneteenth and its evolution in New York, which now celebrates Juneteenth as an official state holiday, is available on the New York State Parks blog.