Juneteenth is more than a holiday—it’s a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equity. As Portland gears up to celebrate this important milestone, families across the city have the opportunity to take part in joyful, meaningful events that honor Black culture and history in kid-friendly, community-driven ways.
Here are some of the best Juneteenth events around Portland where you and your family can celebrate, learn, and connect:
🎉 1. Juneteenth Oregon Parade & Festival
📍 Lillis-Albina Park, Portland
📅 Saturday, June 21, 2025
⏰ Parade at 11:00 AM; Festival follows
Kick off the day with the vibrant Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade, followed by the Juneteenth Oregon Festival—a full afternoon of music, food, community vendors, and activities just for kids. This longstanding celebration is a great way for children to see the power of tradition, art, and culture all in one joyful place.
📚 2. Juneteenth at North Portland Library
📍 North Portland Library
📅 Wednesday, June 11, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Head to the library for face painting, hands-on crafts, and a high-energy performance from the Kids Junk Orchestra. The Oregon Black Pioneers will also share the fascinating history of Black cowboys and ranchers in the West—perfect for sparking meaningful conversations with your little ones.
🌿 3. Urban Forestry at Midland Library’s Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Midland Library, East Portland
📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This event combines nature, storytelling, and hands-on art. Kids can create Afro-botanical artwork and learn how agriculture and land have played a role in Black liberation. It’s a creative, educational, and thoughtful way to celebrate the season.
🤠 4. 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo
📍 Veterans Memorial Coliseum
📅 Sunday, June 15, 2025
⏰ Doors open at 6:00 PM; Show starts at 7:00 PM
Want to show your kids something they’ve never seen before? Head to Portland’s Black rodeo for bull riding, mutton bustin’, line dancing, and cultural celebration. It’s high-energy, high-fun, and uniquely Oregon.
🏞️ 5. Wilsonville Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Town Center Park, Wilsonville
📅 Thursday, June 19, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
A free event just outside Portland featuring youth speakers, live music, food trucks, giveaways, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. A great choice if you’re looking to celebrate on the actual holiday.
✨ Why It Matters
Celebrating Juneteenth with your kids helps plant seeds of understanding and respect that will grow for years to come. These events offer fun and accessible ways to explore history, honor Black voices, and build community together.
So pack some snacks, bring sunscreen, and make Juneteenth a tradition your family can look forward to each year.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.