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What's happening in Albuquerque for Juneteenth?
At Civic Plaza in Downtown Albuquerque, drummers lead a procession of people during the opening ceremony for the Juneteenth celebration during the 2024 Juneteenth event.
June 19 marks the four-year anniversary of Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 in which Union soldiers marched into Galveston Bay, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which passed two years earlier.
Albuquerque residents planned various block parties, rallies and celebrations throughout the weekend. Here’s a list of events and showings happening throughout the city.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
What: Third Thursday: Juneteenth
Where: Albuquerque Museum
When: 3 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Albuquerque Museum, in collaboration with the Office of Black Community Engagement will offer a night of celebration, featuring performances by Ms. Marley's House of Colors and VIIIZON Academy and ending the evening with a commemorative walk through its sculpture garden and Tiguex Park in honor of Opal Lee, a retired Texas teacher and activist who helped make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. The museum has also invited the Ujima Collective, which strives to support government agencies, companies and organizations in advancing anti-racist and inclusive policies, to the event.
What: Sunset Acequia Stroll
Where: Candelaria Nature Preserve
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
This slow, guided walk offers attendees a causal stroll through the nature reserve to deepen “nature connection” and celebrate liberation. Registration is required. You can register here.
What: SUMMER OF SOUL (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Where: Guild Cinema
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $7 to $10
Guild Cinema on Central Avenue is offering showings of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s debut documentary; “SUMMER OF SOUL (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” Described as “part music film, part historical celebration of Black history, culture, and fashion,” this documentary covers the six-weekend Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. Buy tickets here. View the trailer here.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
What: Juneteenth Freedom Block Party
Where: 1705 San Pedro Dr NE
When: 5 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free
Until We Dance Studios is hosting a block party with a DJ, dancing, raffles, vendors, dominoes and more on Friday. It is a free, family-friendly event, but donations are accepted. Find more information here.
What: Juneteenth Community Gospel Concert
Where: North Domingo Baca Park
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gospel musicians, including local duo Simple Truth Duet, are planning a concert at the North Domingo Baca Park outdoor Amphitheatre.
What: SUMMER OF SOUL (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Where: Guild Cinema
When: 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $7 to $10
Guild Cinema on Central Ave is offering showings of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s debut documentary; “SUMMER OF SOUL (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” Described as “part music film, part historical celebration of Black history, culture, and fashion,” this documentary covers the six-weekend Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. Buy tickets here. View the trailer here.
What: Juneteenth Public Art Exhibition
Where: The Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Satellite Gallery, eighth floor lobby of City Hall
When: June 12 - July 17, during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Public Art Urban Enhancement Division’s Juneteenth exhibit features local artists examining the question “What does it mean to be Black and 'invisible'?" Based on Ralph Ellison’s 1952 novel, “The Invisible Man,” this gallery includes pieces from Black artists across the state. Pieces displayed may become part of the gallery’s permanent collection.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
What: The People's Juneteenth! For Us, By Us, With Us!
Where: Roosevelt Park
When: 4 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Building Power for Black New Mexico, a collective of Black community organizers, is planning an event to celebrate powerful resistance, including teach-ins, cultural performances, family-friendly activities and free food. Find out more here.
What: Juneteenth Freedom Day: "Where do we go from here?"
Where: Haynes Park in Rio Rancho
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
The city of Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services is hosting an event in celebration of freedom, reflection and the road ahead. The celebration will include food trucks, vendors, health screenings and performances.
What: Santa Fe Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Santa Fe Plaza
When: 4 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
This Freedom Day gathering in Santa Fe will feature DJ Natasha Diggs, live jazz and blues bands, local food and vendors. Find more information here.
