Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration

Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at National Harbor

The fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration takes over the National Harbor waterfront on June 19. The Black-owned marketplace opens at 11am with 30+ vendors under the Capital Canopy with clothes, skincare, accessories, and food. Later in the day, the Rhythm & Roots Stage has live music and dance performances, including local community troupes.

There's an educational display walking through the history of Juneteenth that's worth stopping at with older kids. The waterfront area has plenty of open space for littles to move around while you listen to music. It's a full day event, so you can pop in for an hour or make it an afternoon.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Hit the marketplace in the morning: The vendors are freshest and the crowd is lightest before 1pm. By mid-afternoon the walkways get packed.
• ✓Bring cash for vendors: While some take cards, many of the smaller vendors are cash-only. An ATM is available at National Harbor but the lines can be long.
• ✓The waterfront has no shade: June in Maryland means heat. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water bottles. There are a few covered spots near the restaurants but not many along the boardwalk.
• ✓Strollers work fine on the boardwalk: The paths are wide and paved. No issues navigating with a stroller or wagon.
• ✓Consider taking the NH1 shuttle bus: Parking garages fill up fast on event days. The shuttle from Southern Avenue Metro is free and drops you at the front.
• ✓There's a carousel and other attractions nearby: If kids need a break from the festival, the Capital Wheel and carousel at National Harbor are right there (separate admission).