Boston Juneteenth 2025: Celebrations, Culture & Community 🖤🎉 (June 19–22, 2025)
From powerful Juneteenth events across the city to a spotlight on The Urban Grape, a Black-owned wine shop that’s redefining community, there's so much to do in the city. Plus, don’t miss our curated list of free weekend things to do! 🖤❤️💚 (June 19–22, 2025)
What's Poppin': Juneteenth Celebrations In Boston 🖤❤️💚
😍 What’s New In Boston This Week: Juneteenth 2025
Boston’s honoring freedom and community with powerful vibes and outdoor celebrations this week. 🖤❤️💚 From soul-stirring performances to lively block parties and community cookouts, Juneteenth is taking over the city with music, food, art, and joy. Commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the nation’s journey toward justice and to celebrate Black culture, resilience, and entrepreneurship.
🌦️ Boston Weekend Weather Check
Note: Weather forecasts are subject to change. Please check local forecasts closer to the date.
- Thursday (6/19): Mostly sunny with a high near 78°F (26°C). Perfect start to the long weekend!
- Friday (6/20): Warm and sunny, highs around 82°F (28°C).
- Saturday (6/21): Partly cloudy, highs near 75°F (24°C). Great for outdoor events.
- Sunday (6/22): A few showers possible, high of 71°F (22°C).
5 Free Juneteenth Celebrations In Boston:
🖤 Juneteenth MFA Open House
Admission to the MFA, including access to “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits”, is free for all Massachusetts residents on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.
- Where: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston
- When: Thursday, June 19th | 10am to 5pm
- Details: MFA
❤️ Juneteenth ICA Free Admission
The ICA is offering free museum admission all day on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth.
- Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston
- When: Thursday, June 19th | 10am to 5pm
- Details: ICA
💚 Juneteenth Block Party
This year’s celebration is packed with free food, music, line dancing, a giant waterslide, and a mechanical bull!
- Where: Florida Ruffin Ridley School, 345 Harvard Street, Brookline
- When: Thursday, June 19th | 12pm to 4pm
- Details: Block Party
✊🏾 Juneteenth Parade
Join for a full day of community engagement that includes education, inspiration, family fun, and countless other experiences!
- Where: Museum of the National Center for Afro American Artists, 300, Walnut Avenue, Roxbury
- When: Thursday, June 19th | 12pm to 6pm
- Details: Juneteenth Emancipation Observance
🎉 Juneteenth Celebration & Community Picnic
Enjoy picnics, barbecues, music, dancing and more at the Shattuck Picnic Grove and all over the park.
- Where: Franklin Park, Shattuck Picnic Area, Boston
- When: Saturday, June 21st | 11am to 7pm
- Details: Juneteenth Celebration
Hidden Gem In Boston: Black-owned & Woman-owned Luxury Liquor Store
🔥 What Is The Urban Grape?
Located at 303 Columbus Avenue in Boston’s South End, The Urban Grape is a Black-owned and woman‑owned wine, beer, and spirits shop that doubles as a vibrant community hub. With over a decade in the neighborhood, it’s nationally renowned for its signature “Progressive Scale”: wines organized by color, body (light-to-full), and price, making wine selection intuitive and fun. They host free public tastings every Thursday and Saturday, and the shop features thoughtfully curated selections from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women-producers, and organic sources.
❤️ What Makes The Urban Grape A Hidden Gem?
What really sets The Urban Grape apart is its warmth and community-first values. The staff create an environment that feels like family, offering personalized guidance and hosting memorable private events. They’re not just selling wine; they’re building connections and lifting underrepresented voices in the industry. Plus, they’ve pioneered educational initiatives like the Urban Grape Wine Studies Award for students of color at Boston University, helping shape the next generation of diverse wine professionals.
📍 The Urban Grape Is Worth A Visit
- Where: 303 Columbus Avenue, South End, Boston
- When: Open Every Day | 12pm to 8pm
- Admission: Free
- Details: The Urban Grape
This Weekend: Free and Cool Things To Do in Boston 🆓 🎉
🎪 Cambridge Arts River Festival 2025
Enjoy a walk through Mermaid Promenade, live DJs, interactive arts, buskers, international food, arts and crafts market, and more.
- When: Saturday, June 21st, 11am to 6pm
- Where: Charles River, Memorial Drive, JFK Street, and Western Ave, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
- Details: Cambridge Arts Festival
🌈 Retromania: Summer Shindig
100 small businesses are popping up at the Brighton Elks Lodge in Boston to sell vintage fashion, collectible classics, & nostalgic goods!
- When: Saturday to Sunday, June 21st to 22nd, 11am to 6pm
- Where: Brighton Elks Lodge, 326 Washington St, Brighton
- Admission: Free
- Details: Retromania
🎷 Fenway Porchfest
Free outdoor music festival at various locations across the Fenway neighborhood!
- When: Saturday, June 21st, 12:30pm to 4pm
- Where: Fenway, Boston
- Admission: Free
- Details: Porchfest
📚 Harvard Square Bookish Ball
Features literary tours of Harvard Square, treats, live music, and special book-themed promotions in various local bookstore businesses.
- When: Sunday, June 22nd, 11am to 4pm
- Where: Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
- Details: Bookish Ball
🎉 Bachata By The River
Join in for a free and high-energy outdoor dance event at Magazine Beach Park.
- When: Sunday, June 22nd, 6pm to 9pm
- Where: Magazine Beach Park: Nature Center, 668 Memorial Dr, Cambridge
- Admission: Free
