Rochester’s Juneteenth Weekend Events
Written by Tariq on June 16, 2023
Irondequoit Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday)
The Town of Irondequoit and E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racism and Seeking Equity) are hosting their fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday.
The event kicks off with a Youth Basketball Classic at the Irondequoit Community Center at 9 a.m. Then, the Freedom Celebration runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Irondequoit Town Hall on 1280 Titus Avenue.
The celebration features Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. and his band along with the East Irondequoit Student Step Team and Drum Line. It also features food, raffles, and games.
Rochester Juneteenth Festival (Saturday)
The Rochester Juneteenth Festival kicks off on Saturday with a parade at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Chesnut Street and Court Street and ends at the Strong National Museum of Play.
After that, the free festival continues from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park with live music, food, and cultural celebrations. There will also kids zone, gospel hour, and vendors plaza. Nationally acclaimed R&B artist Lil’ Mo will perform at the festival at 8 p.m.
Free Admission at Strong National Museum of Play (Saturday)
Strong Museum is offering free admission on Saturday as part of the Juneteenth Festival happening at nearby MLK Park. The museum will also hold a variety of activities to honor Black history including:
- An interactive song and dance presented by Queen Mother Almeta Whitis Story Doula at noon and 2 p.m. in the Paychex Theater.
- A performance from the YMCA Dreamseeds band at 12:30 p.m. in the Adams Atrium.
- A meeting with local writer Nykki Matthews, author of The Truth About Me, at 1 p.m. and Latasha Pride, author of Why We Protest, at 2 p.m. in the Adams Atrium.
- A dance performance by the Purple Diamondz at 1:15 p.m. and the Miracles Dance Center at 1:30 p.m. in the Paychex Theater.
- A sing-along with Miss Sweet Potato Pie at 2:30 p.m. in the Adams Atrium.
Juneteenth Celebration Bike Brigade (Saturday)
The Roc Freedom Riders are holding their 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Bike Brigade on Saturday. People will begin cycling at 353 Court Street downtown and ride in support of Black communities. The ride is from 10 a.m. to noon.
Irondequoit Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday)
The Town of Irondequoit and E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racism and Seeking Equity) are hosting their fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday.
The event kicks off with a Youth Basketball Classic at the Irondequoit Community Center at 9 a.m. Then, the Freedom Celebration runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Irondequoit Town Hall on 1280 Titus Avenue.
The celebration features Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. and his band along with the East Irondequoit Student Step Team and Drum Line. It also features food, raffles, and games.
