Juneteenth Festival

Focusing on family-friendly entertainment, this annual event brings generations together for a day of music, food, and shopping from Black-owned businesses. The festival spans five blocks along the South Berkeley Alcatraz-Adeline corridor and draws thousands of attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

When & Where

Sunday, June 15, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Alcatraz and Adeline

Each year on Father’s Day, the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival occurs in the Lorin District along South Berkeley’s Adeline corridor, from Ashby to Alcatraz.

Getting There

Taking BART to the festival? Get off at the Berkeley Ashby Station and walk South on Adeline toward Alcatraz Avenue.

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Activities

KID/STEM Zone

The KID/STEM Zone features attractions like a rock wall, roller skating, and hands-on STEM activities. Young children can also enjoy dance, storytelling, slides, jumpers, clowns, face painting, and art projects led by local organizations.

Lothario Lotho Stage

The Lothario Lotho Stage showcases performances geared toward young adults, with acts ranging from music and dance to theatre, spoken word, and fashion.

RD Bonds Main Stage

The RD Bonds Main Stage of the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival features music rooted in the African American experience, such as jazz, blues, gospel, neo-soul, reggae, and more. While major artists like H.E.R. have performed here, the stage also makes space for up-and-coming local talent, offering them a platform to reach new audiences.

Food Vendors

Vendors offer various foods and goods, including culturally significant dishes that reflect and represent the Berkeley community. Looking for information about becoming a vendor? Click here!

Community Outreach

Festival vendors promote healthier, safer communities and prioritize well-being. Nonprofit organizations are on-site to share vital information and local resources.

Shopping

Juneteenth in Berkeley has become one of Northern California’s top events for purchasing African goods and other specialty items. It’s an excellent opportunity to support Black-owned merchants and local entrepreneurs.

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Event History and Significance

In its 38th year in 2025, the Berkeley Juneteenth festival is a beloved community event. It began to create community pride and unite South Berkeley businesses and residents to celebrate a significant African American cultural event. The first annual festival took place in 1987. In 2014, Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations was established, expanding to include Black History Month events each February.

The festival's roots trace back to 1986 when RD Bonds and others first celebrated Juneteenth in Berkeley with chicken dinners and a party at Nick's Lounge to fund the inaugural street festival. Over the years, key figures like James Sweeney, Dorothy Wiggins, and Sam Dyke played roles in its development.

Today, the festival thrives thanks to the contributions of countless individuals, including artists like Carla Oden and Mildred Howard, and community figures like Lothario Lotho, who served as the festival's emcee for over two decades. Juneteenth in Berkeley is a powerful example of belonging as the community continues to celebrate the Black experience.

Learn more about Juneteenth and this annual event here.