Downtown Pittsburgh Celebrates Juneteenth

Honor and celebrate Freedom Day (June 19th) in Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend with free, family-friendly activities, live musical performances, local vendors and a parade.

The 2023 Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration returns to Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend to honor and commemorate June 19th, also known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. Pittsburgh’s historic 1870 Freedom Day marked the passage of the 15th Amendment with splendid commemorations, parades, compelling oratory, music, re-enactments, street fairs, and family reunions.

Keep reading to see some of the highlights happening this weekend, and visit the WPA Juneteenth website to learn more.

All Weekend Long | Live Music in Point State Park

Friday, June 16

• Hurricane Chris, 5 p.m. 
• Arrested Development, 6:30 p.m. 
• KRS-ONE, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 17

• The Jazz Ambassadors of The US Army Field Band, 2 p.m. 
• SAMMIE, 5 p.m. 
• KeKe Wyatt, 6:30 p.m. 
• Carl Thomas & Band, 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 18

• Sammie Deleon Afro-Cuban Band, 3 p.m. 
• Soul 4 Real, 6:30 p.m. 
• Erica Campbell, 8 p.m.

Monday, June 19

• The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m. 
• Phyllis Hyman Tribute Band, 5 p.m. 
• RUFF ENDZ, 6:30 p.m. 
• The Ohio Players, 8 p.m. 
• Juneteenth Fireworks, 9:35 p.m.

Saturday, June 17 2023 | Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade

This Grand Jubilee Parade continues the tradition that started in 1870, where people filled Pittsburgh’s streets to recognize the passage of the 15th Amendment, which granted Black men the right to vote.

Starting at 10:30 a.m. the parade will leave from Freedom Corner on Crawford Street in the Hill District and end in Point State Park. Spectators can view the parade on Centre, Fifth and Liberty avenues throughout morning. 

After the parade, check out the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, which welcomes dozens of minority-owned small businesses, artisans and other vendors at a Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza along Liberty and Penn Avenues, just outside of Point State Park. 

All Weekend Long | Live Music in Market Square

The celebration continues in Market Square with daily live concerts starting at 1 p.m. See local jazz, soul and R&B favorites, including the House of Soul Band, Kevin Howard Quartet, and Bill Henry Band.

Continue the celebration in July at the 2023 Pittsburgh Black Music Festival, July 13-15. Also hosted at Point State Park and Market Square in, this five-day festival features live jazz, gospel, hip-hop, R&B, funk, blues and soul performances.