Reading to celebrate Juneteenth with Freedom Festival on June 21
Residents are invited to come together on Saturday, June 21, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the Reading Town Common for the 2025 Juneteenth Freedom Festival, a family-friendly celebration of Black freedom, culture, and community.
Hosted by the Office of Equity and Social Justice in collaboration with community partners, the festival honors Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The event is free and open to the public and will feature an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment for all ages, including:
A pop-up marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses and local vendors
Food trucks offering a wide variety of delicious eats
Inspiring community and student speakers
Live music and DJ sets
An educational program hosted at Old South Church
Interactive experiences that honor the history and joy of Juneteenth
Organizers emphasize that the festival is more than just a celebration - it’s a chance to reflect, learn, and build stronger, more inclusive community ties. This event is about honoring the resilience, contributions, and brilliance of the Black community. It is also a joyful space where everyone is welcome to gather, celebrate, and grow together.
Accessibility and volunteering
The event is designed with accessibility in mind. Residents with questions to accommodation needs are encouraged to email the Director of Equity and Social Justice, Albert Pless, at APless@ReadingMA.gov. Community members interested in volunteering at the event can use the same contact.
With music, dance, food, and education all in one place, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival promises to be a powerful and joyful community gathering.
Flyer by the Office of Equity and Social Justice.
