Juneteenth Buffalo is celebrating it 50-year anniversary on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Buffalo, NY 14211. Already, there is a huge hype surrounding this celebration, as people, businesses, schools, and organizations prepare to partake in all of the rituals, including the parade.
From the Juneteenth website: “Juneteenth of Buffalo stands as one of the world’s longest-running, largest, and most attended summer festivals. Juneteenth is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of collective progress. From the moment the parade begins, the streets come alive with the rhythmic beats of drill teams, the electrifying energy of dancers and performers, and the dazzling presence of community leaders and activists marching with purpose. Children and teens proudly take part, waving flags, showcasing their talents, and embracing the legacy of resilience and unity.”
Signature Events & Experiences
Praise & Worship – Friday June 12
5PM – 7PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Near the Bust)
You know better! Pray first!
All are welcome to this spiritual gathering to praise in to the 50th Anniversary Festival weekend! Attendees can look forward to singing, dancing and good ol’ fashioned gospel encouragement!
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Juneteenth Parade – June 13th
Time: 10:00 am
One of the largest in the nation—celebrating freedom, heritage, and pride with floats, marching bands, community groups, and thousands of attendees. Leading this year’s Golden Anniversary Parade will be New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who will serve as Grand Marshal. Price, one of the original architects of Buffalo Juneteenth, will join her as a living link to the festival’s beginnings here five decades ago.
Official Judging Area: First Timothy Missionary Baptist Church, 1463 Genesee St., Buffalo.
Prime Viewing Area: Genesee Street and Best Street
Parade Route: Genesee Street and Moselle Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Events on BOTH June 13 AND June 14 in Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Mindfulness Garden
12 to 6:30 p.m.
Garden near Buffalo Science Museum (close to Humboldt Parkway/North Parade entrance)
Explore an interactive wellness sanctuary designed to provide a space for rest, reflection, healing, creativity, education, and community connection. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in both guided and self-guided experiences focused on mindfulness, holistic wellness, emotional well-being, and collective healing. Featuring meditation and breathwork, stretching and mindful movement, sound healing, community healing circles, creative expression and art activities, affirmation trees, reflection walks, reading area, rest and relaxation spaces, and a hammock lounge area.
Hidden Village
12 to 6:30 p.m.
BLERD Pavillion (Best Street side of park near Edutainment Stage & Basketball Courts)
Enjoy this space for fans of anime, comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and more! Meet other fans, take pictures with cosplayers, and find out about future events. This year’s friends include cosplayers, fairies, elves, Cyberbae, and the Players’ Alliance.
Arts & Culture Pavilion
Time: 1:00 – 6:30 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Stage #3 near Fillmore Avenue & North Parade Avenue
Showcasing local and regional artists, performers, and creatives who bring our stories to life through visual and performing arts. The stage lineup includes DJ IYKYK, ATL Drumline, NHM Nasty, K-Rob, Moko Jumbe, Ms Rey, Caleb Patterson, Ace the Outsider, Chrxs Prxce, Havoc J, Diferinc, Comedy Club, Laura Laura, Jay Aquaroius, IF, Dead Orchids, Brandon Dante, and Branch Station.
Agriculture Pavilion
Time: 1:00 – 6:30 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Fillmore Avenue, Shelters 3, 4, 5
Celebrating Black farming traditions, sustainability, food justice, and healthy living. Enjoy a food demonstration station, discover fresh food ideas, and learn smart saving tips and practical kitchen skills during a live demonstration.
Health & Wellness Pavilion
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Vendors alley (main strip) on Fillmore, near MLK Drive
Offering free resources, screenings, and wellness information to support the health and well- being of our community.
Book Sharing
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Near the bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
You can NEVER have enough books! Sponsored by Project Flight.
Children’s Activities Tent
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tennis Courts
Enjoy activities including a Tik Tok Zone, Bubble Zone, free bounce houses, family game zone, photo zone and carnival games. Activities provided by Buffalo Zoo, the Buffalo Science Museum, and Clown Around Entertainment.
Colored Girls Bike Too
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Corner of Best Street and Fillmore Avenue inside Heritage Tent
Enjoy free bicycle repair, tires, chains, brakes, cleaning, travel bags, and a bike raffle! Sponsored by the Erie County Office of Health Equity.
Heritage Tent
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Corner of Best Street and Fillmore Avenue
Explore displays of African artifacts, a veterans’ display, and cultural heritage information.
Elder Griot Village Tent
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Greenhouse Parking Lot, near the bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For seniors 62 and up: Providing water, snacks and fruit, prizes, giveaways and storytelling.
African Heritage Chalk Walk and Crafts
11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Near the bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Put your imagination to work! Sponsored by Buffalo Board of Education.
FREE Fine Art Juneteenth Portrait Series
Taking place at the historic grounds of MLK Jr. Park from June 13 through June 14, courtesy Yves-Richard Blanc, Corporate, Branding, Commercial & Fine Art Photographer
Blanc will photograph and return over 2,000 professionally edited final portrait files to the community at no cost
“This collection is a celebration of the human form and the profound beauty of our community. I hope viewers, participants, and supporters will be drawn into the depth captured within each image—that it stirs a feeling from deep within and honors the stories we share with ourselves and each other.” – Yves-Richard Blanc
The Mission: A cinematic celebration of community through fine art portraiture
Where: MLK Jr. Big Head, Buffalo, NY
When: Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, 2026. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: www.blancphotographie.com
Events ONLY on Friday, June 12
Prayer in the Park
5 p.m.
Near the bust of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join us for a spiritual gathering that will bring the community together in gratitude, healing, and collective hope. Also, enjoy the crowning of this year’s Malik and Malika: Wayne Rhodes and Alliah L. Agostini!
Basketball Exhibition Game
5 to 8 p.m.
Basketball courts near Buffalo Science Museum
7th and 8th grade boys and girls hit the courts in this game! Hosted by Total Package Sports 716, and sponsored by the Buffalo Police Department and Juneteenth Festival Inc.
Events ONLY on Saturday, June 13
Buffalo Juneteenth Intergenerational Sports Classic
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo
Can youthful energy defeat experience in table tennis and chess? Enjoy the chaos as youth ages 8 to 13 face off against OG legends who are 65 and up! (Note: Sign-up to play has closed. Event presented by Buffalo Black Billion and Juneteenth Festival Inc.)
Youth Empowerment Zone
12 to 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Lawn area between basketball courts, garden & fountain area)
Connect with educational institutions, workforce development programs, career exploration opportunities, health and wellness resources, mentors, and community organizations! The area will feature gaming trucks (sponsored by Buffalo Police), photo booths, free haircuts, bow tie demonstrations, henna art, lawn games (corn hole, Jenga), youth-focused discussions, leadership opportunities, and resource vendors dedicated to helping young people build successful futures. Youth who engage with participating organizations may also earn incentives and vouchers redeemable at designated festival vendors.
Edutainment Experiences
12 to 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park, behind Old Pool area and Casino on North Parade Avenue side
Enjoy educational and interactive activities and performances for youth ages 13 and up!
Saturday’s stage lineup includes performances from local artists including Kai Murray, Gary Coleman, Divine, Uzman, Ali Black, Bulli, Jaszi, 14 Mafia, N’Dure, Cashis, Nia Marie, Izanagi, Cash, Komadyn, Crlito, YXUNG, and Future Dance Studio. Tik Tok Challenge & Double Dutch hosted by Café.
Marnetta Malcolm Friday Night Live & Funk Fest Preview
1 to 3 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park, amphitheater outside the Buffalo Science Museum (near basketball courts)
Featuring DJ Big Poppa, enjoy previews of the Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live (coming June 19!) and this August’s Buffalo Funk Fest!
Entertainment Stage
1:30 p.m. until the music stops!
Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Greenhouse parking lot
Live performances featuring local and national talent—music, dance, and cultural showcases throughout the celebration.
- 1:30 p.m. The Fabulous Old School B Boys
- 2:45 p.m. D’Mott
- 4:15 p.m. David Jonathan and Inner City Bedlam
- 6 p.m. Double Bass
Events ONLY on Sunday, June 14, in Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Sunday Morning Worship
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Amphitheater outside the Buffalo Science Museum (near basketball courts)
Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Edward Jackson Jr. leads the community in prayer for a moving service.
Friday Night Live Crew Preview
12 to 2 p.m.
Amphitheater outside the Buffalo Science Museum (near basketball courts)
Featuring DJ Papa Trini, enjoy a preview of Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live, which is coming June 19.
Edutainment Experiences
12 to 6:30 p.m.
Behind Old Pool area and Casino on North Parade Avenue side
Enjoy educational and interactive activities and performances for youth ages 13 and up!
Saturday’s stage lineup includes performances from local artists including N’Dure, Divine, and an appearance by Sneak Vibe. Enjoy line dancing, a TikTok challenge, spoken word performances, a Youth Fashion Show with Buffalo Fashion Week, and a panel discussion hosted by Café.
Youth Empowerment Zone
12 to 6:30 p.m.
Amphitheater outside the Buffalo Science Museum (near basketball courts)
Enjoy gaming trucks (sponsored by Buffalo Police), free haircuts, and lawn games (corn hole, Jenga).
Special activities include:
- 1 p.m. The American Jump Rope Federation will engage and inspire youth with a performance and a workshop to teach new jump rope skills
- 1 to 2 p.m. Enjoy line dancing classes with Tay Time, Boxing Fundamentals with Bomb Squad Boxing Academy Center and Empower Me Fitness
- 3 p.m. The American Jump Rope Federation will offer a final performance before moving on to their National Championships at SUNY Buffalo State from June 17-20
Chess Tournament
All ages and skill levels welcome.
No registration needed – just show up and play!
Entertainment Stage
1:30 p.m. until the music stops!
Greenhouse parking lot
Live performances featuring local and national talent—music, dance, and cultural showcases throughout the celebration.
- 1:30 p.m. Cinnamon Jones
- 2:45 p.m. Odyssey Band
- 4:15 p.m. Unity Band
- 6:00 p.m. Adam Hawley (National & International Recording Artist)
Underground Railroad Tours:
2 p.m.
Explore historic sites, Buffalo’s powerful role in freedom-seeking journeys, and the stories that shaped our nation. Guided by Taliba Asante and Dewitt Lee, the tour leaves from the bus stop at the corner of Best Street and Fillmore Avenue, in front of the row houses.
