CITY OF PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH 2025 WITH MONTHLONG EVENTS HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Ed Gainey, and the CitiParks Office of Special Events are proud to announce a citywide commemoration of Juneteenth, honoring the enduring spirit and cultural contributions of African Americans through a series of community-centered events.
The City remains committed to advancing equity and inclusion in all programs. Throughout the month of June, residents can take part in activities that celebrate freedom, history, and unity—including Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, a CommUnity Concert at Allegheny Commons East, Family Skate Night in Schenley Park in partnership with the PGH SK8 Collaborative, a special Storytime with the Roving Art Cart, and the grand finale: WAMO Day, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh.
In recognition of their lasting contributions, several distinguished African American leaders will also be presented with keys to the City.
“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it’s also a celebration of CommUnity — of neighbors coming together to honor African American history, uplift one another, and build a stronger, more united Pittsburgh,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “These events reflect the heart of our city: resilience, culture, and shared purpose. I want to thank every organization, artist, and resident helping to make this Juneteenth meaningful for all.”
This collective remembrance is presented through the following program schedule:
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Location: Allegheny Commons East (at Cedar and Lockhart Street)
About: Performing artists Kanti Kasa and Live from the City bring their high energy and style to the stage for this celebration featuring kids’ activities and cookout with our partner Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. Community Kitchen will be providing the first 100 meals for free. We will have additional food vendors, a 3pt shoot out contest and additional backyard games!
Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park
Date/ Location: Multiple dates and locations
About: “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park” invites you to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy your favorite park location’s showing a special feature film of “Soul” or “Fences”.
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Monday, June 16, 2025, Banksville showing “Soul”
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Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Schenley Park at Flagstaff Hill showing “Fences”
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Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Schenley Plaza showing “Fences”
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Friday, June 20, 2025, Arsenal Park showing “Soul”
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Saturday, June 21, 2025, Grandview Park showing “Soul”
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Saturday, June 21, 2025, Riverview Park, at the base of the Observatory showing “Fences”
Schenley Park Family Skate Night in partnership with PGH Sk8 Collaborative
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Location: Schenley Park Skating Rink
About: Join us for a fun and meaningful evening that highlights the rich history of roller-skating in the African American community. Enjoy the excitement on wheels while learning about local efforts to expand skating opportunities across Pittsburgh—and find out how you can get involved!
Tickets must be reserved online by clicking here: bit.ly/3HvmBTF
Me and Uncle Romie Storytime @ the Roving Art Cart
Date: Week of June 17, 2025
June 17th Allegheny Commons Park, North Side
June 18th Paulson Spray Park, Lincoln-Lemington
June 20th Highland Park Super Playground
About: Visit the Roving Art Cart to paint, bead, and sculpt in nature’s studio with guest artists offering special projects tailored for ages 5-12. We will have a special story time reading of the children’s book Me and Uncle Romie. A story inspired by the life and art of Romare Bearden. Romare moved to Pittsburgh from New York City with his grandparents and learned to draw from a neighbor and later went to college. Romare's art often depicted Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
WAMO DAY in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Location: Highland Park, Fountain Lawn
About: WAMO 107.3 made history on June 19, 1993, by hosting Pittsburgh’s first organized Juneteenth celebration—WAMO Day. Since then, WAMO has proudly partnered with the City of Pittsburgh on numerous events that uplift and celebrate Black culture.
This year, WAMO joins the City once again for a vibrant showcase of Black talent, culture, and community. The celebration will feature live entertainment, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
As part of the festivities, Mayor Ed Gainey will present keys to the City to several notable African American leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
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