Free events for summer and Juneteenth in NYC | LIST
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New Yorkers are coming together starting Wednesday to celebrate Juneteenth.
It was 159 years ago when Union General and native New Yorker Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He delivered the news that a quarter of a million slaves in Texas had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior.
The day became known as Juneteenth and symbolizes the battle against oppression.
In 2020, it became a New York State holiday and in 2021, it was finally recognized as a federal holiday.
On Wednesday night, the Empire State Building will shine its lights in red, black, and green, while several events marking Juneteenth are taking place across New York City.
Check out the full list of cultural events happening throughout the summer for New Yorkers to enjoy for free HERE.
Some highlights include:
- Bric Celebrate Brooklyn Celebrate Brooklyn | June 8 - August 17
- Carnegie Hall Carnegie Hall Citywide: OKAN | July 20
- Classical Theatre of Harlem Classical Theatre of Harlem's A Midsummer Night's Dream | July 6-28
- Staten Island Philharmonic conference house Conference House Free Performances | June 9-July 7
- Make Music NY Pueblo Harlem Make Music New York | June 21
- Mermaid parade Mermaid Parade | June 22
- Queensboro Dance Queensboro Dance Festival | Through September 15
- Snug Harbor Juneteenth Cottage Row: Curiosities | June 15-October 19
- Summerstage SummerStage | Through October 20
READ MORE: 7 tips to tidy up your budget so you can splurge on summer fun
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