By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com. Be sure to submit your events two weeks in advance to have the chance to be featured on the list.

Juneteenth Celebrations: 

  1. World Premiere Screening of “Hapless Revenge” – 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at Our Place Event Space and Kitchen, 1107 Firehouse Alley. Don’t miss the world premiere of an original Juneteenth tale by Sasan Golfar, starring Phillip E. Walker with Johnnie Mae Greene. The event also includes a plate of Southern soul food cuisine. Tickets from $20.
  2. 2024 Capitol Park Juneteenth Holiday Celebration – Civil War Grove – 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Capitol Park – West Steps. Celebrate the rich history of Black culture with a fair that features music, food and entertainment while also honoring the historic African Americans who fought for all this to happen. Free and open to the public.
  3. Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Mix Downtown, 1525 L St. Join the Sacramento Black Chamber in celebration of Juneteenth. The event features networking, food, speakers, history and a time to gather and reflect. Tickets from $25.
  4. Juneteenth Open Mic ~ Music ~ Poetry ~ Hip Hop ~ Jazz – 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, via Zoom. Support Black artists as they perform online for a chance to win prizes of $100 for first place or $50 for second. Tickets from $5 for audience members and $10 for performers.
  5. Barnflix: “Black Panther” – 8:40-11 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Drake’s: The Barn, 985 Riverfront St., West Sacramento. Enjoy free movies ranging from family-friendly blockbusters to cinema classics on their jumbotron every other Wednesday. This week is “Black Panther,” the epic tale of Wakanda. Free and open to the public.
  6. Black Youth Leadership Project: Celebration Weekend 2024 – 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 21, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, and 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at various locations. Friday features the Route 916 Soiree at Estate Farms, so don your finest Western attire and join an evening celebrating the rich heritage of Black cowboy and cowgirl lifestyle. Enjoy an evening of live music and festivities in homage to the resilience and spirit of the Black cowboy. Saturday is Family Fun Day at Elk Grove Regional Park. Bring the whole family for a day filled with fun, laughter and community bonding. There will be a variety of activities for all ages, including games, sports, live entertainment, face painting and delicious food. Sunday is the Black Graduation Celebration at District 56 and will recognize the achievements of Black students in their educational journey. It’s a momentous occasion to honor their hard work and dedication. Graduates and promoters will be celebrated in a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Black community. Each event is free, attendees must register.
  7. Folsom Juneteenth – 1849, Negro Bar Townsite 175th Anniversary Tour – 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Historic Folsom Light Rail Station at Leidesdorff Plaza. Everyone is invited to join this short walking tour along the original streets of Historic Negro Bar, Sacramento County, reclaiming our “Golden Legacy” in the spirit of the unique California journey from slavery to freedom. Historian, artist, filmmaker and author Michael Harris leads the hourlong tour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a positive mental attitude to experience an amazing walk back in time. Tickets are $20.
  8. Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar Folsom – 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Black Miners Bar. This free event celebrates freedom, culture and honors the history of California’s Black 49ers who prospected for gold along the banks of the American River. The event features culinary delights, a beer and wine garden, speakers and performers, a concert, guided nature hikes, a kids zone, shopping, horseback riding, water sports and educational exhibits. Free, attendees must register online.
  9. Black Magic Coven: A Burlesque & Drag Celebration of Black Pride – 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at A Seat at the Table Books, 9257 Laguna Springs Drive #130, Elk Grove. Come out for a magical night celebrating Juneteenth and Pride. Haus of Ratchet’s Black Magic Coven Burlesque and Drag Show will dazzle you with mesmerizing performances. Prepare to be spellbound by this talented cast of performers, including Mone’t Ha-Sidi, Belladonna Fatale and Cyah Envy. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that brings pride, joy and freedom together. Tickets are $25.

Other Events: 

  1. Kids Camp: Alphabetex – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 17-18, Thursday-Friday, June 20-21, and Monday-Friday, June 24-28, at Verge Center for the Arts. Kids embark on an invigorating journey that draws inspiration from three diverse practices – martial arts, graffiti art and yoga – to introduce a unique and athletic perspective on the aerosol art form. The journey through Alphabetex involves three dynamic components, each designed to unlock your inner potential and foster a deep connection between mind, body and art. Alphabetex offers a transformative experience, where the lengthening movements of yoga, the precision of martial arts, and the creative essence of the alphabet converge into an artful expression of the self. As an accomplished artist, educator, martial arts black belt, and seasoned yoga instructor, Mr. Leon Willis, the camp leader, artfully amalgamates his rich and diverse background in visual arts, martial arts and yoga to adeptly guide individuals in nurturing essential social and emotional aptitudes. Tickets from $140, with opportunities for scholarship by emailing hannah@vergecontemporary.org.
  2. “Joyce J. Scott: Messages” – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, June 19-23, at Crocker Art Museum. “Joyce J. Scott: Messages” invites museum visitors to think about what it means to be American today through the lens of an extraordinary Black American artist who has pioneered the craft of beaded jewelry as a political weapon and a work of art. Organized by Mobilia Gallery, this exhibition presents 35 beaded objects expressing contemporary issues and concepts. Tickets from $15.
  3. Concerts in the Park: Christian Kuria – 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Join Concerts in the Park for their hip-hop night with Christian Kuria. He will be joined by Igwe Aka, K Hella, J Kent and Complex. Free and open to the public.
  4. SOUND OFF for Social Justice presents… Exhibit JUST-U.S. – 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Light and Water, 1814 Del Paso Blvd. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to engage with impactful art and connect with like-minded individuals. Experience thought-provoking artworks from area artists that shed light on important social justice issues, bringing awareness to the atrocities that have plagued the BIPOC community in the United States for centuries and how to ignite resolve. Tickets are $15.
  5. DC Ervin – SPECIAL EVENT Live Comedy – 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, at Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club. Known for his commanding stage presence and ability to bring the funny out of the realest of life’s struggles, it’s no surprise HBO MAX and Amazon Prime are home to his stand-up comedy specials. DC Ervin has shared stages with comedy greats such as Jerry Seinfeld, Marlon Wayans, Bill Burr, Damon Wayans Jr., DL Hughley, Tony Baker and many more. Tickets are $25.
  6. Soulful Saturdays: Hosted by Cierra Gordon – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Harlow’s. Get ready for a night of musical entertainment, hosted by featured artist Cierra Gordon. Tickets from $20.