New Orleans Juneteenth Festival
New Orleans will mark the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with a full afternoon of music, culture, and community at the 2025 New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, held at Congo Square in Armstrong Park on Thursday, June 19.
The free, family-friendly festival begins at 12 p.m. and runs through the early evening, bringing together local artists, small businesses, food vendors, and families to commemorate freedom and celebrate Black resilience.
What to Expect at This Year's Festival
Admission: The event is free and open to the public. No registration or tickets are required to attend.
Location and Time:
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Congo Square - Louis Armstrong Park
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701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA
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Thursday, June 19, 2025
Limited street parking is available around Armstrong Park, but attendees are strongly encouraged to use rideshare services or public transportation. The park is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Live Music Lineup at Congo Square
The music schedule kicks off with a second line parade at 12:00 p.m., followed by a stacked lineup of local talent:
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12:30 p.m. - Voodoo Queen Kalindah Laveaux
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1:00 p.m. - Watotos of Kumbuka
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2:00 p.m. - Nell Simmons
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3:00 p.m. - Game Ova Skipp
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4:00 p.m. - BJ So Cole
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5:00 p.m. - Jelly Joseph
Additional sounds will be provided by DJ Clavo on the youth stage. The festival also includes drum circles, spoken word, community rituals, and dance performances throughout the afternoon.
Vendors, Food & Activities
Over 60 local Black-owned businesses and makers will be on site, offering a wide range of goods. Guests can also enjoy cuisine from a variety of vendors, including Big Bertha Barbeque, Cultured Vegan, and Danielle's New Orleans Style Snoballs.
The festival grounds will also feature a youth activity zone, health & wellness resources, ancestral altars and educational displays, and live art and community workshops.
An official list of vendors can be found here.
The Juneteenth Freedom Gala: 'Black Tense'
The celebration continues the next evening with the 2025 Juneteenth Freedom Gala, themed "Black Tense: Celebrating Black Past, Present & Future." The gala will take place on Friday, June 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Andre Callioux Center (2541 Bayou Rd.).
This formal event honors Tarionna "Tank" Ball with the 2025 North Star Award and will feature live performances, fine dining, and reflections on the ongoing struggle for liberation. Gala tickets are expected to be released soon.
Support the Festival
The Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society welcomes sponsors to help fund the event and sustain future Juneteenth celebrations. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000+, and payment plans are available through Klarna. For more information, visit here.
For more details, the full schedule, or ways to get involved, visit the official festival website at nolajuneteenthfestival.org or follow @nolajuneteenthfestival on social media.
