32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The City of Santa Monica will host the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park. This year’s theme is Rising Above Racism: A Legacy of Empowerment & Pride. The free family-friendly event will feature an afternoon of music, unique food and craft vendors, a kid’s activity area, a community stage, and local resources.    

The Main Stage will present a stellar line up of musicians including Blues artist Sonny Green, local favorite OPERATION: Butterfly, gospel group Lifeline Quartet, soloist Miss Aliya, and featuring soul singer, Sy Smith presented in partnership with BroadStage.  DJ Sucafree will provide lively DJ sets, KJLH’s Arron “Bobo” Arnell will emcee and Chazz Ross will lead a pre-show participatory drumming performance. 

Main Stage Line Up:  

1:45 p.m. Pre-show with participatory drumming performance with Chazz Ross 

2:00 p.m. Welcome by Juneteenth Founder LaVerne Ross with soloist Miss Aliya performing the Black National Anthem 

2:20 p.m. Gospel performance by Lifeline Quartet 

3:00 p.m. Invocation by Interfaith Council and presentation of Juneteenth Proclamation to LaVerne Ross 

3:35 p.m. R&B and Soul group OPERATION: Butterfly  

5:00 p.m. Local Blues artist Sonny Green 

6:20 p.m. Sy Smith will perform original and classic soul, jazz, folk, and gospel music, presented in partnership with BroadStage 

7:00 p.m. Closing remarks by Juneteenth Founder La Verne Ross  

In addition to the Main Stage musical performances, the festival will also include the Community Stage featuring panel discussions and spoken word artists.  Participants can also enjoy a children’s craft area and community resource booths. A cultural arts marketplace will feature over a dozen vendors selling a wide variety of cultural arts, jewelry, clothing, and more. Marketplace vendors include Moondance Books, YM Jewels, Wanawake Wanawake Hats, Affirmation Effect, Aingeel-Z Jewelry & Accessories, and more. Food will be available for purchase from Jon Que’s Smokeout barbeque, Wing Lord and the Patty Wagon food trucks, and desserts from C&L Catering.  

Known as America’s 2nd Independence Day, Juneteenth has been celebrated in Santa Monica since 1992 thanks to LaVerne Ross when she approached the City to commemorate the holiday that her family celebrated in Texas.