SANTA CRUZ JUNETEENTH 2026
Santa Cruz Juneteenth celebrates Black Liberation and Freedom for our 35h year on June 13h at Laurel Park behind the historic London Nelson Community Center in downtown Santa Cruz, 12 - 6pm.
Our theme this year is: Resilience
Join us for Music, Dance, Poetry from the Diaspora, nourishing soul food, craft booths, and help create an Ancestors Altar. Move your body with our Moments of Movements instructors. Dance to the park in our 2nd Line Sidewalk Parade starting at noon at the BLM Mural with a live brass and drum band and our Honorary Grand Marshal.
The Joint Chiefs, Phreeborn & the Phreequency, Gina René and the Juneteenth Choir, Karlton Heston & the Hesperians, Joe Blan Duo, Lee Earl, Mesha L, Tannery World Dance Youth dancers, and DJ Sparkle will grace the stage.
Always FREE, there's plenty of activities for children too, including the sack race and the basketball clinic.
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Juneteenth 2nd Line Sidewalk Parade with Honorary Grand Marshalls - Deborah Hill & Ariba Alston
Saturday, June 13th at 12 pm!
Meet at 809 Center St, Santa Cruz
Details:
Meet at the Black Lives Matter Mural and parade to Laurel Park for the Juneteenth Celebration!
Parade to the park with our live 2nd Line drum and brass band. Bring your instruments and dancing shoes!
Liberation Paddle Out
Friday, June 19, 2026
Noon - 5pm
Cowell Beach at Santa Cruz Wharf
Black Surf Santa Cruz is hosting our sixth annual Liberation Paddle Out event in commemoration of Juneteenth at Cowell Beach.
The Liberation Paddle Out is a celebration inviting both BSSC members and the general public for a day out on the ocean. The LPO is a free event and a full day of fun including:
Live DJ: @thatsmaigirl
Free Equipment & Lessons (while supplies last)
Food by @areperia831
Prizes, Games, &
Community Fun
A welcoming space to honor Black liberation & ocean connection.