3rd Annual San Rafael

Juneteenth in Downtown (and beyond)
2026

Join the Business Improvement District as we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of reflection, celebration, and community. Discover the heart of our city as businesses come together to honor this historic milestone in American history with an array of activities all month long.

This page is a centralized hub where our community can learn about the various events and offerings taking place throughout the month of June in Downtown San Rafael - and beyond!

Visit the organizations below to celebrate Freedom Day, learn, and experience the special activities San Rafael has to offer this month including: Readings, Historian Talks, City Proclamation, Festivals, Art Exhibits, Live Music, Community Gatherings, and more!

 

Juneteenth logo 600 x 600 px)
Poster for the 2026 San Rafael Juneteenth Black Excellence Festival, featuring a silhouette of a Black woman with a colorful headwrap and the keynote speaker, Bishop Yvette Flunder.

San Rafael Juneteenth Black Excellence Festival Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community Impact June 20, 2026, 10am - 3pm

Performances by the world-renowned Lighthouse Singers Gospel Choir & the City of Refuge UCC Choir African American gospel music, food, artists, and more! 

Honoring Black Women Who Changed the World

A central highlight of the 2026 festival will be the San Rafael Juneteenth Black Excellence Awards, recognizing extraordinary women whose leadership strengthens communities and advances justice.

Each award will honor a contemporary leader while also commemorating a historic Black woman whose innovation changed the world.

San Rafael's Juneteenth Activities 2026:

  • June 1 San Rafael City Council Meeting - 1400 5th Ave - A proclamation commemorating Juneteenth will be heard at the City Council 
  • June ALL MONTH - CAFILM's online streaming platform Rafael@Home, is currently offering films which focus on Black stories - CLICK HERE
  • June 20 - Christ Presbyterian Church Juneteenth Black Excellence Festival - 620 Del Ganado Rd - Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and Community Impact
  • June 20 - Curated Book display of Black authors and Civil Right Politics- Rebound Bookstore - 1611 4th Street
  • June ALL MONTH - Salon B - 886 4th Street - Will be featuring and promoting local Black-owned businesses from Marin County and throughout the Bay Area in our salon and on our social media platforms. They will also be hosting a Juneteenth Gift Basket Giveaway, where guests who spend $25 or more on retail products will be entered to win a basket filled with our favorite salon goodies!