Presented by the American Dairy Association North East 

Celebrate Juneteenth with performances and activities promoting and cultivating the knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture. In partnership with the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, The Strong offers free admission and parking in honor of Juneteenth.

• Black National Anthem Performance—Wilson Lobby, 10:45 a.m.

Kick off your day and enjoy a performance of the Black National Anthem by Holden James Turner.

• Understanding Juneteenth: History, Culture, and Commemoration—Paychex Theater, 11 a.m.

Learn more about the importance and history of Juneteenth through a special curator talk led by Aryol Prater, the museum’s Research Specialist for Black Play & Culture.

• Jazz Sounds by ROC Music—Adams Atrium, 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy a jazz performance provided by students from the ROC Music Band and Dreamseeds.

• Get Grooving-Adams Atrium, 12 to 2 p.m.

Dance along to the music provided by DJ Slaveon and enjoy the mix of blues, jazz, hip-hop and more.

• African Dance and Drumming by Miracles Dance Studio—Paychex Theater, 12 p.m.

Watch young dancers perform African dances accompanied by professional African drumming.

• Step It Up—Paychex Theater, 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy a step dance performance from School 33’s dance team.

• Forever Essence Fashion Show—Paychex Theater, 1 p.m.

Join us for a dazzling display of stylish outfits, bold colors and powerful statements honoring the importance of Juneteenth provided by the Beauty Queens of Forever Essence.

• Musical Memories—Paychex Theater, 3 p.m.

Enjoy an empowering performance by Dr. Crystal from the Eastman School of Music.

• Freedom in Frosting: Juneteenth Cookie Craft—Riedman Commons

Join the American Dairy Association North East and Chef Nada Mays for a vibrant hibiscus cookie frosting station in celebration of Juneteenth. Guests will decorate cookies using bold colors and flavors that honor the holiday’s history of resilience, joy, and cultural heritage.

• Hair Braiding—Play Lab

Learn about the importance of hair braiding and hair management in the African American culture.

• Freedom Scholars Art—Field of Play Lobby

Enjoy a gallery of artwork created by local students and scholars celebrating important Black figures throughout history.

• Photo Ops and High Fives—Adams Atrium

Meet the Patriotic Captain, the Mermaid Princess, and Chopper the Nighthawk throughout the day!

• Celebrate and Play—Riedman Commons

Join in on the neighborhood tradition of Double Dutch or show off your moves with some hula hoops. It’s time to get moving and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

• Puppy’s Games Café

Enjoy a game of Uno, the unofficial, but official card game of Black culture! Share your personal rules for the game or learn about someone else’s all while listening to a playlist cultivated specifically for Juneteenth, featuring songs by Marvin Gaye and Frankie Beverly.

• Sugary Delights—Near Wegmans Super Kids Market

Enjoy a sweet cotton candy treat from Sugary Delights. Fees apply.