ROCHESTER, NY—The Strong National Museum of Play is pleased to offer free general admission and parking on Saturday, June 14, in celebration of Juneteenth. The day is presented by the American Dairy Association NE and held in partnership with the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. The museum’s activities are part of a larger, community celebration at the nearby Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. (Learn more about Rochester’s festivities at www.rochesterjuneteenth.com.)
Enjoy performances and activities promoting and cultivating the knowledge and appreciation of Black history, culture, and businesses throughout the day at The Strong:
- Black National Anthem Performance—Wilson Lobby, 10:45 a.m. 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, noon. Watch dancers perform traditional 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. See 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 Holden Turner 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.
- Sugary Delights—Near Wegmans Super Kids Market. Enjoy a sweet cotton candy treat from Sugary Delights. Fees apply.
All activities are included with free general admission. (Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden and Skyline Climb tickets are not included.) Registration in advance is recommended.