Birmingham is marking Juneteenth in a big way this year, with festivities spread across the city honoring the holiday’s deep significance and bringing the community together in joyful style.

According to WVTM and the City of Birmingham, Juneteenth celebrations are happening across Birmingham on June 19, giving residents of all ages a chance to gather, reflect, and celebrate. The spirit of the day is reaching young people in a special way as well: Major League Baseball returned to Birmingham with Juneteenth youth activities, giving kids a hands-on connection to both the holiday and America’s pastime.

Adding an extra layer of historic excitement to the occasion, the Negro Southern League Museum — one of Birmingham’s most treasured cultural landmarks — closed its doors for the day so staff and visitors alike could take part in the Juneteenth Rickwood Game. Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball park in the United States, served as the backdrop for a celebration that ties Birmingham’s rich baseball heritage directly to the meaning of Juneteenth.

Together, these events paint a picture of a city that knows how to honor its history while bringing neighbors together. From youth baseball activities to a game at the legendary Rickwood Field, Birmingham’s Juneteenth lineup offered something meaningful for everyone — and a reminder of just how much community spirit lives in the Magic City.

Sources: WVTM, City of Birmingham, Alabama (.gov), City of Birmingham, Alabama (.gov)