In honor of Juneteenth, which celebrates the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, a wide array of events are taking place from June 17th-19th in San Francisco's predominantly African-American communities. 

This year, celebrations will be held in both Bayview and the Fillmore, bringing together neighbors for food, performances, games, and a parade. In conjunction with the holiday, the 17th annual edition of the San Francisco Black Film Festival will also take place, with screenings at several venues in the Fillmore.

Here's a look at each of the events. 

Juneteenth in the Bayview

As the Bayview Opera House continues to prepare for its grand reopening in October, its staff remains busy activating Mendell Plaza with culturally themed events. This year's Juneteenth will feature the world premiere of a new play, "CRACK. RUMBLE. FLY.," written and directed by Aleshea Harris and based on the life stories of members of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, some of whom will share the stage alongside professional actors. 

The play was conceived in partnership with The Bayview Stories Project and the American Conservatory Theater's Stage Coach program, a community-based, participatory theater program that aims to highlight the untold stories of the city's communities.

The premiere of "CRACK. RUMBLE. FLY." is the centerpiece of the Bayview Arts Festival on Saturday afternoon, which will also feature art, food, and family activities in Mendell Plaza from 12-3pm. "CRACK. RUMBLE. FLY." will show at 1pm. 

If you're looking to catch another showing of the play, Laughing Monk Brewing will host a second performance on Sunday at 2pm. 

A sneak peek of "CRACK. RUMBLE. FLY." will also be part of Friday night's Juneteenth-themed 3rd on Third event at the Bayview Opera House. The event will feature a live Prince tribute performance, food and drink vendors, arts activities for kids, a Scrabble game show, and more. 

"The Juneteenth commemoration and reflection is one of the longest standing traditions rooted in the African-American experience," said District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen. "It is incumbent upon us all to continue to share the African-American narrative. We remember June 19, 1856 as a day for celebration of when the last slaves in Texas learned of their freedom."

Juneteenth in the Fillmore

Over in the Fillmore, where San Francisco's Juneteenth Festival started, the 66th annual edition of the all-day event will take place on Saturday, with a parade and five performance stages featuring live contemporary artists, on Fillmore from Turk to Sutter. (And yes, the streets will be closed.)

Other all-ages activities include fashion shows, pony rides, and a classic car show. Over 75 vendors will sell their wares, and the night will be capped off with a Prince tribute party at the former Yoshi's space. 

"This year we've added a lot of things that are new, like a 'Black Astronauts' exhibit at Fillmore between Post and Geary, and the UHURU African Village Experience, which will be on Fillmore between Turk and Eddy," said Rachel Townsend, the lead organizer of the event. "Both are exhibitions that we we hope to anchor in for years to come."  

"We also have 50 confirmed minority honor roll SFUSD students marching in the parade," Townsend continued. "I'm also really excited to partner with the city for the Prince tribute ... I'm looking forward to re-energizing the Fillmore nightlife. It's been a long time coming, and I'm hopeful that it will build momentum in the neighborhood." 

"I look forward to Juneteenth every year, because it reminds me of my childhood in our community," said District 5 Supervisor London Breed, who grew up in the Western Addition. "For as long as I can remember, I’ve been going to the festival—it’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate our history and culture and enjoy great music and delicious food. It’s an important tradition for African-Americans throughout the Bay Area."

The San Francisco Black Film Festival

In addition to parties and performances, Juneteenth weekend will feature a number of screenings as part of the San Francisco Black Film Festival. 

One event worth checking out is the premiere of the new documentary short BlackBoard, which will take place on Saturday night at the Fillmore's newest nightclub, Origin. It tells the story of local African-American professional skateboarders, who discuss finding their passion for the sport and struggling to be accepted for it in the black community.

Saturday night's event is sponsored by FTC and Diamond Supply Co., which will be providing giveaways. Doors open at 6pm with music and classic skate videos, with the film showing at 8pm.

After the premiere, head to the Social Study, which is hosting an after-party with a skateboard-themed art show featuring the works of Western Edition Skate Company's Ian Johnson and live spinning by DJ IllBorn. Register with code "fillmoreblackboard" to receive a special discount for the event. 

Other SFBFF events to check out include a screening of Watermelon Woman, a feature film directed by Cheryl Dunye, at the Fillmore Heritage Theater, and a "New Orleans vibe" performance at the Fillmore Auditorium by the Funky Meters. 

Enjoy the weekend!