Oakland, CA – Many community celebrations are scheduled throughout Oakland this weekend to celebrate this year’s Juneteenth holiday, beginning on Saturday June 17. The City of Oakland encourages residents to get out and explore the many options.
At Lake Merritt, where Juneteenth often sees celebration turnout in the thousands, the annual FAM BAM! Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled to occur at the Lake Merritt amphitheater area from 12pm-8pm on June 17. The event organizers have posted event information at www.afrooak.com.
In past years the City has closed down streets in the Lake Merritt area to facilitate large crowds. As an alternative to this approach, this year the City will not close any major streets -- meters will be enforced at Lake Merritt as normal (on both Saturday and Sunday) and the City will actively manage parking activity to ensure parking access and unimpeded emergency vehicle response.
On Monday, June 19, the City will observe the holiday by providing free parking at metered parking spaces citywide. Meters will be programmed to not accept payment and to wish visitors a happy Juneteenth. For complete parking information visit https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/parking-meters. Lake Merritt is also accessible by several BART stations and AC Transit service lines.
The City recognizes and thanks all the organizers of community Juneteenth events and wishes everyone in the community a safe and meaningful holiday.