Historic Black Miners Bar Hosts The 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Honoring Freedom and Community
Contacts:
Steve Hilton
California State Parks
Gold Fields District Superintendent
(916) 988-0205
Tracie Stafford
Stafford Consulting Group
(916) 995-4435
Hello@JuneteenthFolsom.org
(916) 341-9771
Annual celebration at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area highlights one
of California’s earliest Black communities established in 1849
Juneteenth at Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake SRA in 2025. Photos from California State Parks.
FOLSOM — California State Parks and Stafford Consulting Group invite the public to the fifth annual Juneteenth Festival at Black Miners Bar in Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) on Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth celebrates freedom and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
The free, family-friendly event celebrates this holiday while also honoring the history of Black Miners Bar, one of California’s earliest Black communities established in 1849. The festival also marks the fourth anniversary of the site's renaming from Negro Bar to Black Miners Bar in 2022, honoring the Black Miners who settled in the area. Today, the site serves as an important reminder of the diverse communities that contributed to California's early
Festival Highlights
- Living History and Education: Journey through time exploring Juneteenth and the legacy of Black gold miners.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in an array of food options from carefully selected vendors.
- Inspiring Speakers and Performers: Be inspired by thought-provoking speeches andcaptivating cultural performances that pay homage to the spirit of Juneteenth.
- Concert: Groove to the rhythm of live musical performances from The LSB Band, Ariel Marin Band, the award-winning Grant Line Marching band and more.
- Guided Nature Hikes: Explore the natural splendor of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with expert-guided hikes.
- Petting Zoo: Let little ones meet and pet friendly animals as part of an experience made just for the youngest festival-goers.
- Shopping: Discover unique treasures and services offered by a diverse range of vendors.
- Beer Garden: Relax and unwind or play dominos in a beer garden offering a selection of refreshing beverages from Oak Park Brewery.
- Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the surroundings with free horseback riding adventures with Shadow Glen Stables.
- Watersports: Explore the sparkling waters of Folsom Lake with paddle sport rentals.
The Black Miners Bar Juneteenth festival is a not-for-profit volunteer run project presented by California State Parks, Stafford Consulting Group,LLC, Presenting Sponsor SEIU 2015 and numerous funders and community partners.
Individuals interested in becoming a vendor, sponsor or volunteer can visit JuneteenthFolsom.org, call (916) 341-9771 or email Hello@JuneteenthFolsom.org for more California State Parks welcomes all visitors. For more information about the event or if members of your group have accessibility needs, please contact the park at (916) 988-0205 in advance to arrange accommodations. You can also get updates by following the park’s Facebook page.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.