Juneteenth at The Center

The annual Center the Culture Queer Juneteenth Block Party is a joyful celebration of the intersection of Black freedom, resilience, and the LGBTQ+ community. Honoring Juneteenth—the day enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their emancipation—hundreds of Black LGBTQ+ New Yorkers come together on West 13th Street in front of The Center for an afternoon of music, food, art, joy, and connection.

This community-centered gathering uplifts Black LGBTQ+ voices and culture while creating space to celebrate, reflect, and build power together. All are welcome to join us as we honor our history and invest in our collective future.

This event is free and open to all members of the community.

Queer folks at The Center's Juneteenth celebration

Blacktopia: Queer, Black, & Beyond

Blacktopia: Queer, Black, & Beyond is a vibrant Juneteenth Block Party celebrating the beauty, resilience, creativity, and evolution of Black queer culture across generations. Inspired by the classic neighborhood block parties that once filled the boroughs with music, community, and culture, Blacktopia invites guests to travel back to a time of sidewalk grilling, double dutch in the streets, domino and spades games on folding tables, and the unmistakable feeling of summer in New York City.

This event includes live performances, ballroom battles, DJs, Black-owned vendors, food, and community engagement. It is both a remembrance and a reaffirmation: that Black freedom, creativity, and community continue to thrive.

Join us for an intergenerational celebration of freedom, visibility, joy, and the limitless future of Black queer expression! All are welcome as we gather in unity, pride, and celebration.

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

12-7 p.m.

Location: The Center (208 West 13th Street, New York, NY)

RSVP TO ATTEND