What to Expect
Event Details
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Date:
Friday, June 19, 2026
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Opal's Walk for Freedom
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Time:
We will assemble at 8:00 am and begin at 10:00 am.
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Distance:
2.5 Miles
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Opal's Walk Route Description & Map
The streets will close at 7:00 AM and reopen at the end of the parade at approximately 1:00 PM. We will work with the appropriate agencies to reopen the impacted streets after the walk has passed.
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Opal’s Walk will start at East Washington Heights Baptist Church located at 2220 Branch Ave SE #3340, Washington, DC 20020. The walk ends inside of Fort Dupont Park along Fort Dupont Drive.
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Participants will begin by heading northwest on Branch Avenue SE, then turn right (east) on Randle Circle SE into Fort Dupont Park, ending inside of the park. Walkers will exit the park via Randle Circle to Massachusetts Ave. SE but are encouraged to sit in the picnic area and/or watch the Juneteenth Parade and enjoy post parade activities.
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2026 Juneteenth Parade
Parade Time:
The parade will assemble at 9:00 am and begin at 11:00 am.
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Parade Location & Route:
The 2026 Juneteenth Parade will begin at East Washington Heights Baptist Church (2220 Branch Ave SE) and continue northwest on Branch Avenue to Randle Circle SE.
The parade will then enter Randle Circle moving counterclockwise, ending at the intersection of Fort Dupont Drive SE. The impacted streets include Branch Avenue SE which will be closed between Alabama Avenue SE and Randle Circle SE, as well as Randle Circle being closed in the half of the circle east of Minnesota Avenue SE.​
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​End:
The parade will then enter Randle Circle moving counterclockwise, ending at the intersection of Fort Dupont Drive SE.
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How to Participate
We welcome local businesses, schools, and community organizations, bands, fraternities, sororities, civic associations and more to participate in the parade. At this time, please register with a group and not individually.
There are several ways you can get involved:
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Register a Group: Create a group, march with your organization, or perform along the parade route.
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Volunteer: Help with organizing, managing the event, or assisting on the day of the parade. Sign up here.
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Sponsor the Event: Support the parade through sponsorship. Your contribution will help cover costs and ensure a successful event.
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Donate to the Event: Support the parade through donations. Please donate here. Your contribution is tax-deductible. Please Note: Donations will be passed through Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO), our 501(c)3 fiduciary.
Activities and Attractions
The Juneteenth Parade will feature a variety of activities and attractions, including:
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Live Music and Performances: Enjoy performances by local bands, dancers, and artists.
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Free Food: Savory hotdogs and the like
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Educational Exhibits: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth through interactive displays and presentations.
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Kids’ Zone: Fun activities and games for children of all ages.​​​
