Almost the Weekend with Besa & Cuddy Kicks Off with Juneteenth Vibes and Must-Attend Events 6/18 @ 5pm PST

Tap into the premiere of Almost the Weekend Host by Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II at a special premiere day and time of Wednesday, 6/18 at 5 pm. Almost The Weekend airs on Thursdays at 9pm across Converge Media Platforms.

Seattle’s weekend scene just got a fresh new vibe with the launch of Almost the Weekend, hosted by media personality Besa Gordon and community connector Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy. In the very first episode, the dynamic duo sets the tone with infectious energy, witty banter, and a curated list of Juneteenth events that stretch from Seattle to Portland and beyond.

From iconic festivals to intimate pop-ups, Episode 1 is all about helping viewers plan their perfect Juneteenth weekend—and discover some new favorite spots along the way.

Here are the events featured in Episode 1:

🎉 Seattle - Tacoma Spotlights

• Africatown Juneteenth Freedom Festival (Jimi Hendrix Park, Seattle)
  A community favorite featuring music, food, dancing, and this year’s headliner: October London.

• Good Thursday at Jazzbones (Tacoma)
  A nightlife experience hosted by Daz Deion. Doors open at 9 p.m.

• Griot Party Unity Experience (Broadway Performance Hall, Capitol Hill, June 19)
  A free, immersive blend of hip hop, spoken word, storytelling, theater, and fashion. The first 100 attendees get a free T-shirt.

• Juneteenth Celebration at Stewart Heights Park (Tacoma)
  Featuring Fred Hammond, Crystal Aiken, and Soul For Real, this massive gathering expects over 15,000 attendees. Besa Gordon and the FOX 13 Seattle team will also be on-site with giveaways, photo ops, and live interviews.

• Kent Juneteenth Celebration (Morrill Meadows Park, June 21)
  Includes family-friendly fun and free vaccine opportunities from 12–4 p.m. (registration recommended).

• Songs of Black Folk (McCaw Hall, Seattle, June 22)
  A powerful musical journey through the history and resilience of Black culture.

• City of Auburn Juneteenth Celebration (June 22)
  Proving Juneteenth pride stretches beyond Seattle’s core, this event brings community spirit to South King County.

🌆 Portland Spotlights

• Late Night R&B by Laid Back Allure (Sugar Hill, Portland)
  Event curator Anthony brings Seattle flavor down I-5 for a smooth night of R&B, featuring DJ Your Highness.

• Bloom Runway Dynasty (Portland, June 21)
  After a five-year hiatus, this Black-led fashion show returns with style, purpose, and community energy.

🖤 Seattle Culture + Community Events

• Pier 62 Black Night Market (Seattle Waterfront, June 20)
  Black vendors, live music, and stunning waterfront views. It’s a free event that celebrates culture, community, and commerce.

• Juneteenth Kickback with DJ Sassy Black June 19th, 2025
  DJ SassyBlack hosts this soulful set from 5–7 p.m. with other activations throughout the week including a Harvard Black Alumni event.

🍷 Food, Wine & Vibes

• WeRise Wines (1913 2nd Ave, Seattle)
  Besa and Cuddy shine a light on this Black-owned wine bar that’s bringing inclusion and education to the Seattle wine scene. They recommend checking for Juneteenth hours on werisewines.com.

• Cookout Karaoke (Private Location, June 20)
  An invite-only party hosted by Illoquint and MOB Studios. DM the organizers to get access—because good vibes are the only vibes allowed.

🎶 Artist Spotlight

• Mafi D x Imagine Tequila
  Cuddy gives listeners an exclusive on “Imagine,” a single created in collaboration with Imagine Tequila. The track celebrates both local music and the launch of a Black-owned tequila brand in Seattle.

• Club Dollhouse After Party (June 22, 10 p.m.–2 a.m.)
  The official after-party for the “Imagine” music video shoot. No dress code—just come for the tequila and the good energy.

Almost the Weekend promises to be the go-to show for anyone looking to stay in the know, celebrate culture, and connect across the region. Missed something in the episode? Head to whereweconverge.com/events to get the full list, submit your own events, and get ready—because it’s (almost) the weekend.

For more events go to whereweconverge.com/events

Almost the weekend airs on Thursdays at 9 pm across all Converge Media platforms.