There’s so much going on in Atlanta for Juneteenth this year! We’ve made a list of all the ways you can honor and celebrate this incredibly important holiday! Keep scrolling to see all the Juneteenth happenings across the city!
And in case you don’t know: what is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth celebrates and commemorates June 19th, 1865, when Union troops made their way into Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved people there had already been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been purposely ignored by Texas enslavers. This long-overdue and momentous day has since been celebrated as a day of liberation, called ‘Juneteenth’ or ‘Freedom Day.’
Celebrate Juneteenth in Atlanta with three days of music, parade, food, and community at Piedmont Park.
A can’t-miss stop on this list is the City of Atlanta’s official Juneteenth celebration, taking place at Piedmont Park, featuring:
- Juneteenth Atlanta Freedom Day Parade with captivating floats, colorful dance troops, community youth organizations, marching bands, and esteemed local and international dignitaries from around the world
- An artisan market all weekend long
- Food vendors with delicious flavors from all over the world & local favorites
- The largest Fathers Day commemoration
- Youth Soccer Tournament
- 5k Freedom Run
- Juneteenth Car Show
- Community Health & Wellness Fair
And so much more!
The APEX Museum is Atlanta’s museum dedicated to history from a Black perspective. Located in the historic Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta, discover important and lesser-told stories at this inspirational ATL institution. Get more details about the APEX Museum here!
And for a more specific Juneteenth event, The APEX Museum is hosting ‘It’s a Vibe’, a night of music, food, storytelling, and of course, poetry. Learn more about this amazing event on their website, here.
There’s SO many incredible Black-owned restaurants in the ATL. Whether you’re looking for delicious soul food, vegan delights, BBQ or more, Atlanta’s Black-owned restaurants have just what you’re craving! And this Juneteenth, show them a little EXTRA love, but of course, we support our Black-owned businesses and restaurants all year round!
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Oakland Cemetery’s ‘Finally, Friday’ on June 19th!
During this amazing Juneteenth event, attendees can expect:
- an immersive tour highlighting Black Atlantans buried at Oakland (tickets required)
- a free screening of Maynard, a documentary about Atlanta’s first African American mayor, Maynard Jackson
- food trucks
- hands-on activities for kids celebrating Black history, freedom, and equality
Juneteenth is also a wonderful time to donate to Black-led organizations in Atlanta and beyond!
So if you’re looking to donate to a Black organization that helps continue the fight for racial justice and human rights, we’ve got the perfect list for you to check out!
Celebrate Juneteenth at the High Museum of Art
This Juneteenth, head to the High for free programing and community events, including:
- Story Times: a series of joyful readings of contemporary children’s books that center Black protagonists, families, and lived experiences.
- Poetry readings by Atlanta poet Adán Bean
- What’s Good with Juneteenth?: Comedians Mark Kendall and David Perdue offer a creative celebration and exploration of joy and laughter
- Tambor Party: Feel the beat with Tambor Party as they offer a vibrant Carnival of Freedom—a celebration inspired by liberation traditions across the United States, the Caribbean, and the African Diaspora!
