10 Ways To Honor And Celebrate Juneteenth In Atlanta
Here's some of the best things going on for Juneteenth across the ATL, from an unmissable music festival to parades, and beyond!
There’s so much going on in Atlanta for Juneteenth this year. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the U.S. on June 19, 1865, as many slaves had not been freed after the Emancipation Proclamation. Although we have come so far, there’s still so much to do, and celebrating Juneteenth is an incredible way to honor that. Here’s some of our recommendations for Juneteenth in Atlanta:
1. Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival
The Black History Parade and Juneteenth Music Festival are returning to the city. The festival will be located at the Centennial Olympic Park for three days, featuring two stages of music and entertainment. Juneteenth Music Festival begins on Friday June 18, lasting until Sunday June 20. The parade will be taking place on Juneteenth, Saturday June 19.
2. Juneteenth at The Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center’s Juneteenth celebration is back following a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year’s dynamic program will feature a series of curated experiences leading visitors across campus to explore the history of Juneteenth itself and Black innovation, life, and excellence since emancipation in Atlanta. Taking place on Sunday, June 19.
3. Pullman Pops
Pullman Pops will be honoring the best in Motown and R&B on the Saturday of Juneteenth weekend. The delightful concert series features a 45-piece orchestra, giving these beloved genres new life, and the respect they rightfully deserve. Click here to get your tickets.
4. Polyryhmiq Juneteenth Festival
This Juneteenth weekend, a park on the BeltLine will play host to the Polyrythmiq Juneteenth Weekend Festival. On Saturday, June 18, the festival will completely take over Gordon White Park from 11am until 7pm. The event will feature art installations, performances, and more. Click here for more information.
5. Visit the APEX Museum
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.
6-8. Eat at Atlanta’s Black-owned restaurants
There’s s0 many incredible Black-owned restaurants in the ATL. Check out three recommendations below, or click here to see our full round-up.
- Atlanta Breakfast Club, Downtown
- Toast on Lenox, Buckhead
- Busy Bee Cafe, Vine City
9. Juneteenth at Trilith
With food trucks, kids activities, live music, poetry, and more, head to Trilith on Saturday 18 June for their Juneteenth celebration. Taking place at the Town at Trilith from 5pm until 9pm.
10. Jubilee: A Juneteenth Celebration
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is the perfect microcosm for Atlanta’s influential history in the Civil Right’s Movement. They’ll be hosting an unmissable Juneteenth program on Saturday and Sunday featuring music, history, and culture. You’ll even be able to witness their new exhibition dedicated to Martin Luther King, and the movement surrounding his legacy.
Featured Image: Christopher V Jones via Shutterstock