Juneteenth is such an important day for Atlanta and our country. Here’s how you can honor it!
There’s so much going on in Atlanta for Juneteenth. 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. Support Black-owned restaurants
There are so many delicious Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta. Why not have an awesome brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club (we recommend their Peach Cobler French Toast), or head to Slutty Vegan for mind-blowing, plant based burgers! CEO of the vegan empire Pinky Cole has recently collaborated with David Hayes from Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, as they are spearheading Square 1: The Liife Experience, a program with an initiative to provide life insurance policies by December 2023 to 25,000 Black men.
More info: Beloved Atlantan Restaurateurs Team Up To Provide Life Insurance For 25,000 Black Men
3. Trap Music Museum
The Trap Music Museum will commemorate African-American freedom & culture with its first Juneteenth celebration, “A Celebration of Everything Black.” The series will highlight the contributions & innovation of black culture in art, fashion & entertainment. Make sure you head to their Instagram for more information on the events throughout the week.
The Trap Music Museum features memorabilia, art & room sets, including a jail cell, tracing hip-hop culture. There’s even an escape room!
4. Juneteenth Market
On Saturday June 19th, Refuge Coffee Co. will be hosting their For The People Juneteenth Market. Located on the corner of Auburn Avenue and Piedmont Avenue, the market will be a celebration of Black-owned businesses, highlighting 30 all in all.
5. Juneteenth Festival at Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain’s celebration includes fireworks, games, live music, vendors and more. It will be Stone Mountain’s first ever Juneteenth celebration. The Festival will be on Main Street and roads in the immediate vicinity will be closed starting at 4pm. For more information, check out their website.
6. Stand up comedy
There’s a Juneteenth Comedy Show happening at Midtown Collective Atlanta. There will be four up and coming comedians making you laugh, as well as hookahs, food and beverages available upon purchase. Check their Instagram for more information.
7. Support ATL’s Black, Drag Excellence
Considering that Juneteenth falls in Pride Month, why don’t you go and support some of the local PoC drag kings, queens, and queer performers? We recommend checking out the new LGBTQI+ venue and showbar Future, which just opened at Underground Atlanta. Their weekend drag and dine experience features ATL’s legendry House of Brooks, and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s LaLa Ri! Get your dollar bills and tip your local drag performers!
See also: 20 Best Black-Owned Restaurants In Atlanta
Featured Image: Christopher V Jones via Shutterstock