Atlanta’s Juneteenth celebration returns to Centennial Olympic Park

ATLANTA, Ga. - Since launching in 2012, Atlanta’s Juneteenth celebration has grown into the largest of its kind in the state. And this weekend, huge crowds are once again expected to gather in downtown Atlanta, celebrating the federal holiday with live music, food, shopping, and a parade.

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This year’s Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival launches runs through Sunday, June 18 at Centennial Olympic Park — and there’s a packed schedule of free events for families to enjoy. But before we talk about this year’s plans, let’s go back for a minute. 

The first official Juneteenth Atlanta event was held back in 2012 at the Georgia International Convention Center, and two years later, a parade was added to the mix. Organizers say the 2021 event was particularly meaningful, as that’s the year Juneteenth — which marks the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans — officially became recognized as a federal holiday. 

This year, Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival organizers say they’re planning the biggest celebration yet, with hundreds of Black-owned businesses represented in the vendor area, live music, food, and an array of cultural activities. Saturday featured the Juneteenth Black History Parade, and Sunday’s events include the 5K Freedom Run and a salute to fathers (in honor of Father’s Day). 

Festivities at Centennial Olympic Park will go until 10 p.m. Saturday and start back up at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Click here for more information on this year’s Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival — and click the video player in this article to check out our preview of this year’s big celebration.