Juneteenth celebrations in metro Atlanta | 2024

ATLANTA - Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, is a holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name "Juneteenth" is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," the date of the celebration.

The holiday marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Despite the proclamation, many enslaved people in Texas were unaware of their freedom due to the slow spread of information and resistance by some slaveholders.

Juneteenth has been celebrated annually since 1866, initially with church-centered community gatherings in Texas. Over the years, it has evolved to include parades, festivals, educational events, and family gatherings. In recent times, it has gained wider recognition and is celebrated across the United States as a day of reflection on African American freedom and achievements, as well as a time to promote cultural pride and understanding.

In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, further solidifying its importance in American history and culture.

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival

• What: The annual Juneteenth Parade & Music Festival is taking place June 21-23. Related events include the 5K Freedom Run and Royal Juneteenth Pageants.
• When: The parade will begin at noon June 22.
• Where: The festival is being held in Piedmont Park. The parade will begin near the King Center on Auburn Avenue NE, turning left on Boulevard NE. It will travel north on Boulevard NE to Monroe Drive to 10th Street NE. It will end at the Park.
• Ticket Price: Free
• More info

Juneteenth with The Home Depot Backyard

• What: Two days of free community programming, featuring a cheer clinic with Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, youth fitness with Royal Phsyique, S.T.E.A.M. learning with Brown Toy Box, Leg-A-Mania with LJ Scott, Pilates with Brande Elise, Capoeira with Welch Martial Art Experience, Cook Like a Rockstar with Chef Justin Robinson, BYOB paint and sip class with Sway Art and trap boxing with Mike Starr and Dashaun Johnson. Atlanta Falcons legend Ray Buchanan will be on-site both Monday and Tuesday signing free autographs along with appearances from Freddie Falcon and the Falcons street team with giveaways, photos, and more!
• When: 6 p.m. June 17-18
• Where: The Home Depot Backyard, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, downtown Atlanta
• More info

Clayton County Juneteenth Community Block Party

• What: There will be health screenings, CPR training, resources and information, food trucks, live music, prizes and giveaways, contests and games, COVID vaccinations, and more.
• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22
• Where: Gerald Matthews Complex, McDonough Road, Hampton
• More Info

Children's Museum of Atlanta Juneteenth Celebration

• What: Attendees will enjoy interactive storytelling by master storyteller Mama Koku, followed by an exciting Juneteenth performance! Children will learn about this day's history while participating in fun educational activities.
• When: June 18
• Where: Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
• Ticket Price: Included with admission
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Walmart celebrates Juneteenth

• What: Walmart in College Park is celebrating by offering free samples from major vendors like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, FritoLay, Red Bull and more on June 19. Walmart associates will also lead Juneteenth trivia with prizes for those who know the most about Black history. Additionally, there will be face painting, corn hole and other games for the kids.
• When: noon to 3 p.m. June 19
• Where: College Park Walmart, 6149 Old National Highway, College Park
• More info

Stockbridge Juneteenth 2024 Celebration

• What: Live entertainment, popular food trucks and regional vendors. Free tickets will start to be distributed at 3 p.m. and will continue until the venue reaches capacity. Performers include Karen Clark Sheard and Canton Jones.
• When: 5 p.m. June 19
• Where: Stockbridge Amphitheater, 4650 N. Henry Boulevard
• More info

The Food Studio Juneteenth Groundbreaking/Blessing

• What: The Food Studio will host a groundbreaking and blessing event at Pittsburgh Yards. The day will include speakers, storytellers, cultural artists, and an opportunity to experience plant-based foods.
• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19
• Where: Nia Building, Pittsburgh Yards, 352 University Ave. SW, Atlanta
• Ticket Price: Free with registration
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Juneteenth Inclusion Celebration

• What: There will be a parade, a vendor fair, kids zone, DJ and live music, and a screening of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
• When: 10 a.m. June 19
• Where: College Park City Auditorium, 3631 Main St., College Park
• Ticket Price: Free
• More Info

Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration

• What: Free, family-friendly event featuring a performing arts production, a STEAM digital art gallery, educational activities, food vendors, and more.
• When: 5 to 8 p.m. June 19
• Where: City Green, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
• Ticket Price: Free
• More Info

Fairburn Juneteenth Celebration

• What: Juneteenth music celebration on Third Friday with P-Funk Connection, PR Experience, Demola, Shirley Jones, Jamison Ross, The Mary Jane Girls, and others.
• When: 6 p.m. June 21
• Where: Fairburn City Center, 320 NW Broad St., Fairburn
• Ticket Price: Free
• More Info

Already happened

Juneteenth Celebration of Togetherness

• What: There will be art vendors, a pop-up exhibit, live drawing by Anthony Hall, live music and DJ, food, History Cherokee, and dance classes.
• When: 2 p.m. June 15
• Where: Woodstock Arts Event Green, 111 Elm St., Woodstock
• Ticket Price: Free
• More info

Juneteenth AI Summit

• What: Free, one-day AI summit organized by CNN host and Dream Machine founder Van Jones for Black and brown students, young and established professionals, small business owners, and others. There will be workshops followed by a Juneteenth Block Party with food and drink.
• When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 15
• Where: Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta
• Ticket Price: Free but must register.
• More Info

Town of Trilith Juneteenth Celebration

• What: There will be food vendors, children's activities and live entertainment from notable artists including Grammy-nominated soul singer and Gulf War veteran Anthony David.
• When: 4 p.m. June 15
• Where: Trilith's Town Centre, Fayetteville
• Ticket Price: Free
• More info

Juneteenth Celebration at Atlanta History Center

• What: Celebrate Juneteenth with cooking demonstrations, exhibitions, and more, focusing on the contributions of Black culinary traditions.
• When: June 15
• Where: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta
• Ticket Price: Free with sign up
• More info

Tucker Juneteenth Jubilee

• What: The 3rd annual Juneteenth Jubilee will feature a parade, live musical performances, amazing acrobatics, beautiful classic cars, a kids area, vendors, food and beverages, and more. Tucker native BigMamaFee will emcee the celebration.
• When: 5 to 9 p.m. June 15
• Where: Greenspace on Church Street
• Ticket Price: Free
• More Info

Town of Trilith Juneteenth Celebration

• What: The event will feature live entertainment from Grammy-nominated soul singer and Gulf War veteran Anthony David along with food trucks, children's activities, games, and giveaways.
• When: 4 to 9 p.m. June 15
• Where: Town Centre, 240 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
• More Info

South Fulton Juneteenth Celebration

• What: There will be music, food trucks, and a kid's activity area. This year's theme is Community, Culture, and Commemoration. Atlanta native DJ Mike Webster will provide the music. There will also be live entertainment. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display.
• When: 4 to 10 p.m. June 15
• Where: Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road SW, Atlanta
• Ticket Price: Free
• More Info

Dining & other

Atlanta-based Greenwood Whiskey released a special bottle for the Juneteenth holiday. The limited bottle release features artwork by Atlanta-based visual artist, Sway Jones and is available for purchase starting June 19 for $38.99 (SRP) at most metro Atlanta retailers or by visiting the brand’s site. Online purchases are restricted in AL, PA, DE, MS, OK, RI, and UT.  A portion of the Greenwood Whiskey Juneteenth edition proceeds will also be donated to the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

The Pullman Yards Chef Market is celebrating Juneteenth by featuring Black-owned businesses the weekend of June 15-16. Vendors include Garden Queen, Jackie's Funnel Cakes, Joyful Jarra, Xzotik Fusion and many more. The market takes place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15 and 16. 

Marcus Bar & Grille on Edgewood Avenue SE is celebrating Juneteenth with a festive Jubilee menu featuring items like special peach BBQ chicken with butter whipped potatoes and hot honey okra for $18.65 (the year of the first Juneteenth); Chicken & Red Velvet Waffles + à la carte Red Velvet Waffles; a Hibiscus Martini with Bayab African Gin; and for dessert – Red Velvet Pound Cake with Smoked Cherry Compote. The special menu will be offered from 5 to 10 p.m. June 18-20. 

Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails in Midtown Atlanta is celebrating Juneteenth with a special happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. June 19. Guests will enjoy half-off martinis, including the lychee, lavender berry, lemon drop, and African blend espresso (pictured below top courtesy Madelynne Grace). For $19, guests can also savor a classic martini with three fresh oysters (pictured below bottom courtesy Madelynne Grace). 

If you would like to submit an event for this list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.