If there is one thing to know about ATLiens, it’s that residents love being outside for any and every occasion.
And in the land of day parties and brunch, Juneteenth holds a special place in the hearts of Black residents during the holiday season.
Not every city and county in the metro area is ready to party. Whereas places like Atlanta and Forest Park, and DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and Clayton counties are recognizing the holiday, there has been pushback and tension in Tucker, Marietta, and elsewhere.
Regardless, in true ATL fashion, there are several events in the lead-up to and on Juneteenth. We’ve created a list of upcoming happs featuring good food, in-depth talks, history tours, and, of course, parties.
Here’s what’s going down in and around the A.
10th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival
What: This three-day event, sponsored by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, is back for its 10th annual celebration and will feature parade floats, vendors, marching bands, drum lines, and more. This year’s theme is “Reparations Over Everything.”
When: Friday, June 17, from noon to 10 p.m; Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Centennial Olympic Park
Cost: Free. For more info, click here.
Jubilee on the Lawn
What: If you are looking for an event that is more tailored to the historical aspects of the holiday, the Atlanta History Center has you covered. This in-person program will feature curated experiences that showcase the history of Juneteenth, Black innovation, and history in Atlanta since emancipation. The event is a part of AHC’s larger Civic Season, which runs through July 4.
When: Sunday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Atlanta History Center
Cost: Free. Register here.
Juneteenth Lecture Series
What: The “historian in heels,” Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado, is hosting a two-part series that will showcase how Atlanta influences everything, even the end of slavery. The first lecture, “The History of Juneteenth,” will take a look into the formation of HBCUs during the Emancipation Proclamation period. The second lecture, “Atlanta For Freedom,” will look at the role that Atlanta’s culture played at the end of slavery.
When: Tuesday, June 14, at 10 a.m.
Where: Robert W. Woodruff Library at the AUC
Cost: $20. Buy tickets here.
The Unurbanist Assembly
What: It wouldn’t be Juneteenth without a conversation featuring the harmful legacy of public policy that Black Americans have experienced. The Thrivance Group is back with its third edition of this event, which will be fully virtual. This year’s theme, “Decarceration and Spatial Reparation,” will take a deep look into urban planning, the role of parks in Black communities, and inequitable transportation policies, and include 34 guest speakers over the course of 23 hours.
When: Friday, June 17, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual for attendees.
Cost: Free. Register here.
Juneteenth UmojaFest
What: Nonprofit activist groups BLKHLTH and UmojaLife are partnering to host their seventh annual event celebrating Black health and wealth. The festival will have food, live music, an open bar, hookah, and free health screenings available to attendees.
When: Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Switchyards Downtown Club
Cost: Free. Register here.
The Glow Up by Unbothered, Refinery 29
What: Hence the name, this is for the girls and guys who can’t bother with being bothered and want to head outside for Juneteenth. This festival will feature brands like Go Off, Sis, and Dear, Black Love, conversations with Atlanta natives like Coco Jones and Lala Milan, and musical performances from Latto, Baby Tate, and more!
When: Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, from 1 to 9 p.m.
Where: 787 Windsor St. SW, Atlanta
Cost: $35-$180. Buy tickets here.
Black In Action: A Juneteenth Pop Up Shop
What: You can’t celebrate Juneteenth without supporting small Black businesses, so Pop of Culture has the perfect event for you. This pop-up shopping event will take place June 18-19 and feature over 30 local retail, food, and drink vendors to support Atlanta’s growing Black entrepreneur community. There will be live music and games for guests to enjoy.
When: Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19
Where: 310 Peters St. SW, Atlanta
Cost: Free. Register here.
1865 Comedy Festival
What: Laughing is good for the soul, and what better way to indulge than by grabbing tickets to a four-day comedy festival? The 1865 Comedy Festival will be held at the Uptown Comedy Center in Hapeville. Seven unique comedy showcases, open mics, and themed shows for those looking to support local Black talent.
When: Sunday, June 19, through Tuesday, June 22
Where: Uptown Comedy
Cost: $18.65. Get tickets here.
City of Norcross Juneteenth Celebration
What: If you live north of Atlanta and want a fun, family-friendly event, the city of Norcross got your back! Make sure you bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
When: Sunday, June 19
Where: Thrasher Park
Cost: Free. Get more info here.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
What: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb County is hosting its second annual Juneteenth festival. The event will feature a morning worship service at 10 a.m. followed by a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Live music, games, and food will be available.
When: Sunday, June 19
Where: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Cost: Free. Get more info here.
Juneteenth Baseball Camp
What: This sports-filled event is calling all Black athletes to join in showcasing the intersection of baseball and Juneteenth celebrations in the South. The baseball experiences will focus on expert instruction in pitching, batting, and catching and will be limited to players ages 7-14.
When: Villages at Carver Family YMCA
Where: Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free. Register here.
J.R. Crickets – South Cobb Juneteenth Festival
What: You can’t say 10 piece-hot-lemon pepper-extra wet if you never ordered the combo from this Atlanta wing staple. This Juneteenth, J.R. Crickets is hosting its first ever Juneteenth celebration to honor Atlanta’s Black culture. The event will have unique activities like a Hot Wing Eating contest, Father-Kid Look-A-Like contest, and the “Ol Skool v. New School” Dance Off. May the best hot wing eater win!
When: Sunday, June 19, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: J.R. Crickets, 4479 South Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
Cost: Tickets are on sale here
Black Excellence Juneteenth Complex
What: This Father’s Day-themed event will showcase minority-owned businesses, food, and surprises for attendees.
When: Sunday, June 19, from 1 to 9 p.m.
Where: Green Pastures Christian Ministries
Cost: Free. Vendor prices range from $35-$220. Book your slot here.
Juneteenth at Oakland Cemetery
What: The Historic Oakland Cemetery in southeast Atlanta will host 75-minute guided tours to explore and exemplify the lives of outstanding Black residents in Atlanta. The “We Shall Overcome” guided tour is geared toward exploring Atlanta’s role in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, and the “Black Magnolias” guided tour will take a deep look into the lives, history, and legacy of Atlanta’s African American enslaved women.
When: Sunday, June 19
Where: Historic Oakland Cemetery
Cost: Free. Book your tour here.
SpringsFest Powder Springs
What: “Community Unity in the Springs” on Juneteenth weekend in Powder Springs is back for the second time! The event will have food, activities for all ages, and entertainment including live music, dancers, and stilt walkers.
When: Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 9 p.m.
Where: Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs
Cost: Free. Vendor slots range from $200-$600 depending on category availability.
City of South Fulton Juneteenth Festival
What: The city of South Fulton is bringing out the works for this June 18 event at Wolf Creek Amphitheater. Make sure you stay long enough to see the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
When: Saturday, June 18, from, 1 to 10 p.m.
Where: Wolf Creek Amphitheater
Cost: Free. Register here.
Juneteenth Jubilee Fundraiser
What: In the spirit of commemoration, our partner nonprofit, The Center for Civic Innovation, is hosting its annual fundraiser that will benefit and recognize The Ke’nekt Cooperative for its work to build communities by teaching cooperative economics.
When: Sunday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1492 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Suite A, Atlanta
Cost: Tickets are on sale for $125.
