Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865: the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to bring news of emancipation—the last Confederate state where the order had not yet been enforced.
The holiday’s roots run especially deep in Georgia. This was plantation country, home to a Gullah Geechee coastal culture that endures to this day and a civil rights movement that changed the nation.
This year, events across the state from Savannah’s riverfront to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are marking June 19 with parades, festivals, live music, art, food, and remembrance. Here’s where to find them.
Metro Atlanta
14th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival
Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta
When: Jun. 19-21
Cost: Free
Atlanta’s flagship Juneteenth celebration, endorsed by Mayor Andre Dickens, returns to Piedmont Park Jun. 19-21 for a full weekend of live music, a televised Freedom Day Parade, 5K run, car show, health and job fairs, and more than 200 vendors—most of them Black-owned. Free admission; outside food and coolers not permitted. MARTA recommended.
Juneteenth at the Atlanta History Center
Where: Atlanta History Center, 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta
When: Jun. 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free with RSVP
The Atlanta History Center marks Juneteenth with a reflection of the contributions of Atlanta’s Black community. Expect live music, historic trade demonstrations—including quilting with the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild—guided tours of Smith Farm, and a lecture on Black freedom celebrations in Reconstruction-era Atlanta. Free with advance tickets; RSVP required online.
Juneteenth at Finally, Friday
Where: Oakland Cemetery, 374 M.L.K. Jr Dr SE, Atlanta
When: Jun. 19, 6-9 p.m.; free tour Jun. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free (select activities require tickets)
Oakland Cemetery’s monthly Finally, Friday series goes Juneteenth with a free screening of “Maynard,” a documentary about Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson, plus a presentation on the Chattahoochee Brick Company’s convict leasing history, kids’ flag-making activities, and food trucks. Can’t make Friday? A free “We Shall Overcome” guided tour exploring the lives of Black Atlantans buried at Oakland runs Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; reservations required.
Juneteenth Block Party at Marcus Bar & Grille
Where: Marcus Bar & Grille, 525 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta
When: Jun. 19, 5-11 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend; food and drinks priced separately
Marcus Samuelsson’s Atlanta flagship takes the party outside for a summer cookout with local Black-owned vendors and live DJs. The Juneteenth menu features fried catfish, smoked jerk chicken, bourbon-peach-glazed short rib tips, and crab-topped fried green tomatoes, with the Edgewood Freeze—a frozen red-berry cocktail with reposado tequila—keeping things cool. Reservations recommended.
Juneteenth Weekend at Chattahoochee Food Works
Where: Chattahoochee Food Works, 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Ste. 130, Atlanta,
When: Jun. 19-21
Cost: Free
Juneteenth Weekend at Chattahoochee Food Works spotlights Black-owned businesses across the food hall—like Irie Mon Cafe and Delilah’s Everyday Soul—all weekend, with a Juneteenth Makers Market featuring local vendors on Friday evening and a live DJ set Saturday night. Free to attend.
Chamblee Summer Concert Series Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad St, Chamblee
When: Jun. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
The City of Chamblee kicks off its summer concert series with a Juneteenth celebration headlined by The Evolution of Beyoncé, a tribute show spanning the star’s Destiny’s Child era through her solo reign, with powerhouse vocals, choreography, and hits across generations. Food trucks on site; VIP tables available for $200.
Juneteenth Celebration at The Interlock
Where: The Interlock, 1115 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta
When: Jun. 19, 9 a.m. into the evening
Cost: Free
West Midtown’s Interlock hosts a sunrise-to-sundown Juneteenth celebration kicking off at 9 a.m. with “AM Vibes, PM Energy,” a morning day party with espresso martinis, breakfast bites, and feel-good sounds, before transitioning into the Juneteenth Market Exhibit, featuring local artisans, creators, and artwork celebrating African American culture. The evening wraps up at Holiday Bar. Free and family-friendly during daytime hours; after-hours reception is adults-oriented.
North Metro
23rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Marietta Square
Where: Historic Marietta Square, 99 S Park Square NE, Marietta
When: Jun. 19-21
Cost: Free
The Cobb County NAACP and City of Marietta kick off Juneteenth weekend with an All-White Evening Under the Stars block party on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a Cultural Festival on Saturday featuring over 100 food and merch vendors, a health fair, and entertainment from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday closes with a Salute to Fathers from 2-6 p.m.
Smyrna Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs St, Smyrna
When: Jun. 19, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
The City of Smyrna brings live entertainment, food, local vendors, and family-friendly activities to Village Green Park for a one-night Juneteenth celebration, headlined by The Soul Cartel taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. The event is free, with VIP tent passes and table reservations available for purchase.
Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St, Acworth
When: Jun. 20, 5-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
The City of Acworth celebrates Juneteenth with a free outdoor concert at Logan Farm Park, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and live music from 7-9 p.m. The lineup features Bogey and the Viceroy and DJ Kenny, with food and refreshments available for purchase. Bring blankets and folding chairs.
7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Sugar Hill
Where: The Bowl at Sugar Hill, 5039 W. Broad St, Sugar Hill
When: Jun. 20, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Black Women’s Association of Sugar Hill and the City of Sugar Hill’s seventh annual Juneteenth celebration brings the party to Gwinnett with a Miss Juneteenth pageant and scholarship award, paired with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and games for the whole family. The kicker? A chance to win Atlanta Gridiron Classic tickets to watch the Georgia Bulldogs play the Florida Gators this fall.
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Alpharetta
Where: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton St, Alpharetta
When: Jun. 19, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
On Jun. 19, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” an evening of music, poetry, and storytelling under the oaks at the Alpharetta Arts Center. All-white attire is encouraged for this Juneteenth celebration, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic—though leave the alcohol at home. The event is free, but reservations are recommended via Eventbrite.
South Metro
Juneteenth at the Hapeville Depot Museum
Where: Hapeville Depot Museum, 620 South Central Avenue, Hapeville
When: Jun. 19, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hapeville’s Juneteenth festivities dig a little deeper with genealogy and gardening workshops, a Black history scavenger hunt, and panel discussions filling the morning of Jun. 19. The afternoon gives way to celebration with live music and food trucks across the street at Jess Lucas Park until 6 p.m. Free to attend; some events require an RSVP.
Juneteenth Festival at Town at Trilith
Where: Town at Trilith, 125 Shepperton Way, Fayetteville
When: Jun. 19, 9-10 a.m. (dance class), 6-10 p.m. (concerts)
Cost: $15 (plus taxes and fees)
The Hollywood of the South has a blockbuster lineup for Juneteenth this year. The Town at Trilith’s Juneteenth Festival on Jun. 19 features performances by Chantae Cann, Luvher, ATL Drum Academy, and Sound Cannon. A free community dance class, a Juneteenth market, and children’s activities round out the day in Central Plaza.
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Griffin
Where: Downtown Griffin, E. Broad Street, Griffin
When: Jun. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Griffin’s Juneteenth festivities kick off first thing with a parade through downtown, followed by cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities into the afternoon. No admission fees, ample free parking, and an accessible venue make this celebration an easy outing for everyone.
Northeast Georgia
Athens Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Downtown Athens
When: Jun. 19, 10:30 a.m – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Downtown Athens marks Juneteenth with a community march from the historic Hot Corner district to City Hall, where a flag-raising ceremony officially marks the occasion. The afternoon features live music, storytelling, food trucks, artisan vendors, and interactive exhibits organized by Historic Athens and ACC People & Belonging.
Gainesville’s Juneteenth Celebration
Where: 830 Century Place, Gainesville (movie and pageant); 682 Grove Street, Gainesville (march and festival)
When: Jun. 18-20, movie and pageant at 6 p.m.; march and festival 3-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society’s Juneteenth celebration keeps the party going for three full days. Movie night kicks things off on Jun. 18 at the Hub, followed by the Crowned in Freedom Royal Court Pageant at GHS Theatre on Jun. 19. The weekend finale at Midland Park brings the march, the festival, and the main stage, where Keisha Covington & Vibe Theory return for an anticipated encore.
East Metro
Stone Mountain Tribute to Juneteenth
Where: Stone Mountain Park
When: Jun. 18-21 nightly at 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (park admission required; prices vary)
For four nights running (Jun. 18-21), Stone Mountain Park turns the sky into a canvas. The Lift Every Voice Drone & Light Show uses drones, lasers, and fireworks to honor Motown legends, civil rights heroes, pop culture pioneers, and sports icons, all set against the backdrop of the mountain at 9:30 p.m. nightly. The show is free; come early to make a full day of it with a hike and the park’s daytime attractions.
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, Stonecrest
Where: Southeast Athletic Complex, 5845 Hillvale Rd, Stonecrest
When: Jun. 20, 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Stonecrest’s fifth annual Celebration of Freedom hits the Southeast Athletic Complex on Jun. 20 with a cirque-style spectacular featuring Grammy-nominated Ashanti Floyd “The MADD Violinist” and Groove Dimensions, plus food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities, and reserved seating in the Elders’ Circle for attendees over 70. The night closes with fireworks. Bring lawn chairs.
City of Clarkston Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Downtown Clarkston, Market Street
When: Jun. 19, 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Clarkston—one of metro Atlanta’s most culturally diverse cities—celebrates Juneteenth with an old-fashioned neighborhood block party. Expect live entertainment, food vendors, local businesses, and a kids’ area taking over Market Street on Jun. 19 from 5-8 p.m. The free event is open to everyone.
West Georgia
Villa Rica Juneteenth Concert
Where: The Mill Amphitheater, 106 Temple St, Villa Rica
When: Jun. 19, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Villa Rica marks a milestone this Jun. 19: the city’s first Juneteenth Concert, taking over the Mill Amphitheater in the heart of downtown from 6-10 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and settle in for live music, local vendors, and a warm summer night on Temple Street. Free and open to the public.
Juneteenth Night Parade & Historic Bike Ride, Columbus
Where: Woodruff Park, 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus
When: Jun. 18, bike ride at 6 p.m., parade at 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Columbus makes a full evening of it on Jun. 18. Kick things off at 6 p.m. with the Historic Juneteenth Bike Ride, departing Woodruff Park en route through the city’s historic Black churches and cultural landmarks. Two hours later, Uptown Columbus lights up for the Juneteenth Night Parade, stepping off at 8 p.m. End the night back where you started in Woodruff Park for an after-party packed with food, art, vendors, and a DJ. Free to attend, or register to ride or march.
Savannah and the Lowcountry
Jubilee Sky of Freedom Fireworks Show, Savannah
Where: Daffin Park, E. Victory Dr, Savannah
When: Jun. 19, 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Daffin Park lights up on Jun. 19 at 5 p.m. for the Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival’s free fireworks show. The evening features live music from TG Live, a Battle of the Live Bands competition with a cash prize, food trucks, and community vendors, all building to a fireworks finale at nightfall.
Jubilee Pour of Liberation
Where: Bethesda, 1950 Ferguson Ave, Savannah
When: Jun. 20, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $37.50
The inaugural Jubilee Pour of Liberation is Savannah’s most elevated Juneteenth experience: a ticketed (ages 25 and up only) culinary and spirits event set on the private coastal grounds of Bethesda on Jun. 20. Black chefs, winemakers, and distillers lead curated tastings from 4-7 p.m., with live entertainment, specialty vendors, and marsh sunset views carrying the evening to a close. Tickets required; VIP options available.
Taste of Gullah, St. Simons Island
Where: Village Creek Landing, 526 S. Harrington Rd, St. Simons
When: Jun. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
St. Simons puts a Georgia spin on Juneteenth festivities with Taste of Gullah, an evening of Gullah cuisine, music, and culture at Village Creek Landing on Jun. 19. Musicians perform songs passed down through generations, the Gullah Geechee Ring Skouters take the stage, and traditional coastal dishes anchor the menu. All proceeds benefit the Historic Harrington School and its work preserving the Golden Isles’ Gullah Geechee heritage.
7th Annual Glynn County Tigers Juneteenth Celebration, Brunswick
Where: Multiple venues
When: Jun. 18-20
Cost: Jun. 18 and 20 free, Juneteenth Ball $50
The community nonprofit Glynn County Tigers go all out for Juneteenth—three days, three venues, one ambitious celebration. A lecture series at the College of Coastal Georgia opens Jun. 18, followed by a semi-formal Juneteenth Ball on Jun. 19 at Chapman Event Center ($50). Saturday brings a community bike ride and a free festival at Historic Selden Park from noon to 4 p.m., with live entertainment, food trucks, kids’ activities, and cultural performances.
Juneteenth Jubilee, Woodbine
Where: Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park, 201 15th St, Woodbine
When: Jun. 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
The NAACP Camden County Branch brings its annual Juneteenth Jubilee to Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park on Jun. 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Alongside food and live entertainment, the event heavily centers on education, hosting guest speakers, providing voter registration resources, and offering free books on Black history. Bring folding chairs.
Juneteenth on Sapelo Island
Where: Hog Hammock Community on Sapelo Island
When: Jun. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Event is free, $5 ferry
Sapelo Island’s Juneteenth celebration on Jun. 20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., is a gathering rooted in living Gullah Geechee culture, held on one of Georgia’s most storied barrier islands. Programming includes community voices from local elders and leaders, Gullah Geechee cuisine, music, dancing, and immersive storytelling and language traditions that keep the culture alive. Ferry access required; round-trip fare is $5.
McIntosh County Juneteenth Celebration, Darien
Where: Columbus Square, Darien
When: Jun. 19, noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Columbus Square in downtown Darien fills up on Jun. 19 from noon to 6 p.m. for a full afternoon of food, music, and community in the heart of the Gullah Geechee corridor. Michael Hicks emcees the Juneteenth celebration. Free and open to all.
South Georgia
Valdosta’s 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Multiple venues
When: Jun. 13-20
Cost: Free
Valdosta commemorates Juneteenth with an entire week of community-focused programming. Southside Library Boosters, Inc. kicks things off Jun. 13 with a Juneteenth Fashion Show, followed up on Jun. 16 with “Black Tuesday” community support for minority-owned businesses, then brings it home Jun. 19 with “Family Reunion Friday” at Payton Park: live music, a fish fry, food trucks, vendors, a resource fair, and scholarship awards at 6 p.m. A storytelling event closes out the weekend Jun. 20 at McMullen Southside Library.
Central and East Georgia
34th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, Macon
Where: Multiple venues
When: Jun. 6-21
Cost: Free
Macon goes big with Juneteenth celebrations that span almost an entire month. Highlights include a wreath-laying ceremony at Rosa Parks Square on Jun. 12, a Hip-Hop Summit and Percussion Arts Workshop on Jun. 17, and the 34th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Jun. 20, featuring a city-wide talent show. A Juneteenth parade down Cherry Street and a jazz festival close out the weekend on Jun. 21.
Juneteenth: From Slavery to Freedom, Juliette
Where: Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site, 711 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette
When: Jun. 19-20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Prices vary; reservation required
Reserve a spot for a walking tour of Jarrell Plantation Historic Site on Jun. 19 or 20, where guides illuminate how the African community lived during enslavement in Georgia through the Civil War, and into the decades following Jun. 19, 1865. The sobering and educational experience is not recommended for children under 12.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival, Perry
Where: Downtown Perry, 800 Carroll St, Perry
When: Jun. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Perry’s charming historic downtown—lined with local restaurants, specialty shops, and a down-south atmosphere—makes a natural backdrop for an evening Juneteenth celebration featuring live reggae from The Dubshak Reggae Band, food trucks, local vendors, cultural displays, games, and speakers. Pair it with dinner on Carroll Street and make a night of it.
7th Annual Taste of Juneteenth, Dublin
Where: Market on Madison, 314 W. Madison St., Dublin
When: Jun. 20, 4-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
CultureSHOCK of Dublin’s seventh annual Taste of Juneteenth celebration kicks off with a Kickstart Parade at 5 p.m., followed by an evening of dance, live music, spoken word performances, and “EduTainment” at the Market on Madison, alongside a diverse marketplace with food, art, and one-of-a-kind merchandise. This year’s theme: “Freedom: The Marathon Continues.” Ancestral garb (kente, ankara, and other African prints) is encouraged.
Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Valley
Where: Reverend Ricky Jackson Sports Complex, 700 Spruce St., Fort Valley
When: Jun. 13, 3-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Legacy Group Development Juneteenth Celebration packs an afternoon with GospelFest, a DJ, mini health and job fairs, voter registration, kids’ games, bingo, and honors for veterans and fathers, and free food for the first 100 arrivals. Bring chairs and umbrellas.
10th Annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival
Where: Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 308 Hale St., Augusta
When: Jun. 19, 2-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Now in its tenth year, Augusta’s flagship Juneteenth celebration has grown into a multi-day regional movement featuring live music, vendors, and community programming, bookended by a week of satellite events including a Free-ish Art Exhibit, Canvas & Culture painting night, and a youth-focused School House Games experience. Free festival admission; ticketed satellite events vary.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
