Juneteenth in Atlanta: Everything you need to know to celebrate

There has been a lot of conversation about Juneteenth, particularly in the last couple of years. So much so, that last year, it became a federal holiday.

Juneteenth celebrates the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. “It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.” The holiday is quickly approaching and here are a couple events you can add to your calendar.

Taste Urban Atlanta – Honoring Juneteenth Edition

Food, food and more food! That is the theme for Taste Urban Atlanta Honoring Juneteenth Edition at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. There will be tons of food and drinks celebrating the urban experience. Get those taste buds ready because there will be several different food options to choose from.

Location: Westside - 916 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard NW; Date and time: Wednesday, June 15, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Website: tasteurban.com; Admission: Tickets start at $15

Juneteenth Women’s Networking Event & Tasting

Who run the world? Girls! Thanks for the lyrics Beyonce! The Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta & Black Women in Visual Art are putting on an event just for us at The Lola. Ladies, grab your girls and get ready for this mixer. You’ll be able to network with likeminded women, all while tasting some great food.

Location: Old Fourth Ward - 621 North Avenue NE, Building D - #100; Date and time: Thursday, June 16, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Website: eventcreate.com; Admission: $10

Tenth Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival

It’s time for the official Atlanta Parade & Music festival at Centennial Olympic Park! Bring out the family to enjoy a parade and the music that captures the celebration of Juneteenth!

Location: Downtown - 265 Park Ave W NW; Date and time: Friday, June 17, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday, June 19, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Website: juneteenthatl.com; Admission: Free

The Big Homecoming: Impact Day

Just like it’s name, this homecoming weekend celebration will be BIG! This will be a two-day event filled with a fun time for the whole family. Impact Day, at Clark Atlanta University’s Epps Gymnasium, will feature a Convocation with special guest speaker Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, performances, HBCU roll call, and much more. This event is free to the public with admission by registration only.

Location: Downtown - 620 Fair St SW, Atlanta; Date and time: Friday, June 17 from10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Website: thebighomecoming.com; Admission: Free

The Big Homecoming: Festival

Get your dancing shoes ready because the festival is where you’ll be dancing the day away! Who is on the lineup you ask? The heavy hitter lineup at Lakewood Amphitheater includes Jermaine Dupri, Jeezy, Lil Duval, Lecrae, Montell Jordan & 702, and Pastor Troy.

Location: Downtown - 2002 Lakewood Way SW; Date and time: Saturday, June 18th from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Website: thebighomecoming.com; Admission: Tickets start at $70

The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame Juneteenth Celebration

Get ready to head to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This celebration will highlight the arts and culture experience by celebrating the magic of black culture, including art, live entertainment, local vendors, music, outdoor movie, fireworks, food, dance, and fun for all ages!

Location: Downtown - 1 Backyard Way; Date and time: Saturday, June 18 from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Website: thehomedepotbackyard.com; Admission: Free

7 Acts of Change Juneteenth 2022 Walk for Change

This is the perfect opportunity to stay fit at your own pace. The 7 Acts of Change Juneteenth Walk for Change gives participants the chance to walk to celebrate Juneteenth but to also acknowledge that there is still work that needs to be done. Organizers are also giving participants the chance to do it virtually!

Location: (starting in North Decatur) 1798 Haygood Drive Northeast; Date and time: Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com; Admission: Children 12 & Under are free; Adults e-tickets are $10 or $25 in-person.

Juneteenth ATL 5K

Why not get out and celebrate Juneteenth at Chastain Memorial Park on this beautiful weekend? This 5K was designed to encourage participants to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The cool part about this 5K is that you can complete it virtually too! You can register for the 5K day on the day of the event.

Location: Buckhead - 140 Chastain Ave. NW; Date and time: Sunday, June 19, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (7 a.m. Check-in); Website: wcomhost.com; Admission: $52.00