Juneteenth 2026

@ Get Your Free Tickets Tickets Welcome to Atlanta History Center’s Juneteenth celebration! As the United States marks 250 years as a nation, this day invites us to reflect on a fuller story of freedom. For generations, Black Americans claimed and shaped their own paths to liberation through resilience, resistance, and community, marking a period of Freedom Delayed. The Civil War and the actions of Black soldiers, leaders, and communities brought Freedom Declared, culminating in the long-awaited arrival of emancipation news in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.  In the years that followed, Atlanta became a center for education, activism, and progress, embodying Freedom Organized through movements for civil rights and social change. Today, we gather to experience Freedom Activated—honoring the enduring legacy of those who championed freedom while celebrating its ongoing impact. As you explore the activities and performances below, we invite you to reflect, connect, and engage with these themes in meaningful and memorable ways.  Juneteenth is part of Atlanta History Center’s celebration of the Civic Season, a nationwide initiative encouraging historically-informed civic participation through a two-week activation between Juneteenth and July 4th. View Activities Get Your Free Tickets Tickets Timed Activities Music Performances These performances are made possible with the support of Jazz Road, a national initiative of South Arts, which is funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Ongoing Activities Food Truck Park Enjoy a variety of culinary offerings available for purchase from local food trucks and restaurants FAQ This event is sponsored by The History of Juneteenth On June 19, 1865, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after Union troops seized Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States of America, the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were declared free people. That momentous date in 1865 was proclaimed Juneteenth and has been celebrated annually since then.  Learn More Civic Season Juneteenth is part of Atlanta History Center’s celebration of the Civic Season, a nationwide initiative encouraging historically-informed civic participation through a two-week activation between Juneteenth and July 4th. Learn More View Activities Get Free Tickets Back to Top