Oakland Cemetery is one of Atlanta’s most inclusive institutions. Everyone is invited to participate in the 2023 Juneteenth activities, regardless of race or religion.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army, in Galveston, Texas. Six months later, the Thirteenth Amendment officially made slavery illegal throughout the entire United States. Juneteenth has been observed since 1866.
This year, Juneteenth takes on a more reflective, serious tone, as the Atlanta community grapples with social justice issues.
You may also be interested in our big list of 2023 Juneteenth observances.
A Celebration of Freedom Walking Tour
Saturday, June 17th
FREE to attend with advance reservation
The annual Juneteenth tradition of FREE tours is back at Oakland this year! You’ll need an advance reservation through Eventbrite for a tour. They begin every half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Don’t delay, because the free tours sell out each year — reserve now.
All tours start at the Front Gate (main entrance at Oakland Avenue and MLK Jr. Drive). Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the volunteer desk inside the Visitors Center (located in the parking lot).
The 2023 tour is focused on the Reconstruction Era, with actors portraying Oakland residents as they navigate the new times post-emancipation.
If you can’t get a reserved ticket, come anyway!
You can also use your mobile device to take a narrated tour of the African American Burial Grounds.
The African-American burial grounds at Oakland Cemetery
Storytelling Hour for All Ages
Saturday, June 17th
10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
FREE, no reservation required
Join storyteller LaDoris Bias Davis for an hour of Gullah Geechee tales.
Libation Ceremony and Performance
Saturday, June 17th
11 a.m.
A libations ceremony involves pouring a liquid on the ground to honor one’s ancestors. It will take place at the historic African American Burial Grounds, followed by a short performance by the Big Bethel AME Heaven Bound Choir.
Live Music
Saturday, June 17th
Performances at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Singer-Songwriter Veronika Jackson performs selections that draw from the blues movement and the folk music of the 1960s.
Happening throughout the day…
If you can’t get a tour ticket or make it specifically for one of the scheduled events, come anyway!
You’ll enjoy a deejay, vendor market, arts & crafts station for kids, Dobie’s Catering food truck, and more.
You can also use your mobile device to take a tour of the African American Burial Grounds.
Get more info from the Oakland event page
More events around metro Atlanta:
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Sunday, December 17, 2023
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Thursday, December 28, 2023
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