Juneteenth 2026

Join us for an exploration of pre-Civil War agriculture and nature as it relates to the lives of the enslaved in America’s Piedmont region. Explore the Smith Farm while learning about the foodways, medicinal practices, forms of resistance, and horticultural styles these communities practiced to overcome the oppression they faced.

Guided tour offered at 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm.

Learn the art of quilting from the Atlanta-based, award-winning Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild through a series of demonstrations, displays, hands-on activities and timed talks. 

Activities will be available from 10 am—2 pm.

Timed talks will take place at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.

Learn the historic trades that—for many enslaved and freed people—provided a means for financial mobility before and after the Civil War. Demonstrations, including  woodworking, cooking, and distilling will be led throughout our historic Smith Farm and will be supplemented with enriched material for your self-guided experience. 

10 am—2 pm

Using your five senses, engage with stories of empowerment and resistance to understand how African Americans retained identity, culture, and autonomy despite enslavement. 

10 am—4pm

Explore Civil War artifacts from the United States Colored Troops (USCT), including a military drum, Army medal, and more! Learn about these objects and their history from AHC staff.

10:30 am—1 pm 

Inspired by the biographies of Edward Carter’s 1894 book  The Black Side, these recordings introduce individuals who shaped the  Black community in the years following the Civil War and Reconstruction. From educators to craftsmen to philanthropists, learn how these men and women found new opportunity through freedom and created an impact in Atlanta.

10 am—4 pm 

Visit the latest addition to the Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta exhibit that shares the story of the Atlanta Student Movement and how this group of students not only organized to make a major impact on the Civil Rights Movement, but also took their place in the complex story of Black Atlanta.

10 am—4pm  

Create your own colorful shaker or rattle—instruments with deep roots in the African diaspora. After you craft and play, take home your very own musical creation!

10 am—4pm

Celebrate Juneteenth by connecting with community groups throughout the city of Atlanta. Whether you’d like to get involved in youth empowerment, civic opportunities, or other area nonprofit organizations, there are lots of ways to make a difference. While you’re here, check out the vibrant vendor market, where crates of vinyl, music-inspired goods, and unique local finds come together in one lively space.

12 pm—4 pm 

(Recommended for ages 8 and under; ticket required)  

Explore the joys and wonders of the Goizueta Children’s Experience! Children ages 0-8 can enjoy hands-on crafts, playful activities, and creative experiences inspired by Atlanta’s history and culture. 

*Timed ticket required: a limited number of tickets will be available onsite, first come first served.  

10 am—4pm

Kenan Research Center preserves and provides access to extensive primary source holdings for the study of Atlanta and the surrounding region, including a special collection for Southeastern horticultural history in our  Cherokee Garden Library. The center also collects and shares stories of our veterans through the Veterans History Project. Drop by to explore books and select archival material on display and learn about the research services available.

10 am—4 pm

The Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), Inc., is a group of family-tree researchers who share historical and genealogical information, methodology and sources about African American ancestry. Chapter members are from the “ATL” area and across the nation and include everyone from beginners to published authors who research all 50 states. For information about our organization, visit us at  www.aahgsatl.org  

10 am—4pm

Enjoy a variety of culinary offerings available for purchase from Black-owned food trucks and restaurants