Juneteenth in Augusta, Georgia 

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. 

Coming June 2025 • James Brown Arena

The Juneteenth Augusta Festival brings awareness to Juneteenth and spreads comradery amongst the community while commemorating the emancipation of our ancestors. This event comes complete with soulful-conscious speakers, health and wellness checks, phenomenal musical and spoken word acts, extravagant exhibits, entertainment for kids, and vendors from all across the CSRA. This event always has been and will remain FREE to the public in successive years!