City Of Austell 2023 Juneteenth Festival

AUSTELL, GA – The City of Austell is set to introduce its very first Juneteenth celebration in the history of the city, on June 17, 2023.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston Texas finally received the news 2 years later, that they were free. In 2021 President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. “I’m excited that Juneteenth is being recognized as a national holiday”, said Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons. “I’m even more excited that we’re having our inaugural event here in the City of Austell marking and celebrating the recognition of Juneteenth”.

Planned for Saturday, June 17 at Legion Park (5514 Austell-Powder Springs Rd), the Austell Juneteenth event kicks off at 12 pm until 7 pm. Admission to the event is Free.

"The community is invited to come out and enjoy this exciting Juneteenth Family Fun Day celebration", said Petergaye Ricketts with Ricketts Rhodes Events, organizer of the Austell Juneteenth festival. “We extend an invitation to our neighbors in surrounding cities to stop by and join the fun.”

The stage lineup includes African Band - Soweto Street Beat, up and coming R&B Vocalist Kato Stark, Spoken Word Talent Omelika Kuumba, I&C Empowerment Fete and Masquerade Band, Afrobeats with Lizzy, and Akeylah Simone Band. Other featured attractions include Guests Fashion Show, Stilt Walkers, African Dancers, Story Tellers, Game Truck, Face Painters, Bubble Soccer, Food Trucks, and more.

Parking is Free. Remember to bring your lawn chairs so you can relax and enjoy the all-day live entertainment. We love our pets, but please keep them at home. Also, no coolers please - we ask that you support our local business owners. This is a rain or shine event.

The 2023 Austell Juneteenth Festival is sponsored by City of Austell (austellga.gov), Uptown Cheapskates - Austell (uptowncheapskates.com/location/austell), and GDCR Attorneys at Law (gdcrlaw.com).

Vendors Welcome (note: food vendor spaces are full). For more information about the Austell Juneteenth Festival or sign up to be a vendor at austelljuneteenth.com or call 404.954.2576.

Also planned for Juneteenth weekend is the Austell Midnight Train Juneteenth event on Friday June 16, 2023 at the Threadmill Complex (5000 Austell-Powder Springs Rd) at 7 pm. The public is invited to this Free Adult Only event which includes Live Music, Poetry, Refreshments and more. Find out more about the Austell Midnight Train at austellga.gov