Celebrating Juneteenth in Chattanooga: Top Events, Festivals, and Activities
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, is the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day.
On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read to enslaved people in Texas—the last Confederate state where enforcement occurred—over two years after its issuance on January 1, 1863.
On March 31, 2020, the Chattanooga City Council unanimously adopted a resolution designating June 19 each year as Juneteenth Independence Day in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas | May 31 - June 21
The Chattanooga Festival of Black Arts & Ideas marks its 4th Annual Juneteenth Independence Day commemoration. Enjoy the Oscar Micheaux Black Film Festival every Friday in June at Community Haven (815 North Hickory, East Chattanooga). Attend Artist to Artist: A Round Table at Keeody Gallery on June 18 from 6-8 p.m. View the full event list here.
Organized by founder Ric Morris in partnership with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, the festival promotes unity through recognition, education, and preservation of Juneteenth. Morris has also produced educational videos on the holiday.
Southern Summer Sensation Celebrity Fashion Exposé | June 19, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Experience high-fashion runway shows, food, vendors, designers like Buckle Fashion, networking, and fun. Hosted by Memphis's Mr. Glen Allen, featuring rap legend Mystikal and Chattanooga's Royal Envy dance team. Dress to impress and sip the signature Southern Summer Cocktail. Tickets increase day-of—buy in advance!
The Chattanooga Business Elite Presents: A Juneteenth Celebration | June 19, 7 p.m.
Celebrate with royalty in Zumunda at The Renaissance Center. Enjoy live music, food, drink specials, fireworks, and more.
Black Wall Street of Chattanooga Juneteenth Celebration | June 19, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join the City of Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs at Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Park Plaza. Savor BBQ from local vendor BBQ Rowe while viewing a pictorial display of Black Wall Street and early African American businesses.
Black Professionals at the Hunter: Juneteenth Power, Passion & Pose | June 21, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The BPATH committee invites African American professionals for a dance performance by Monica and Cherokee Ellison, gallery experiences in the Hunter's Power, Passion & Pose: Photographs by Ken Browar and Deborah exhibit, networking games, and treats from Passion Pies.
In addition, support Chattanooga's Black-owned businesses via this community-sourced list, continually updated.
Learn More
Watch educational videos from the Black Arts and Ideas Festival. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center offers rich resources on African American history and culture in Chattanooga.
