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Savannah Celebrates Juneteenth with Diverse Events

The community comes together to celebrate Juneteenth with festivities in Savannah.

News Summary

Savannah is gearing up for a series of events to honor Juneteenth, highlighting the significance of freedom and heritage, from June 14 to June 21. Amidst cancellations in other cities, Savannah’s celebrations include festivals, a 5K run, cultural activities, and a fine arts festival. Key highlights include community gatherings at the Savannah African Art Museum and Tybee Island’s wade-in ceremony, all free and family-friendly, aimed at commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Savannah is set to celebrate a series of joyful events in honor of Juneteenth, despite several cities across the country canceling their festivities. This year’s celebrations will reflect the significance of freedom and heritage, with an array of activities planned to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, carries historical importance as it marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom.

The greater Savannah area has organized multiple events to celebrate this federal holiday, which became official in 2021. Events will span from June 14 to June 21 and will feature cultural celebrations, educational sessions, and community gatherings, all aimed at honoring Black heritage.

Upcoming Celebrations in the Just Greater Savannah Area

Pooler Events

In Pooler, there will be two significant Juneteenth celebrations. The annual Juneteenth festival at Tanger Outlets is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025. This event will take place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a rain date set for June 15. Additionally, on Thursday, June 19, a 5K run will be held at Pooler Stadium, located at 200 Preston Stokes Drive, starting at 7 a.m. The rain date for this event will be June 21.

Savannah African Art Museum

The Savannah African Art Museum will hold its fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities at this event will include storytelling sessions led by Adrienne Reynolds, free self-guided tours, community resource tables, a collaborative community art project, and a marketplace featuring local art vendors.

Tybee Island Events

On Juneteenth, TybeeMLK will host its 11th annual wade-in ceremony next to the pier, starting at 9 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. This ceremony will feature storytelling by Gullah Geechee leaders, along with singing, dancing, and prayer before wading into the ocean in a symbolic act of unity and heritage.

Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival

Starting on June 19, Savannah’s annual Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival will kick off at Daffin Park, featuring a fireworks show at nightfall on the same day. This multi-day festival is free to the public and will feature live music, food trucks, giveaways, and various art displays. A second arts and crafts festival is scheduled to take place at Forsyth Park on June 21 at 4 p.m., showcasing additional performances and visual arts.

Port Wentworth Celebration

Port Wentworth will also observe Juneteenth with its annual celebration on June 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will take place at 100 Lakeside Blvd. and will include performances from the R&B, soul, and funk cover band MegaFly.

Conclusion

This year, the 3rd Annual Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts Festival will continue its tradition of celebrating the rich history of Juneteenth within African American culture through activities that include Lunch and Learns at the Beach Institute on June 10 and 17. The festivities will culminate with a Unity in Fireworks Show at Daffin Park on June 19, followed by a grand closing at Forsyth Park on June 21, offering various food vendors, live bands, and showcases of local artists.

All events are free and open to the public, aiming to provide family-friendly activities designed to commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth and celebrate the vibrant culture it represents.