As Juneteenth approaches, history lovers and Black travelers from across the country make their way to Savannah for one of the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebrations. But even if a June visit isn’t on your travel calendar, Savannah honors and preserves Black history, culture, and legacy year-round through its historic sites, museums, cultural experiences, and community events.
This year’s Juneteenth celebrations in Savannah will spotlight Day of Jubilee at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Held on June 18 at District Live, the annual event, Day of Jubilee: Reflections of Freedom, Faith and Fortitude, invites guests to honor the history, resilience, and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee community.
Free and open to the public, the celebration is led by creative director, ritual celebrant, and master storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste and features an inspiring lineup of performances, including Gullah Geechee storytelling, liberation songs, African drumming, spoken word, poetry, and a special appearance by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters. The evening promises a powerful tribute to freedom, heritage, and community that will leave attendees feeling both inspired and empowered.
While Juneteenth offers an important opportunity to commemorate the end of slavery and February shines a spotlight on Black history, JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is committed to celebrating Black culture, heritage, and achievement throughout the year through a variety of educational programs, cultural events, and community-focused initiatives.
RELATED: Exploring Black Heritage: Top Cultural U.S. Destinations to Visit This Month
Savannah holds a significant place in Black history as one of the South’s most culturally rich and historically important cities. Its story is deeply connected to slavery, African cultural preservation, emancipation, Reconstruction, and Black entrepreneurship.
Following the Civil War, Savannah emerged as a hub for Black education and economic growth, with Black residents establishing schools, newspapers, churches, and thriving businesses. Today, the city’s vibrant music, cuisine, storytelling traditions, religious life, and arts scene continue to reflect the lasting influence of African American and Gullah Geechee culture.
Visitors can explore that legacy through experiences such as the Black Heritage Festival, King-Tisdell Cottage, Gullah Geechee heritage tours, and preservation efforts like the Springfield Terrace School rehabilitation project. Many of these cultural programs and educational experiences are supported through partnerships and events at the Plant Riverside District, helping keep Savannah’s Black history and heritage visible long after Juneteenth celebrations have ended.
Jimmy Woo for Unsplash
Among the many cultural programs and events that help keep Black history and heritage at the forefront throughout the year are several signature experiences hosted at the Plant Riverside District.
One highlight is “Me, Myself, & Us: Larry Mitchell,” taking place on May 22, 2026. Part of the ongoing Me, Myself, & Us concert series, the event explores the musical influences and cultural impact of Larry Mitchell while using music as a tool for education, reflection, and community engagement.
Later in the year, “Kwanzaa on the River” returns on December 26. Hosted by Lillian Grant-Baptiste, the community gathering brings guests together for an evening of drumming, dance, storytelling, candle lighting, and reflection centered on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, culminating in a celebration of unity and collective empowerment.
Visitors can also experience African culture year-round at the Baobab Lounge, where South African-inspired art, music, wine, and cuisine create an immersive cultural experience. The menu features globally inspired offerings such as West African wings, lamb meatballs with tahini honey harissa, chickpea lentil hummus, biltong, and curated South African wine tastings.
Another standout event, “Under the Baobab Tree,” combines storytelling, food, and cultural preservation through an intimate dining experience inspired by African folklore and Gullah Geechee traditions. Guests enjoy traditional dishes and wine pairings while listening to stories that celebrate resilience, community, and ancestral wisdom.
The annual Soul Sessions Masquerade continues to be a vibrant celebration of Black artistry, bringing together live music, spoken word, visual arts, and creative expression for an evening centered on culture and connection.
Meanwhile, “I Shall Not Be Moved” serves as a powerful tribute to the strength and resilience of the Gullah Geechee people through drumming, poetry, music, and storytelling that honor generations of perseverance and cultural pride. Together, these events demonstrate how Savannah’s commitment to celebrating Black history extends far beyond Juneteenth and Black History Month.
RELATED: Spring in Charleston: The Perfect 3-Day Girls Trip Itinerary
