By Kristy Gomez
This February, there’s something for everyone at Oakland. We’re starting the year strong with a new event series, illumine ticket launch, free Black History tours, and more. For Oakland’s full event calendar and tickets, visit oaklandcemetery.com/events.
Free February Black History Month Tours – Throughout February, Oakland is offering free tours highlighting the lives of Oakland’s Black residents: We Shall Overcome: African American Stories from Civil War to Civil Rights, and Black Magnolias, a celebration of the Black women in Atlanta’s history with eternal homes at Oakland. Space is limited; reserve yours at oaklandcemetery.com/black-history-month.
Victorian Valentine Workshop (February 12, 6:30pm-8:30pm) – This intimate, hands-on workshop is designed to celebrate the season of love with a fun, hands-on, and engaging experience that speaks to both community connection and place-based storytelling. Registration is $50 per person.
Finally, Friday(February 13; Monthly) –Finally, Fridayis a monthly family-friendly event hosted at the Oakland Visitor Center. No tickets or reservations required to attend, though select activities require tickets; just meet at the Visitor Center from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and enjoy community, food, learning opportunities, and fun at the liveliest Cemetery around. February’s theme – celebrating love; learn more at oaklandcemetery.com.
Urban Explorer Winter Break Camp (February 16-20) – Got plans for your young explorers during Winter Break? Oakland has space in all our year-round seasonal camps, but spaces are filling fast. It’s never too early for your peace of mind – register for Oakland Camps at oaklandcemetery.com/oakland-camps.
Run Like Hell 5K (April 4) – The largest cemetery run in the country, Run Like Hell is one of Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood 5K fundraisers, with all proceeds going to the restoration and preservation of historic Oakland Cemetery. Participants are encouraged to “run like hell” while the Oakland grounds are “pushing up daisies!” visit oaklandcemetery.com.
illumine (April 16-19; April 23-26) – When the sun sets, the night reveals light-centered interactive and immersive art in a “gallery space” unlike any in Atlanta. This year, guests can experience illumine in new ways, including the Artist Spotlight Tour tickets, an artist or curator-led tour of the event. With Cat Eye Creative as Oakland’s curation partner for a second year, they have co-curated another talented roster of Atlanta artists for illumine 2026. Stay tuned for artist announcements, programming schedules, and more. Learn more and get tickets at oaklandcemetery.com/illumine-2026.
For more information on Oakland history, memberships, camps, events, and more, visit oaklandcemetery.com. All proceeds from Historic Oakland Foundation events benefit Historic Oakland Foundation’s preservation and restoration efforts for Oakland Cemetery, where Atlanta’s history comes alive.
