Atlanta Greek Picnic’s impact and reach have spread far and wide in the 20 years since its start in 2004. Welcoming visitors from 38 states and countries like Japan, Spain, Ghana, and Vietnam, the Atlanta Greek Picnic (AGP) has steadily grown into an annual Atlanta tradition while preserving the integrity of its mission. This year, AGP celebrates its 20th anniversary with six days of engaging events, meetups, and networking opportunities.
AGP founder Tiwa Works, who transitioned from a British boarding school to the suburbs of metro Atlanta in the ’90s, would soon find the spark for his platform. Following his parents’ advice, the British-born Nigerian landed at Georgia Southwestern State University, a rural setting three hours south of Atlanta. The campus experiences of Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, two HBCUs nearby, served as inspiring stomping grounds for the early days of AGP.
“Granted, I did not attend an HBCU, [but] I did get a bit of an HBCU experience. There were always football classics, homecomings, [and] things that Greeks were doing,” Works shares with Travel Noire.
Eventually becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Works was compelled to bring the communal energy of the Divine Nine organizations to Atlanta in a new way shortly after graduating. In 2004, Works and his team would gather thousands on the legendary campus of Morris Brown College. Now, 20 years later, what began as a desire to gather has grown into a multifaceted event with global influence that’s part business, part play, and all about the community.
What To Expect At The 2024 Atlanta Greek Picnic
Although all roads ultimately lead to the Atlanta Greek Picnic on Saturday (and the Atlanta Alumni Picnic on Sunday), Works assures that creating connections is at the center of their six-day lineup.
“Like Greek Week on most college campuses, [AGP] includes career fairs, networking events, block parties, step shows, and picnics,” Works shares. “While we love to have our good time, we have to incorporate some type of business, networking, and really connecting. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned AGP has done — connection.”
This year’s lineup includes a Career Fair and Fireside Chat, followed by the R&B Experience on Wednesday, June 26. AGP starts the weekend vibes early with its famous AGP Block Party at Underground Atlanta on Thursday, June 27. Atlanta’s own Fabo and South Carolina “Nasty Song” creator Lil Ru are performing at the block party. Festival happenings also include various vendors, food, bars, and other performances to keep attendees entertained. To make the most of the weekend, there’s also a brunch day party and kick-off party on Friday, June 28.
The morning of AGP is for the fitness-minded, with the Field of Greeks wellness event to start the day. The 20th Atlanta Greek Picnic takes place on Saturday, June 29, at the Founders Plaza of Morris Brown College. The submersion into Black culture and the HBCU experience will feature vendors, food trucks, and live music on the campus. Roscoe Dash is slated to perform along with a few other surprise guests native to the city. AGP Cares Corner will offer complimentary six to 10-minute health screenings during the picnic, one of the company’s several give-back initiatives. Honoring a timed Divine Nine tradition, AGP will also host its annual Stroll Off. During the competition, Divine Nine sororities and fraternities showcase their best in the hopes of winning a $10,000 prize.
Closing out the weekend is the Official 2024 Alumni Greek Picnic on Sunday, June 30, at Morris Brown College. Works’s team introduced the Alumni Greek Picnic concept to bring back the nostalgic vibes for day-one attendees who’ve been coming for 20 years.
What To Bring And What Not To Bring To The Atlanta Greek Picnic
In terms of what to expect and what to leave at home, Works says to leave the extras — they have everything you need.
“We’ve got bars, food, and vendors,” Works shares on preparing for AGP. “Bring a great attitude, good energy, good vibes, and keep your phone charged. We want you to come [and] have a good time,” he continues.
For those attending AGP for the first time, the picnic has a clear backpack policy worth noting.
“We want people to be safe and we’re very proud of our record,” Works shares confidently. “Going into 20 years, we’ve never had any violent incidents. I think the only thing we’ve ever had is people fall in love and get married.”
Can Non-Greeks Attend Atlanta Greek Picnic?
A common misconception for some is that you have to be Greek to attend. While the earlier days of AGP were exclusive to members of sororities and fraternities, Works and his team realized that along with this community came their loved ones.
By centering the festival on HBCUs and Greek letter organizations, Works knew that students and alums alike would preserve this unique celebration of Black collegiate culture.
“As we’ve evolved, people who are non-Greek and non-D9 members do attend,” Works shares. “We say D9 Greeks and friends.”
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
