CHICAGO — There are dozens of parades, barbecues, art shows, skating events, marches, festivals and other celebrations over the next two weeks to honor Juneteenth this year.
Juneteenth is the federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when traveling federal troops informed the last groups of enslaved people living in Galveston, Texas, of the end of slavery in the United States two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
In Chicago, there are many events people can attend to celebrate the holiday before, after and on June 19, which is regarded by many as the United States’ second independence day.
Check out the list for events in and near your neighborhood. Think we missed one? Email us at newsroom@blockclubchi.org.
North/Northwest Side
Pathways Toward Peace and the Coonley Advocacy Group Juneteenth Celebration
11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 15
St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, 3900 N. Leavitt St.
In this third annual Juneteenth event, guests can expect entertainment, food, a vendor fair with Black-owned small businesses and family-friendly activities, including hair-braiding, Chinese YoYo, Double Dutch, horseback riding and arts and crafts. There will also be a live DJ performing. Jesse White Tumblers, Queen K’s Kitchen, Thug Hippie and Kim Stratton Kitchen are other expected highlights of this free event.
4th Annual Voice of the People Juneteenth Jubilee
Noon-2:30 p.m. June 15
Harry S. Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Resources and services from local businesses and organizations will be spotlighted at the Voice of the People’s Juneteenth Jubilee Resource Fair. Attendees can expect food vendors and community initiatives, as well as games, prizes, a free barber, live entertainment and more.
They Not Like Us: Juneteenth Art Exhibit and Gallery Fundraiser
Noon-4 p.m. June 15
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, a Black-women-owned space, invites the community to attend this art exhibit in celebration of Juneteenth, where it hopes to raise $15,000 for its operations and expansion. There is a $15 suggested donation.
Juneteenth Story Time at Commercial Park
1-3 p.m. June 15
Commercial Park, 1845 W. Rice St.
Families can head to Commercial Park to hear stories centered on Juneteenth and Black History. This event — which is organized by Stand Up To Hate, the nonprofit behind the annual Stand Up To Hate Playdate — will have free food, ice cream and more.
Refine Collective Fourth Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market
4-10 p.m. June 15
The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
Refine Collective’s annual Juneteenth event, a celebration of Black entrepreneurship, will feature over 50 Black artists and businesses selling vintage clothes, beauty products, original art and prints, baked goods and more. There will be performances from local musicians and the 40+ Double Dutch Club, andBlack Joy Ride and Cruise Chi, two local bike clubs, are organizing group rides to the event.
The event’s free afterparty is 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Black-owned restaurant and bar The Duplex, 3137 W. Logan Blvd. There will be sets from local DJs 1981 Tokyo, Ndulgence and Ryan Moses. An RSVP for the event is free, but a $10 donation to the Gray Matter Experience is strongly encouraged instead.
The Emancipation Ball 2024: Chicago’s Premiere Juneteenth Event
7 p.m.-midnight June 18
Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
Moor’s Brewing Company is hosting the Emancipation Ball 2024, a luxury gathering featuring arts, entertainment, an open bar, food and an optional VIP experience. Tickets are $125.
Juneteenth Celebration in Pottawatomie Park
5-9 p.m. June 19
7340 N. Rogers Ave.
At Pottawatomie Park, nonprofit ONE Northside’s violence prevention team will have its 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. A member of the citywide Communities Partnering 4 Peace collaborative, ONE Northside plans to offer music, food, games and family activities to honor Black history and culture. The event is free.
Artsy Barber Juneteenth Art Show
5-9 p.m. June 19
Positive Space Studios, 3520 W. Fullerton Ave.
Bryan Everett, the barber and artist behind Artsy Barber, is hosting an art show, called “The Bear Market,” for Juneteenth. He aims to create conversations about the experiences of participants and attendees of the past four years, post-COVID. No registration is required and there will be music, drinks and food.
You’re Invited To The Cookout! A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Comedians
7 p.m. June 19
Conservatory Theatre, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave.
Several rising Black comedians are coming together for this Juneteenth variety show featuring improv, musical improv, sketch comedy and stand-up. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks.
Juneteenth Open Mic
7-8:30 p.m. June 19
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
Organizers are hosting this open mic event with poets, singers, readings and dancing. There is a two-piece limit for those who’d like to participate. Donations are accepted online.
Chicago Juneteenth Paint and Sip
5-7 p.m. June 22
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
At this Juneteenth-themed paint-and-sip, guests can bring their own drinks, enjoy house music and paint artwork.
South/Southwest Side
Alderman Beale’s Juneteenth Celebration
10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 14
9th Ward Service Office, 34 E. 112th Place
Those in the 9th Ward can head to Ald. Anthony Beale’s office for food, music and raffles.
Go Green Griot Plaza Opening
2-8 p.m. June 14
Go Green Community Fresh Market, 1207 W. 63rd St.
IMAN, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, is celebrating the grand opening of the Go Green Grior Plaza in Englewood, a creative hub for health and wellness, live events, artistic programs, community events and more. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family-friendly activities, performances from Englewood’s Heavy Crownz and others, a community drum circle and more. Mayor Brandon Johnson is scheduled to make an appearance. The event is free with registration.
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Culture
9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 15
LeClaire Courts-Hearst Park, 5120 W. 44th St.
Nonprofit organization Season to Soar, which works to provide resources to underserved communities, has live music, food and family-friendly activities planned for its free Juneteenth celebration.
Bronzeville’s 2024 Juneteenth Celebration: Unite Rising
11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 15
Absolutely Anything Essential, 3521 S. King Drive
At this Bronzeville Juneteenth event, neighbors can enjoy food; a vendor fair with local businesses; areas for youth and seniors; performances, live music, dance and spoken word; educational activities and more. Speakers will include Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th), political consultant Delmarie Cobb and Bronzeville historian Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. Registration for the event is free online.
Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival
Noon-7 p.m. June 15
110th Street and Longwood Avenue
The annual Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival will have live music, DJs, African dance and drumming, sports and activities for families, bouncy houses, face painting, art, educational and fitness resources, a vendor fair, food, drinks and more. Workshops on COPA (11 a.m.), diabetes (1 p.m.) and health (2:30 p.m.) will take place at the nearby Woodson Regional Library, while others on Alzheimer’s disease and breath health (2 p.m.) will be at Beverly Library. The event is free.
The John W. Tutson Jr. Children and Youth Services Nonprofit Organization Juneteenth and Father’s Day Weekend
Noon-3 p.m. June 15
Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd Place
There will be free food and drinks, music, bounce houses, raffles, a vendor fair, basketball games, a father-vs.-son softball game and more. People can also expect seminars that discuss careers and address community violence.
Juneteenth Festival in Morgan Park
Noon-5 p.m. June 15
Corner of Halsted and 115th streets
The Far South Community Development Corporation is inviting neighbors to head to Morgan Park on June 15 for its Juneteenth Festival. There will be live music, family-friendly activities, a vendor market with Black-owned businesses, food from Black restaurants, housing workshops, and more. The event will serve as an activation of the future site of the Morgan Park Commons, a mixed-use development spearheaded by the Far South CDC, expected to begin initial work sometime later this year.
Juneteenth Day at Marquette Park
Noon-6 p.m. June 15
Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave.
Marquette Park will have a drum circle, vendor fair, yoga, music, history lessons, poetry, health screening, food and family-friend activities. Guests are encouraged to bring their own grill. Tickets are free online.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum Annual Juneteenth Celebration
1-3 p.m. June 15
9301 S. Stony Island Ave.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum’s Juneteenth celebration will have interactive activities. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Juneteenth/Father’s Day Celebration
4-7 p.m. June 15
4500 S. Lake Park Ave.
At this event, aimed at celebrating Juneteenth and Father’s Day, there will be live music, a Father’s Day tribute, card games, hopscotch, cornhole, Double Dutch, chess and trivia. There will also be food and beverages. In the event of rain, the celebration will be postponed until June 16.
Juneteenth Paddle: Canoeing the African American River Trail
9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16
Meets at the Long Room, 1612 W. Irving Park Road, before heading to canoe launch in Little Calumet River
This guided canoe tour organized by Openland and the Forest Preserves of Cook County will take participants down the African American Heritage Water Trail along the Little Calumet River. Lunch will be provided. While there’s no fee to use a boat or join a guided tour on the river, there is a $109.55 registration fee that goes to transportation, food, beverages and raising money for the GARDENEERS program, which teaches youth at South and West Side Schools about gardening, farming and the food system.
10 a.m.- 2 p.m. June 16
Little Calumet Boat Launch Preserve on Jackson Street east of Ashland Avenue
Attendees can paddle along the Little Calumet River to see the Major Taylor Bridge and learn about local efforts to improve the river’s quality. Those interested should first call the FPCC South Zone at 312-415-2970.
Juneteenth Kick-off Celebration
4-6 p.m. June 16
Mariano’s Bronzeville, 3857 S. Martin Luther King Drive
There will be a vendor fair featuring Black-owned businesses and chefs, car clubs and live music at this annual Juneteenth event in Bronzeville.
Opal’s Walk For Freedom-Juneteenth Celebration
9-11 a.m. June 19
31st Street Beach
The Justice Journey Alliance, Leadership Foundation of Chicago, along with other organizations in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York will lead a 2.5-mile walk starting at 31st Street Beach to honor the time it took news of the end of slavery to reach enslaved people in Texas. The route will head north along 18th Street (Sledding Hill), then return to 31st Street. The free event will also include speakers, food, and dancing.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
During the museum’s annual Juneteenth celebration, neighbors can enjoy a petting zoo, horseback riding, a farmers market and a planting station.
Juneteenth Community ReCommittment Celebration: Youth Olympics
10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 19
Gately Stadium Park, 810 E. 103rd St.
The National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum’s 12th annual Juneteenth Community ReCommittment Event, a day full of events, will be kicked off with a parade along with a block party and Youth Olympics activities. The block party will be on 104th Street between Corliss Street and Maryland Avenue. A festival, also part of the day’s events, will feature food, drinks, alcoholic beverages and entertainment in the Gately Stadium parking lot. It’s also where youth can learn where to go to participate in the day’s athletic events.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center 2024 Juneteenth Performances
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
This free event will feature a daylong program of musical Blues and R&B performances to celebrate Black creativity and expression. Artists include Glenn Jones, DJ ambassador Kevin Nevels, A Patch of Blues, Joe Pratt and the Source One Band, DJ Sam Blk Soldier, Javon Watson Experience, Guitars Over Guns, Zion and more.
Yoga With De’Shon McClain and Prison Yoga Chicago
10:15-11:15 a.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
During DuSable Museum’s annual Juneteenth celebration, attendees can join a yoga session led by De’Shon McClain and Prison Yoga Chicago. The event is free.
South Side Community Federal Credit Union Juneteenth Celebration
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 19
5401 W. Wentworth Ave., 19E
You can enjoy live music, dancing, food and drinks, art, family-friendly activities, financial workshops, spoken word, storytelling and more at this Juneteenth event centered on celebrating Black love, power and economic freedom.
Angel of God Resource Center Juneteenth Event
11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 19
108th and Halsted streets
This Juneteenth event will include a food drive, vendor fair, gaming truck, music, dancing, food and drinks and games.
Noon-4 p.m. June 19
Roundhouse at the DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
A skating event at the DuSable Museum is part of its annual Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth Celebration at O’Hallaren Park
Noon-5 p.m. June 19
O’Hallaren Park, 8335 S. Honore St.
Sen. Willie Preston is inviting the community to join his Juneteenth event at O’Hallaren Park, where people can expect food, music, a basketball tournament, giveaways and more.
2024 Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market
2-7 p.m. June 19
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West
Several food vendors and local businesses are participating in this pop-up Juneteenth Market at The Promontory. There will be music and special guests. The event is free.
Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Skating and Bowling
5-9 p.m. June 19
The MLK Skating and Bowling Center, 1219 W. 76th St.
Neighbors can enjoy a night of skating and bowling at this Juneteenth event. There will be music, lights, games, face paint, a bounce house, food and more. Admission is $20 and includes entry and skate rental or two games of bowling, bowling shoe rental, a slice of pizza and a glow bracelet.
6-7:30 p.m. June 19
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Western Avenue and 87th Street
The Major Taylor Trail Keepers and Black Girl Bike will lead a 16-mile round-trip group ride for Juneteenth. Those interested should bring a bike and helmet.
Kids Off The Block Juneteenth Event
1-5 p.m. June 22
11618 S. Michigan Ave.
There will be free food, resources, music, and giveaways in this event from Kids Off The Block.
Support Black-Owned Businesses This Juneteenth at Jewel-Osco
Noon-4 p.m. June 29
Jewel-Osco, 87 W. 87th St.
In celebration of Juneteenth, Jewel-Osco will have an event with Black-owned businesses like McBride Sisters, Funkytown Brewery, Ma’s Best, Mumbo BBQ, Signature Sweets, live music, giveaways, raffles, a face paint activity for families and more. Attendees can sample products, receive in-store savings and hear music from DJ Tony Lane and singer and pianist Fred Barr.
West Side/West Loop
Fourth Annual 1865 Festival at Garfield Park
Noon-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, June 14-16
Garfield Park,Music Court Circle, 300 N. Central Park Ave.
A three-day festival from the Garfield Park 1865 Coalition, dedicated to celebrating Black history and culture, the 1865 Festival will feature a variety of activities, educational workshops, live music and food. There will be a military honors ceremony and a VIP reception recognizing Black veterans on Friday, a youth day with a footwork battle and performance by Crucial Conflict and Shawnna and a Father’s Day grill-off on Sunday. A Men Deserve Flowers pop-up presentation will also take place Sunday. Men interested in receiving flowers should register online. Those interested in attending the 1865 Festival can register online.
10th Annual African-American Awareness and Appreciation Parade – A Juneteenth Celebration
11 a.m. June 15
Starts at 2901 W. Monroe St.
This 10th annual parade will start at 5th and Francisco avenues, continue along Madison Street and end at Central Park Avenue, where there will be a Juneteenth Celebration noon-2 p.m. with free food.
Noon-6 p.m. June 15
Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave.
From the Chicago Westside Branch of the NAACP, Columbus Park Advisory Council, the Westside Arts Advisory Council and several other organizations, this event will have vendors, food, health resources, a basketball tournament with a cash prize from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and more. There will also be a “Black Men We Love You” photo exhibit honoring Black men featuring work by West Side photographer Kenn Cook.
Noon-8 p.m. June 15
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive (12th Street and California Avenue)
Those looking to celebrate Juneteenth on the city’s West Side can head to Douglass Park, where there will be food trucks, a bounce house, carnival rides, games, local vendors and more. Performances from Common, Dead Prez, Domani, Boolumaster, Nola Ade, Bella Bahhs and other local artists, as well as the South Shore Drill Team, Reddz Angels, A-List Dance Crew and others. Tickets are free.
UIC Disability Cultural Center’s Accessible Juneteenth
4-7:30 p.m. June 18
The UIC Quad, 1200 W. Harrison St.
The University of Illinois-Chicago’s Disability Cultural Center will have free food, family-friendly activities, local vendors, giveaways, an open mic, games, a photo booth and more at its Accessible Juneteenth event, which celebrates Juneteenth and Black people with disabilities. Performances from DJ Matt, Complex Theory, Domo Moon, Victoria Boateng, RISE and Cherlnell Lane are also planned. Guests are asked to wear masks indoors.
Westside House Head Festival Block Party and Pastor Hunter 58th Birthday Bash
4-9 p.m. June 21
1457 S. Kenneth Ave.
Rev. Marvin Hunter, the senior pastor of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, is hosting an event June 21 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the creation of house music and Juneteenth. At the festival, presented by Grace At Jerusalem C.D.C. Hugs Ministry, the Hospitality Ministry and R&B Justice, there will be performances from Farley Jackmaster Funk and the RockNation Band. Families are encouraged to come early to secure spots for bring spots for grilling.
On Saturday, Hunter is celebrating his 58th birthday with performances by the Williams Singers from Indianapolis, Pastor Marvin Gaye Hunter and The Sons of Jerusalem and The New Sons of Grace. Guest appearances will include the Prophets Of Joy: Roosevelt Bradley, William Crook, Randy L. Berry and Willie Reese. The event kicks off 5 p.m., and doors open 4 p.m.
Juneteenth Illinois Events at Malcolm X College
8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 22
Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Juneteenth Illinois, a collaborative of Illinois organizations, civic groups, and state and local sponsors, has several educational panels planned for June 22 at Malcolm X College. These include topics such as health, justice, education and finances. There will also be bingo event and youth competition. Those interested should RSVP online.
The Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation
4-9:30 p.m. June 28
Kehrein Center For The Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.
Being held the weekend between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this celebration from the Kehrein Center for the Arts will feature performances, documentaries, workshops and more that highlight the “aura of Blackness.” Those interested should RSVP online. Tickets are free or $25 with valet parking. Beer and wine tickets are $7 and $10 respectively.
Online
7-8 p.m. June 19
Online via Zoom
Yoga practitioner L’Oreal Thompson Payton invites people to join her for a special virtual yoga session in honor of Juneteenth and the Black community. Open to both seasoned yogis and those trying the practice for the first time, the session will teach reflection, mindfulness and physical and mental wellness. A $15 donation is suggested. A portion of the proceeds will support Free Root Operation, an organization that works to address poverty and gun violence in Chicago.
Juneteenth 2024: A Conversation on Structural Inequality with Dr. Andre Perry
9-10 a.m. June 28
Online via Zoom
Andre Perry will discuss race, structural inequality and economic inclusion in a conversation moderated by Paulette R. Dodson, the former General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Alight, Inc. and United Way of Metro Chicago Board Member. Those interested should register for the event online.
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