avery r. young — Chicago’s inaugural poet laureate — appears on WTTW. young hosts an interdisciplinary performance at the Old Town School of Folk Music in honor of Juneteenth

Juneteenth became a nationally recognized holiday in 2021, but celebrations date back centuries. It originated on June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people were finally informed of their emancipation under federal law.

Now, Juneteenth is an embodiment of the resilience of Black communities and histories and a celebration of the pride, joy and accomplishments of Black Americans.

Refine Collective Presents: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market

Friday, June 16, 5:00pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago
Tickets: $20 pre-sale, $25 day of

Kick off Juneteenth weekend with the MCA’s Freedom Market! Browse a selection of art, clothing, home goods and more from over 50 local, Black-owned businesses. There will also be an open art studio experience, plus a performance by the 40+ Double Dutch Club. Ticket price includes entry to the market, as well as a wine sampling from Michael Lavelle, and a sample cocktail from Don Julio Tequila. Link

2023 Peace Concert

Friday, June 16, 7:00pm
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
740 E 56th Pl, Chicago
Tickets: Free, RSVP encouraged

Old meets new in this annual concert for peace, hosted by the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Featured performers include ABJ RISING LEGENDZ, D-LOW, CHOSYN and AJ the DJ, alongside event hosts Stony Pony and Mary Jhay. Link

A Juneteenth Celebration at the Old Town School

Friday, June 16, 7:30 pm
Old Town School of Folk Music (Ravenswood Location)
4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Tickets: Free, RSVP required

Hosted by Chicago’s first Poet Laureate, avery r. young, this Juneteenth celebration combines poetry, music, and activism. Performing alongside the poet laureate will be the band de deacon board, Mars Caulton, Alycia Kamil, Lenny Marsh, and Michael Taylor. Link

Juneteenth Family Festival

Saturday, June 17, 11:00am-7:00pm
Beverly/Morgan Park
2017 W 110th Pl, Chicago
Tickets: Free

Free to the public and fun for the whole family, this South Side festival is back for its fourth year of celebrations. Expect a wide variety of activities, a small business market, health & wellness screenings, food, dancing, and of course, live music performed for the whole day. Link

3831 JUNETEENTH

Saturday, June 17, 12:00-4:00pm
South Side Community Art Center
3831 S Michigan Ave, Chicago
Tickets: Free

Celebrate Juneteenth at Chicago’s South Side Community Art Center! Artists Eric Von Haynes and Angela Davis Fegan will lead a letterpress print workshop. Then later, admire Andrea Yarbrough’s latest installation, an homage to the Black women who started the South Side Community Art Center titled Collective Steps. Link

Bronzeville 2023 Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 17, 12:00-6:00pm
The Black Star Project
3509 S King Dr #2B, Chicago
Tickets: Free

Enjoy a day out in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood for the 3rd annual celebration of Juneteenth. This family-friendly event will feature talks by historians, displays by visual artists, shops by crafters, and live entertainment both outdoors and indoors. After a day of public artmaking, finish the night off with a fireworks display at 6 pm! Link

Juneteenth Village Fest

Saturday, June 17, 12:00-6:00 pm
Anna & Frederick Douglass Park
1313 S Sacramento Dr, Chicago
Tickets: Free

Hosted by Chicago’s It Takes a Village, the Douglass park Juneteenth Village Fest is a fun event for the whole family. Festivities begin at 12 pm with games, food, rides, and live performers, including Talib Kweli, Marsha Ambrosius, the South Shore Drill Team, and more. Be advised, tickets are running low, but the celebration is still looking for volunteers to join their cause and enjoy this annual event. Link

The Soundmine Merchants Live!

Saturday, June 17, 3:00 pm
The Kehrein Center for the Arts
5628 W Washington Blvd, Chicago
Tickets: $20

Celebrate Juneteenth in a jazzy manner at The Kehrein Center for the Arts! Big band The Soundmine Merchants will share jazz music for the whole family. Link

360 Chicago Celebrates Juneteenth

Monday, June 19, 9:00am-4:00pm
875 N Michigan Ave, 94th Fl, Chicago
Tickets: $19

Enjoy Juneteenth in the skies with 360 Chicago, in the John Hancock Center! With the unveiling of a freedom quilt at 10:00am, the day’s lineup will include music, historical talks and shopping opportunities. And all general admission tickets include entry to the observation deck. Link

3rd Annual Juneteenth Community BBQ

Monday, June 19, 10:00am-8:00pm
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
740 E 56th Pl, Chicago
Tickets: Free

Monday marks the official Juneteenth celebration of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center! Enjoy a community BBQ that includes giveaways, food, a drum village, and a musical performance marking the 50th anniversary of Chicago hip-hop. There will also be plenty of children’s activities, such as a petting zoo, horseback riding and games! Link

Thank You Chicago – Juneteenth Market

Monday, June 19, 2:00pm
The Promontory
5311 S Lake Park Ave West, Chicago
Tickets: Free

This pop-up market hosted by the Promontory in Hyde Park celebrates black businesses from all around Chicago. From beauty, to fashion, DJs, and food, enjoy an afternoon of shopping that supports a great cause. Link

Juneteenth and Father’s Day Festival

Monday, June 19, 2:00-6:00pm
Memorial Park District in Hinsdale
Tickets: Free

Celebrate both Father’s Day and Juneteenth in one event with this Hillside festival! Activities include bouncy castles, live artists, musicians, entertainers and other activities. Link

1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical

Monday, June 19, 1:30 pm
University of Chicago Logan Center for the Arts
915 E 60th St, Chicago
Tickets: $38+

Through a combination of hip-hop, jazz, blues and more, 1619: The Journey of a People honors a 400-year history. Spanning the arrival of 20 enslaved Africans in Point Comfort, Virginia to present day, composer Ted Williams III’s musical weaves a narrative that educates and inspires audiences. A panel discussion will follow the performance. Link