The Juneteenth Flag over the Chicago skyline
With Juneteenth right around the corner, let’s take a look at the many Chicago area events and celebrations to mark the holiday.
5th Annual Freedom Market at the Salt Shed
Over 70 Chicago Black-owned business owners gather in one place to create a one-of-a-kind marketplace, which also includes music performances, and a show by the 40+ Double Dutch Club.
1865 Fest Chicago
6/19 & 6/20: Garfield Park, free
From a special Father’s Day “grill off” to honoring military, showcasing talented musicians and more, the 1865 Fest brings a three day celebration to Garfield Park.
African Fashion on the Runway
On Juneteenth, basic admission tickets to the Field Museum include a special exhibit all about African Fashion. Original designs from various designers will be on display – both on the runway, as well as on the Connecting Threads exhibit.
Duckworld Chicago – Juneteenth Takeover
Cap off your evening of Juneteenth celebrations with a diverse showing of artists at the Whistler. From 9 pm till close, artists will perform genres from lo-fi hip-hop to jazz.
Grown Folks Stories, and Supafrique
6/19 & 6/20: Hoste Cocktails, free
Laugh along to a storytelling event, or dance along to Afrobeats, with two distinct Juneteenth celebrations hosted at Chicago’s Hoste Cocktails lounge.
Juneteenth Celebration
6/19: Gately Stadium Parking Lot, 810 E. 103rd St, Chicago, free
An early morning parade kicks off one of the biggest Juneteenth celebrations in Chicago, which also see competitions by Youth Olympic athletes, celebrity flag football, and a 7 pm grand finale concert at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Juneteenth Celebration Cruise
Live music, cash bar, and more will be available during this 3 hour Juneteenth cruise.
Juneteenth Celebration featuring Sheryl Youngblood
6/19: Old Town School of Folk Music, free
Delmark recording artist and Chicagoan Sheryl Youngblood leads this Juneteenth blues music concert at the Old Town School of Music.
Juneteenth Community BBQ
6/19: DuSable Black History Museum, free
Celebrate Juneteenth on the grounds of the DuSable Black History Museum! Festivities include entertainment, food vendors, and a mix of educational events from 8 AM to 8:30 PM
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
6/19: Grayslake Public Library, free
Walk through Grayslake while learning about the history of Juneteenth, enjoying various vendors, and even getting a chance to look at historical documents!
North Lawndale Juneteenth Parade
A free community breakfast precedes the first annual North Lawndale Juneteenth parade, which will feature live artists, performances, floats, and more fun for the family.
R&B Music Experience
Ashanti, Lil Kim, Mya, and more of R&B’s biggest stars gather in one place for a night celebrating Juneteenth!
Evanston’s 6th Annual Freedom Parade & Juneteenth Celebration
Small businesses and citizens alike are encouraged to walk in Evanston’s 6th Juneteenth Parade, which will feature entertainment, speakers, and post-parade activities. The parade steps off at 11 AM.
Juneteenth in the Burbs
An afternoon in Harper College’s outdoor pavilion will include performances by the Harper Jazz Ensemble, games, food, and more.
The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation and the Arts
6/28 & 6/29: The Kehrein Center for the Arts, free
The Juneteenth celebration at The Kehrein Center for the Arts focuses on a weekend of Black American music and special guests from around the city, including The Jenipher Jones Experiment, Marlon Washington, and the United Voices’ Austin Neighborhood Choir.
