Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became law on New Year’s Day in 1863, many enslavers continued to hold black people captive after the announcement.
It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when the U.S. Army had retaken Texas, concluding the Civil War and ending slavery.
Juneteenth became a symbolic date representing Black Freedom and now the nation’s 11th annual federal holiday!
In commemoration of Juneteenth below you’ll find several events/festivals you, family and friends can attend!
CELEBRATE...EDUCATE...ACTIVATE...BLACK FREEDOM DAY
LIST OF ACTIVTIES AROUND CHICAGO
Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market - Black-owned business expo - Indoors and outdoors - Free event - Sunday June 19, 2-7PM - The Promontory in Hyde Park 5311 S Lake Ave W, Chicago,
Juneteenth at the Shops - Health, wellness, and fashion retail pop-up event - June 18-19th, 11AM-PM - Water Tower Plaza, Level 3 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congo Square’s Juneteenth Celebration - Celebrate Black voices, art, and excellence - Based on the Congo Square in New Orleans - Live music and theatrical performances surrounding the theme “Homecoming” - Shop Black vendors as well - Family-friendly - Free - Sunday June 19, 1-6PM - Zhou B Art Center 1029 West 35th Street, Chicago, IL
M.A.D.D. Rhythms Celebrates Juneteenth - Hosted by Making a Difference Dancing Rhythms, a local tap group non-profit, and the arts partners of the Harold Washington Cultural Center - Live dance, DJs, music, workshops, complimentary food, raffles, art, and children’s activities - Free - Sunday June 19, 1-5PM - Harold Washington Cultural Center 4701 South King Drive, Chicago, IL
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival and Parade - Celebration of Black culture through food, music, dance, and art - Includes a parade, live music, vendors, and food trucks - Free - Family friendly - Parade starts at 10AM at Parker Junior High School - Sunday June 19, 10AM-6:30PM - Homewood-Flossmoor High School South Parking Lot 999 Kedzie Avenue, Flossmoor, IL
The Black Wall Street on Juneteenth - Includes forty Black-owned businesses - Free - Sunday June 19, 3-7PM - Centre at North Park 10040 Addison Avenue, Franklin, IL
Juneteenth Art Exhibit - Features Black artists - Free - Sunday June 19, 1-6PM - Pose Cultural Art Gallery 2136 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Juneteenth Jubilee and Resource Fair - Hosted by Voice of the People, a group dedicated to creating affordable housing - Includes games, prizes, and live entertainment - Free - There is also a resource fair for housing needs - Sunday June 19, 11AM-3PM - Uplift Community High School 900 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL
Juneteenth Block Party - All ages - Features DJs, games, food, local vendors, karaoke pods, 300 degree photo booth, game stations, prize competitions, and engaging programming - There is an adults only event in the evening - Free - Sunday June 19, 12-10PM - The Woodlawn 1200 East 79th Street, Chicago, IL
Jazz and Juneteenth Celebration at Ravinia - General admission is thirty-eight dollars - Bring your own food and drinks - Jazz performances will be outside - You can bring a wrapped gift from a Black-owned business to participate in the gift exchange - Sunday June 19, gates open at 5PM and the concert starts at 7PM - Ravinia Festival 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL
Juneteenth Pop-Up Shop - Hosted by Momentum Coffee - There will be small Black-owned businesses in the cafe that day - There will be special drinks for $6.19 in honor of the holiday - Monday June 20, 9AM-4:30PM - Momentum Coffee and Coworking 2119 South State Street, Chicago, IL - Contact: 312-248-2505
Hike 4 the Culture - Hike for mental and physical wellness - Features yoga, music, guided meditations, and community - Free - Sunday June 19, 10AM-1PM - Swallow Cliff Stairs Sag Valley Trail, Palos Park, IL - Contact: info@theurbankey.com
Sofar Sounds Chicago Concert: Celebrating Juneteenth - Sofar Sounds is a moving concert series that has been featured in Pitchfork, Billboard, The New York Times, and Forbes - There will be three acts in a everyday venue that for a secret performance - This intimate concert will be in the West Loop. The exact location will be released 36 hours before the event - General admission is twenty-four dollars - Will be located near Clinton on the green line - Sunday June 19, 7:30PM - Contact: press@sofarsounds.com
Juneteenth Extravaganza on Ellis - Free general admission - Hosted by A Polished Work Nail Spa Lounge - A block party celebrating Black heritage - Features food, games, music, and vendors - Family friendly - Sunday June 19, 11AM-7PM - 1000 East 76th Street, Chicago, IL - Contact: 312-715-8870