Juneteenth Flag (Photo Credit: Office Holidays, Flickr).
From South Shore to Bronzeville, Garfield Park to Glenwood, Chicago is filled with ways to honor Juneteenth this year. Whether you’re cruising, vibing, learning, or just soaking in the day with loved ones—there’s a space for you. Here’s a look at how the city and suburbs are celebrating the holiday in all its forms and how you can take part.
📅 Event Listings
Juneteenth Freedom Market
June 17 | 5PM–10PM | The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
More than 70 Black artists and vendors showcase their work.
CABCF Juneteenth Scholarship Soirée
June 17 | 5:30PM | South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.
The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation honors scholarship recipients and community leaders at its annual gala.
Juneteenth Emancipation Ball Hosted by Moor’s Brewing Co.
June 18 | 6:30PM | Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
A night of celebration with Black-owned spirits, art, and performance.
Boxville Pre-Juneteenth Kickoff
June 18 | 4PM–7PM | 330 E. 51st St.
Shop, eat, and vibe with local vendors and DJs as Boxville launches its summer season.
Faith & Freedom with IMAN
June 18 | 5:30PM–7:30PM | 2744 W. 63rd St.
Community gathering focused on spiritual reflection and Black liberation.
Committed Knitters Juneteenth Circle
June 18 | 11AM–3PM | Green Line Performing Arts Center
Stitch and connect. Free yarn, snacks, and collective joy through craft.
Juneteenth Celebration & Community Convening
June 18 | 10AM–7PM | 63rd & Halsted and 63rd & Justine St. (Teamwork Englewood)
Games, raffles, food, and joy-filled activities for all ages.
Juneteenth Breakfast with Jonathan Eig
June 19 | 7:30AM–9:30AM | 1001 N. Crosby St.
Conversation on race and sports with MLK biographer Jonathan Eig.
Onyx Medical Wellness Grand Opening + Cookout on the Beach
June 19 | 10AM–5PM | 2247 E. 73rd St. & South Shore Cultural Beach Club
Dr. Maya Green opens a new South Shore clinic focused on holistic, culturally competent care. The celebration continues with a beachside cookout and community health fair.
My Block, My Hood, My City Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 | 10AM–2PM | Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St.
Morning service project followed by food, music, and activities.
Juneteenth at the DuSable Museum
June 19 | 8AM–8:30PM | 740 E. 56th Pl.
All-day celebration with a community cookout, education, vendors, and programming tied to Black Power-era history.
Field Museum Juneteenth Fashion Show
June 19 | 12PM | 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Runway show tied to the museum’s African fashion exhibit.
For the Culture Market
June 19 | 2PM–9PM | 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.
Free pop-up market with fashion, food, and local goods at The Promontory.
Boxing Out Negativity Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 | 3PM–8PM | 1616 S. Avers Ave.
A West Side celebration with carnival games, music, and food.
Glenwood Juneteenth Festival
June 19 | 3PM–7:30PM | Main & Young St. + 1 N. Rebecca St.
Ceremony at an Underground Railroad site, followed by a festival with vendors, performers, and family activities.
Virgin Hotels Juneteenth Celebration
June 19 | 3PM–9PM | 203 N. Wabash Ave.
Food, live music, and rooftop views. Free before 5PM, then $25.50 GA.
Chicago Theater Works Juneteenth Event
June 19 | 4PM–9:30PM | 1113 W. Belmont Ave.
Vendor fair followed by a ticketed artist showcase.
Juneteenth Line Dance Celebration
June 19 | 6:30PM–8:30PM | 1026 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Line dancing, light snacks, and good vibes. Donation-based.
Photo Credit: tre’s visualz, Pexels
Black Yacht Weekend Welcome Party
June 19 | 6PM–Midnight | 1339 S. Wood St.
Live DJs and celebration of Black joy. Tickets still available.
Transcendance: A Black Trans Variety Show
June 19 | 7PM–9PM | 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
Burlesque, drag, and live music spotlighting Black trans joy.
Juneteenth Rhythm & Blues Cruise
June 19 | 6PM–10:30PM | DuSable Harbor, 200 N. Breakwater Access
DJ, food, and cocktails aboard a yacht. Tickets start at $75.
R&B Music Fest: Juneteenth Edition
June 19 | 8PM | Wintrust Arena
Ashanti, Lil Kim, Mya, Lloyd, and Donnell Jones light up the stage in a nostalgic night of R&B hits.
Juneteenth, the Great Migration & Bronzeville
June 21 | 11AM–Noon | 70 E. Pershing Rd.
Historian Bernard Turner shares stories of migration and legacy.
West Pullman Juneteenth Festival
June 21 | 1PM–6PM | 821 W. 115th St.
Music, food from Black-owned restaurants, plus housing and small business workshops.
Juneteenth in the Burbs!
June 21 | 2PM–6PM | Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL
Live jazz, youth talent, poetry, and a Freedom Exhibit. Free books, food, and engagement with Black professionals. No cost to attend.
1865 Fest
June 19–20 | Garfield Park
A two-day event with music, food, education, a Father’s Day cook-off, and a tribute to Black veterans.
Juneteenth Jamboree
June 22 | 3PM–9PM | Roots Handmade Pizza, 744 S. Dearborn St.
Ages 21+. DJs, dancing, cocktails, and a final toast to Black joy.