CHICAGO — This year’s Juneteenth celebrations will include marches, markets, picnics and parades.
This is the first year Juneteenth is being recognized as a state holiday in Illinois, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot said earlier this week she supports making it an official city holiday in Chicago.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free people who were still enslaved more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery was formally abolished in the United States by the 13th Amendment in late 1865.
Block Club rounded up more than 30 events happening to celebrate Juneteenth in the city. Have one we should add? Email newsroom@BlockClubChi.org.
Juneteenth celebrations in Chicago:
South Side
Juneteenth: The Celebration
What: M.A.D.D. Rhythms returns with the arts partners of the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Bronzeville businesses for its annual Juneteenth celebration. There will be dancing, DJs and live music, free food, workshops, raffles, art and children’s activities.
Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center, 2701 S. Martin Luther King Drive.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
21st Ward Freedom Mobile Parade and Event
What: There will be a car parade starting at Burlington Coat Factory near the Red Line stop at 87th and the Dan Ryan. The parade will end at the community garden at 89th and Loomis, where there will be a garden party with food, performances, an arts and crafts workshop and a keynote from Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore.
Where: Parade line-up at Burlington Coat Factory near 87th and the Dan Ryan. It ends at the community garden at 8925 S. Loomis Ave.
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday
Chi-Village Festival 2021
What: Starinah “Star” Dixon of M.A.D.D. Rhythms performs at Chi-Village Festival 2021. There will be live music and DJs, fireworks, kid’s activities and more. Tickets are available online and cost $1 for kids 3-12 and $5 for people 13 and older.
Where: 7810-12 S. Indiana Ave.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
DuSable Museum Juneteenth Reopening Celebration
What: The DuSable Museum of African American History will simultaneously celebrate its reopening since a pandemic-prompted closure in 2020, its 60th anniversary and Juneteenth. Community leaders and elected officials will join museum staff to welcome back the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP on the DuSable Museum website.
Where: DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Juneteenth in the 9th: First Pullman and Roseland Juneteenth Celebration
What: Organized by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, this first-time Juneteenth celebration features events Saturday in and around Pullman and Roseland. Shuttles will be available at each of the event sites 1-6 p.m., leaving every 10 minutes.
• One Eleven Food Hall (1-6 p.m. at 756 E. 111th St.) will have food and beverages from AndySunflower Cafe, Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Culver’s Frozen Custard. This location will also have arcade games 4-6 p.m., a photo booth 2-5 p.m. and a live DJ 4-6 p.m.
• National A. Phillip Porter Museum (2-9 p.m. at 10406 S. Maryland Ave.) is having guest speakers at 4:30 p.m., a sound stage showcase 6-8 p.m. and house music finale 8-9 p.m.
• Block House gallery (2-5 p.m. at 11137 S. Langley Ave.) will host the “Time Is Now” gallery exhibition with local artists, plus a book-and-play pack giveaway and a performance from the Chicago Storm Cheer and Tumbling Team.
• Rose Cafe (10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 10701 S. King Drive) will have spoken-word performances and books featuring Black voices plus a food truck 12:30-1 p.m.
• The March for Peace starts 11 a.m. at 107th and King Drive. Participants will head to 111th and King Drive, then to 111th S. Michigan Ave. The march then goes to 107th S. Michigan Ave., then from there to Rose Cafe, 10701 S. King Drive.
When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday
Beverly/Morgan Park Family Festival and Black Business Crawl 2021
What: This Juneteenth Day event has activities for families in the Beverly and Morgan Park areas, including a fun fitness workout, line dancing, drum circles, African dance lessons, yoga and live storytelling. Participants can peruse vendor stalls with artwork, jewelry and clothes. Dental screenings and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be available. Those interested in signing up for vaccinations at the event should email juneteenthff@gmail.com. At the Beverly Arts Center, there will be a Juneteenth workshop and African dance lessons.
Where: Main Location at 110th Place and Longwood Drive. Beverly Arts Center at 2407 W. 111th St.
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday at main location, 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Beverly Arts Center
Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center Juneteenth Event
What: There will be historical performances, storytelling, music and a discussion about diet and agriculture dating back to slavery.
Where: Next to Hyde Park Academy, 6300 S. Harper Ave.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
South Side YMCA Annual Juneteenth Community Barbecue
What: People are encouraged to bring their own grills, food, drinks and coolers to take part in the cookout. Local DJ Twelve Gage will play music, and community members can tour the South Side YMCA. There also will be a Juneteenth T-shirt fundraiser with proceeds going to the South Side YMCA.
Where: 6330 S. Stoney Island Ave.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday
Roll N Peace 7: A Juneteenth Celebration
What: People can take part in a bike tour starting at Ogden Park. This gathering aims to promote peace and safety. Those wanting more information are encouraged to text “ROLLNPEACE” to 474747.
Where: Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday
Sisters in Cinema “Sister Outsider” Juneteenth Walk
What: There will be a walking tour through the former commercial thoroughfare of South Shore’s 75th Street. Attendees will be among the first to tour the Media Arts Center set to open in the fall. Following the walk and tour, the Juneteenth Day event will continue at Rosenblum Park, where there will be Afro-Beats-inspired Zumba music and a double Dutch competition.
Where: Rosenblum Park, 7547 S. Euclid Ave.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Agape Black Art Walk and Business Alignment Event
What: Agape Creative Boutique and Agape Collective will host a Black Art Walk and pop-up event at Momentum Coffee Chicago with businesses, community organizations and two dozen vendors. Those interested are encouraged to register online.
Where: Momentum Coffee Chicago, 2119 S. State St.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m Saturday
Lake Park Fired Up Juneteenth Event
What: Organizers ask attendees to bring lawn chairs and wear masks so social distancing can be maintained. Preordering is available and recommended for those looking to order from food vendor Soul and Smoke, a Black-owned barbecue restaurant.
Where: 4541 S. Lake Park Ave.
When: Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
The Lemonade Land Juneteenth Pop-Up Market
What: Several Black-owned businesses from the South Side will be there. The Lemonade Land is a pop-up market aimed at facilitating economic growth in South Shore.
Where: 6700 S. Dorchester Ave.
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday
Community Dayz Juneteenth Event
What: Sponsored by the Golden Gate Homeowners Association, this event will include a cleanup of Golden Gate Park’s front entrance and playground area. There will also be a meet-and-greet and COVID-19 vaccinations. Tools, trash bags, gloves, water and snacks will be provided for people interested in volunteering to clean the park. Attendees can test ride a Divvy bike and Bird e-scooter.
Where: Golden Gate Park at 130th and Eberhart in Riverdale
When: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday
We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: A #DefundCPD Juneteenth Block Party
What: Organizers will hold resistance training for Black and Latino people from the neighborhood. There also will be art, music, dancing and food. Attendees can learn how to get involved with the #DefundCPD movement. Those looking for resistance training should register in advance.
Where: The Breathing Room Space at 51st and Loomis
When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, resistance training 2:30-4:30 p.m
Central South Shore Area Council “Literacy: The Path to Freedom” Juneteenth Event
What: In this interactive event, the Central South Shore Area Council invites the community to engage with information about media, civics, financial wellness and entrepreneurial literacy. The free event will have activities, art, food, information and prizes.
Where: South Shore Hospital’s parking lot at 79th and Crandon
When: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday
West Side
Juneteenth Celebration Popup Shop
What: There will be food, beverages and giveaways. Black-owned vendors will sell clothes, accessories, hair, deluxe popcorn and baskets. The event is free but parking will cost $5. You can register in advance.
Where: Chicago Marriott at Medical District/UIC, 625 S. Ashland Ave.
When: 2-7 p.m. Saturday
Juneteenth West Fest 2021: Juneteenth Freedom Day
What: In this three-day festival organized by the Westside Arts Council, people can enjoy a variety of exhibits, games and entertainment. Friday, a youth rally will be held.
When: Noon-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Columbus Park at 500 S. Central Ave.
Juneteenth Westside Arts Festival
What: This festival is organized by the Front Porch Arts Center. Events include West Classic: Storytelling and Music with Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra members and Bethel Residents 5-6 p.m. Thursday at Bethel New Life Chapel, 1140 N. Lamon Ave. There will be limited seating. People can attend Teen Writer’s Reading with Tina Jenkins Bell at Bethel New Life Chapel 6-7 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, there will be a drive-by mural viewing at Kedzie and Harrison with The Triibe. Also, from 4-6 p.m. Friday, a community drum circle will be held by Old Town School of Folk Music, followed by an ice cream social featuring Ida’s Artisanal Ice Cream at New Horizon Garden, 425 S. Central Park Ave.
Where: Various locations (see above)
When: Thursday-Friday
Juneteenth Wellness Walk
What: There will be a youth wellness walk and track practice to celebrate Juneteenth.
Where: Sports track at John Marshall Metropolitan High School, 3250 W. Adams St.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
UCAN’s Juneteenth and Father’s Day Celebration
What: There will be performances by Muntu Dance Theatre African dance, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec dance and Tsukasa Taiko Japanese drumming. The free event also will include three-point basketball shooting contests and a West Side vs. South Side high school all-star game beginning at 2 p.m.
Where: 3605 W. Fillmore St.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Garfield Park Juneteenth en Blanc
What: All white attire will be required. There will be a stepping contest with a $500 prize. Dinner begins 4:15 p.m. and must be brought by the attendee. Tickets are required and cost $50 each.
Where: 100 N. Central Park Ave.
When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday
Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Ring the Alarm: Exploring the Impact of Racism on Mental Health Live Panel Discussion
What: Art Norman of NBC5 will moderate a panel discussion on the impact of racism on mental health in the Black community. It will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
When: 1-3 p.m. Thursday
Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – It’s Not Over Yet: The Importance of Vaccines In the Community Live Panel
What: This live panel will discuss COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Black community and distrust of the health care system. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
When: 11 a.m.-noon Thursday
Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – The State of Black Health in Chicago: The Good, the Bad and the Better Live Panel
What: ABC7’s Will Jones and panelists discuss the state of health in Chicago’s Black community. The discussion will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Small Business and Community Development Live Panel Discussion
What: Brandon Pope of WCIU-TV will moderate a discussion on Black small businesses and community development. This event will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday
Juneteenth Illinois Black Culture Week – Knead Dough: Wealth Building Strategies for the Individual and the Community
What: Panelists will discuss fiscal strategies, cryptocurrencies and Black wealth. The discussion will be moderated by Darryl Dennard of WVAZ and can be livestreamed on YouTube.
Where: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Friday
Juneteenth Eve: Sweet Tea and Storytelling
What: Hear from artists reciting quotes, poetry, storytelling and prose at an event sponsored by Black-owned tea brand Spoonful of Sugar.
Where: 750 S. California Ave.
When: 1 p.m. Friday (guests are asked to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m.)
Juneteenth: Opening Reception of Crossroads Solo Exhibit featuring E-SOSA
What: There will be an exhibit of the works of artist E-SOSA. Tickets are required and include complimentary beverages. Food is also available for purchase. Artist talk starts 8 p.m.
Where: 750 S. California Ave.
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday
Juneteenth Brunch and Libations
What: Organized by Art West, this event features an art exhibit. Brunch bites and plates will be available for purchase. Attendees, who will need to buy tickets, are encouraged to dress fancy.
Where: 750 S. California Ave
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
North Side
A Just Harvest Juneteenth Celebration
What: Attendees can paint a Black Lives Matter mural on the street and enjoy live music and food. The event is organized by A Just Harvest, an organization that works to fight poverty and hunger in Rogers Park and across the city.
Where: Paulina Street, between Howard Street and Jonquil Terrace in Rogers Park
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Juneteenth Observance
What: City Clerk Anna Valencia will host while city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin will lead a prayer. There will be music and more. More information is available online.
Where: Park Community Church, 1001 N. Crosby St.
When: 9:30-11 a.m.
Downtown
March for US 2021 – Juneteenth Event
What: March for US 2021 is organizing this self-proclaimed “million man march” in which participants will march from the event starting point to Daley Plaza.
Where: 701 S. State St. near Jones College Prep
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Roosevelt Collection Shops “Something I Can Feel” Art Exhibition and Juneteenth Art Gala
What: This event features a limited-time art exhibition curated by Dwight White, a former Northwestern University football player turned Chicago artist and activist. There also will be music and drinks. Tickets are required.
Where: 150 W. Roosevelt Road
When: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Online
BET Premiere of “Change the Name”
What: Village Leadership Academy, an independent K-8 social justice school in the South Loop, will be featured in a BET documentary directed by Cai Thomas. The film chronicles a student campaign to have the name of Stephen Douglas Park in North Lawndale changed to honor Frederick and Anna Douglass.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday on BET. It also be available for purchase on the Tribeca Film Festival website Friday-Wednesday.
Inaugural Juneteenth Reading Circle – Together We Heal: Richard Wright
What: Chicago Public Libraries will host a discussion of Richard Wright’s novel “The Man Who Lived Underground.” It can be viewed on the library’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
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