CHICAGO — Community organizers, businesses, churches, block clubs, local representatives and groups from all across the city are set to celebrate Juneteenth this weekend.
Juneteenth, a portmanteau of “June” and “19th,” refers to June 19, 1865. That’s the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people there that slavery had ended — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth was made a federal and state holiday in 2021. This year, many in Chicago are honoring the holiday with barbecues, parades, history sessions, parties, resource fairs and other events. Juneteenth is Monday, but celebrations will take place on the the weekend prior as well as on the actual holiday.
Block Club Chicago rounded up more than 50 Juneteenth events happening this weekend and Monday. If you think we’ve missed one, send an email to newsroom@BlockClubChi.org to let us know.
North Side
2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the 47th Ward
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
St. Benedict Parish, 3900 N. Leavitt St.
This event will feature the Jesse White Tumblers, trauma-informed urban healing guru The THUG HIPPIE and her interactive bus plus a dance performance and lessons from dance troupe Gigi Tonye Arts and Fitness. Neighbors can also enjoy interactive activities, including hair braiding, double dutch, horseback riding, sword play, yo-yo, a marketplace with local restaurants and vendors and more. The event is free. Attendees are encuraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
“From The Mississippi Delta“
Plays through Sunday
Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
This play is name for Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland’s memoir of the same name, detailing her 20 year journey from rural Greenwood, Mississippi to receiving her Ph.D at the University of Minnesota. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online.
“The Real Housewives of Motown“
Plays every Friday-Sunday through July 9, including Juneteenth weekend
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
“The Real Housewives of Motown” is a musical focusing on the wives of some of Motown’s singers and performers. General admission tickets are $65 and can purchased online.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee and Resource Fair
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Harry S. Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Hosted by Uptown non-profit Voices of the People annually since 2021 to honor and celebrate Juneteenth, this jubilee and resource fair will have free games, food, prizes, live entertainment and a community art project in which neighbors and attendees will be able to collaborate on an Uptown Family Tree.
The Emancipation Ball 2023
7 p.m.- midnight Friday
Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
For Juneteenth and Moor’s Beer Co.’s second anniversary, the Emancipation Ball 2023 is set to feature an open bar, sets from DJ Envy, DJ Sean Mac and a live band from The Kingsguard, art installations, live painting, food from Black-owned restaurants and more. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online.
Show Pole Celebrates Juneteenth
6:30 p.m. Sunday
The Newport Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave.
The event will start with pre-show social hour featuring a local artists’ and entrepreneurs’ market before a pole-dancing performance. Tickets are $30-$35 and can be purchased online.
Juneteenth Celebration
2-7 p.m. Monday
Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers Ave.
Communities Partnering 4 Peace, ONE Northside and the Chicago Department of Public Health are coming together for this Juneteenth event at Pottawattomie Park, featuring a barbecue cookout with free food and beverages, DJ sets, raffles, games, prizes and a bounce house. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets.
Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field — A Black Entrepreneurs Experience
Sunday
Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.
For a second year in a row, Wrigely Field is hosting a showcase of Black businesses for Juneteenth. Cubs fans will be able to shop the featured businesses two hours prior to first pitch. The market will end an hour after the game’s conclusion.
South Side
11th Annual Juneteenth Community ReCommitment Celebration: Paint The Hood Orange in Pullman
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday
National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (817 E. 104th St.) Corliss High School (821 E. 103rd St.) and Butler College Prep (821 E. 103rd St.).
This year’s theme is “Paint The Hood Orange” in honor of victims of gun violence. There will be a youth basketball tournament, a block party with food, vendors, music, performances and special presentations, a neighborhood parade and more. The event is free.
DuSable Museum’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Community BBQ
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
The DuSable Museum will have family activities, musical performances, a petting zoo, food and beverages, horseback riding, a marketplace, giveaways, a lounge for adults, a dance competition and more. Additionally, in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the museum is hosting a Hip-Hop Communiversity discussion session with hip-hop legend Kool Moe Dee. The event is free.
Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market
2-7 p.m. Monday
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West
Hyde Park’s historic The Promontory is hosting a pop-up market in honor of Juneteenth with beauty, fashion, food and other vendors. The event is free.
7th Annual Juneteenth Black Bar Crawl presented by Moor’s Beer/Makers Mark
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday
Hue Chicago, 67 E. Cermak Rd.
Black-owned restaurants, lounges and bars in Chicago’s South Loop and Bronzeville neighborhoods will be supported as a part of this seventh annual event. Tickets are $20-$40 and can be purchased online.
Freedom Ride Chicago Juneteenth Ride
Noon-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Departs from Harold’s Chicken #88, 124 E. 35th St.
The Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago is hosting a nearly 13-mile bike ride in honor of Juneteenth. Exact details and tips for the ride, which leaves from Harold’s Chicken #88, at 124 East 35th Street, can be found online.
Mariano’s Celebrates Juneteenth
4-7 p.m. Friday
3857 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
The Mariano’s at 3857 S. Martin Luther King Dr. will have live music, a marketplace with local vendors and car shows from the Chi Wrangler Crew. Attendees can enjoy samples from local restaurants including Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Signature Sweets Factory, Moor’s Beer Co., Danie’s Natural Juices, Love Cork, Screw FH Jerk and more. The event is free.
Greater Chatham Initiative Juneteenth Celebration
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday
737 E. 79th St.
The Greater Chatham Initiative is celebrating Juneteenth with live music from the Sylvia De La Cerna Ensemble, food and family activities. The event is free.
Bronzeville’s 2023 Juneteenth Celebration
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday
Absolutely Anything Essential, 3521 S. King Dr.
This first-time event will feature live entertainment for youth and adults, local historians, storytelling, craft makers, visual and performing artists, Black-owned business vendors, a petting zoo, a dance competition, food and more.
Juneteenth Family Festival 2023
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Bohn Park, 1966 W. 111th St.
Head to Bohn Park to celebrate Juneteenth in Beverly and Morgan Park with African dancing, djembe drum lessons and performances, food, health and wellness resources, family activities, live entertainment, music, storytelling, cardio dancing and vendors. The event is free.
Hyde Park Juneteenth Fest
Noon-7 p.m. Sunday
Harper’s Court, 1510 E. Harper Court
As part of this neighborhood Juneteenth event, neighbors can head to different Hyde Park locations for performances, dance classes, vendor markets, food and fun. Locations include, Chemistry, Silver Room, Lululemon and Recycled Modern. The event is free.
The Faith Community of St. Sabina’s Juneteenth Weekend
Friday-Sunday
7800 S. Throop St.
Chicago’s historic St. Sabina Church will host a peace rally and march at 7 p.m. Friday, an criminal record expungement forum 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday and a Juneteenth church service at 10 a.m. Sunday featuring powerful civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Rock The Block Juneteenth BBQ
3-7 p.m. Friday
Armstrong Park, 4433 S. Saint Lawrence Ave.
Nonprofit organization Rock The Block Chicago’s Juneteenth barbecue will have food, music, activities, a bounce house and Black-owned businesses and artists to shop from. The event is free but tickets are required to receive food and entry to the bounce house.
Juneteenth in Englewood
1-5:30 p.m. Monday
Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen Ave.
There will be free food, music and activities at Lindblom Park for Juneteenth. The event is free and tickets are online.
Juneteenth Resource and Wellness Celebration
Noon-5 p.m. Thursday
63rd and Halsted streets
This resource event from Teamwork Englewood will have a beginner stepping class, job fair, medical screening, free haircuts, expungements and record sealing as well as a grill and food raffle.
Juneteenth Farm Stand Celebration
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday
1844 W. 59th St.
Growing Home is hosting a Juneteenth farmer’s market with music, food and fun. Chef Sebastian White from The Evolved Network will be grilling and there will Black-owned businesses and vendors on hand. Produce will be discounted and there will be a “best-dressed” contest for the person in their best celebratory Juneteenth get-up. The event is free.
Juneteenth Block Party
Noon-9 p.m. Monday
1200 E. 79th Street
South Side organizers are hosting this Juneteenth block party with multiple DJ sets, food, a footwork showcase, kids’ training session, band performance by the KingsGuard group and more. The event is free, with tickets available online.
Alderman Beale’s Juneteenth Celebration
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday
9th Ward Service Office, 34 E. 112th Pl.
Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) is hosting a block party to celebrate Juneteenth, with live music, food, a game truck, games, a bike giveaway and a laptop giveaway.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
12 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field at Gately Park, 10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The Chicago Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Juneteenth celebration, will have a parade, music, vendors, food trucks and activities. Guests are encouraged to bring tents and chairs. The event is free and will move inside in case of rain.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Noon-4 p.m. Friday-Monday
10810, 10824 and 10833 S. Halsted St.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will be making an appearance at Angel of God Resource Center Inc.’s Juneteenth event. Neighbors will also have access to summer employment vendor pop-ups.
Woodlawn Community Juneteenth Celebration and BioBlitz
10 a.m.-Noon Saturday
West Woodlawn’s Sustainable Square Mile pilot, near the Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley House, 6427 S. St. Lawrence Ave.
Blacks In Green and the Delta Institute invite community members to join them for this joint Juneteenth celebration and BioBlitz event. Attendees will help collect data about species and the environment of vacant plots in Woodlawn, where the groups hope to install green infrastructure in the future. Those interested in attending should register online.
Tola’s Creations Botanica: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Marquette Park, 2942 W. 71st St.
Neighbors are invited to bring their grills for this Juneteenth Celebration. Men’s health screenings, tarot card readings, vendors, yoga, music, a drum class, dancing, games, a bounce house, food and beverages will all also be part of the event.
Back To Black: Black History and Cultural Dance Showcase
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
This Junetteenth event features a showcase of Black history and art. Tickets are $25.
Central South Shore Area Council Community Funday
3-6 p.m. Saturday
2308 E. 79th St. (South Shore Hospital Parking lot, 79th and Crandon Avenue)
Refreshments, activities, giveaways and more will be available for those attending this free event from the Central South Shore Area Council.
Sister Outsider Juneteenth Walking Tour
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Rosenblum Park, 7547 S. Euclid Ave.
Sister Outsider, a walking program for Black girls, women and gender-nonconforming individuals, will be leading a conversational walk through the commercial areas of South Shore’s 75th St. for Juneteenth. Those interested should register online.
Love and Liberation Festival
Noon-6 p.m. Monday
Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St.
Hosted in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood by nonprofit organization BECOME, the Love and Liberation Festival will have local performers, vendors, music, spoken word and dance to enjoy. There will also be art, carnival-themed family activities, wellness and self-care discussions, performances, and more.
White Sox Juneteenth Celebration
7:10 p.m. June 19
Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St.
White Sox fans can head to Gate 5, at the northeast corner of 35 St. and Shields Ave., for a pregame tailgate where they can hear about White Sox partners who offer programming celebrating Juneteenth and the Black community. There will be tents and on-site representatives from Black-owned organizations, who will have information on upcoming events, volunteering and the intersections of Black history and Chicago culture. There will also be Sip N Savor Coffee, a in-game hip-hop dance performance from Redd’s Angelz Entertainment and other activities.
Woodlawn Community Juneteenth Celebration and BioBlitz
10 a.m.-Noon Saturday
West Woodlawn’s Sustainable Square Mile pilot, near the Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley House, 6427 S. St. Lawrence Ave.
Blacks In Green and the Delta Institute invite community members to join them for this joint Juneteenth celebration and BioBlitz event. Attendees will help collect data about species and the environment of vacant plots in Woodlawn, where the groups hope to install green infrastructure in the future. Those interested in attending should register online. There will also be food, live entertainment, induction cooking, raffles, face painting and more.
West Side/Near West Side
St. Joseph MB Church’s 9th Annual Juneteenth Parade
10 a.m. Saturday
St. Jospeh MB Church, 2901 W. Monroe St.
This South Side church’s Juneteenth parade will start at 11:00 a.m., heading West on Madison and ending at Central Park Avenue. A picnic in Garfield Park will follow. There will be free food and space for grilling.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday
Columbus Park, 5900 W. Adams St.
The Austin Adams Block Club is partnering with several community organizations to bring neighbors food, live entertainment, Black culture programming, art and activities for children, an area for seniors with chess, checkers, bingo and other games, COVID-19 testing, bounce houses, vendors with Black-owned businesses and organizations and more. The event is free.
Juneteenth Pop-up Shop Celebration and Cookout
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Fosco Park, 1312 S. Racine Ave.
Neighbors can enjoy barbecue, a vendor market with over 20 vendors, music, and games like a double dutch contest, hop scotch and limbo. The event is free.
The 1865 Juneteenth Fest 2023
Friday-Sunday
Garfield Park, Music Court Circle, 100-300 N. Central Park Ave.
This three day event the weekend before Juneteenth will have free food (with a ticket), entertainment and activities. The weekend will also include military honors ceremony, cultural activities, educational workshops, live music, a father’s day grill-off, house music, footwork and dance competitions and more.
Juneteenth West Fest
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave.
The Westside Arts Council is hosting this free event in honor and celebration of Juneteenth.
2023 Juneteenth Village Fest
Noon-8 p.m. Sunday
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
Neighbors interested the event can enjoy performances, food, community-based organizations and resources, a Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, and activities. Musical performances include Angie Stone, Talib Kweli, Marsha Ambrosius, Kindred and the Family Soul and BJ The Chicago Kid. The event is hosted by nonprofit It Takes A Village Family of Schools and is free.
Juneteenth Block Party BBQ
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday
1400 S. Jefferson St.
In this joint Juneteenth and Father’s Day event, neighbors can enjoy barbecue, drinks, live DJ sets, games, activities and opportunities to learn about the history of Juneteenth. The event is free, with tickets available online.
Greater St. John Bible Church Juneteenth Celebration
11:30 a.m. Sunday
1256 N. Waller Ave.
There will games, prizes, raffles, trivia, as well as food, dancing and a talent show. The event is free.
Juneteenth Wellness 5K Walk/Run
8-11 a.m. Saturday
Garfield Park, 138 S. Hamlin Blvd.
Peace Runners 773 is hosting a 5K Walk and Run for Juneteenth. The event is free but those interested should register online.
North Lawndale College Prep Juneteenth Day of Service
11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 19
North Lawndale College Prep High School, Christina Campus, 11615 S. Christiana Ave.
Those looking for ways to give back to the community can join community leaders, students and staff who will be planting a peace garden and updating classrooms with peace corners for Juneteenth.
Downtown/Near North Side
Something I Can Feel Art Gala
7-11 p.m. June 24
The Shops At Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave.
This art and shopping event will feature hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, live music and art from Dwight White, Edo, TayoJR, Prince Jai and other artists. For this third annual event, the theme is “Facing the Future Together.” Tickets are $35-$50 dollars and can be purchased online.
Refine Collective’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market
5-9 p.m. Friday
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Refine Collective’s Freedom Market will have more 50 local Black-owned businesses, live entertainment, a 40+ double dutch club and courtesy drinks. Tickets are $13-$25 and can be purchased online.
360 CHICAGO Celebrates Juneteenth
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, 875 Michigan Avenue 94th Floor
Those looking for ways to celebrate Juneteenth Downtown can head to 360 CHICAGO, where there will be a Juneteenth Marketplace with Black-owned businesses selling items like makeup, coffee, juice, art, fashion, a freedom quilt unveiling, a DJ set, performances and more. Tickets are $19, with a portion of the proceeds from tickets sales going to support I AM A GENTLEMAN, a nonprofit organization working to empower young men.
Juneteenth Healing Sound Bath Meditation
7-8 p.m. Monday, Dream Market open 6-9 p.m.
The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection, 208 S. La Salle St.
Christie R. Edwards, a certified crystal healer, sound healing practitioner and Angelic Reiki master teacher will lead a healing sound meditation. No formal experience is required and attendees are encouraged to dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye mask and other cozy materials. Before and after the session, there will be a dream market featuring women and artisans of colors, plus emerging Chicago brands. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online.
Juneteenth Fireside Chat
4:45 p.m. Thursday
Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St.
A fireside chat discussing the history of Juneteenth. The event is free but guests must have a ticket to attend.
Juneteenth Celebration at the American Writers Museum
6 p.m. Monday
American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor
The American Writers Museum is hosting a celebration for Juneteenth featuring a reading of “Those Who Saw The Sun” by Jaha Nailah Avery, a new collection of oral history narratives of those that lived in the South during Jim Crow. There will also be a gallery talk featuring artists Dorothy Burge, Damon Reed, and Dorian Sylvain, a part of AWM’s special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice. Books and prints will be available for purchase. The event is free.
Juneteenth Homecoming Gala
Plays every Friday-Sunday through July 9
LM Studio Chicago, 808 S. Michigan Ave.
Congo Square Theatre’s annual Juneteenth Homecoming gala will have food, beverages, live entertainment, an auction and award ceremony to honor three Black local theater makers. Congo Square is offering tickets for Black theater artists at $50 to promote generosity and community. Tickets can be purchased online.
Juneteenth Events at the Field Museum
11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 19
The Field Museum
Come to the Field Museum’s Grainger Science Lab to learn about the history and legacy of George Washington Carver through his own specimens. Guests can also take an audio tour through nine museum exhibits related to Carver’s scientific research and work. The museum will also feature its community partners who work to empower the city’s Black community from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Stanley Field Hall. Additionally, Illinois residents who show proof of residency can receive free admission to the museum on June 19.
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