CHICAGO — Looking to celebrate Juneteenth Wednesday? We’ve got you covered.
Juneteenth is the federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when traveling federal troops informed the last groups of enslaved people living in Galveston, Texas, of the end of slavery in the United States two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
In Chicago, there are many events people can attend to celebrate the holiday before, after and on June 19, which is regarded by many as the United States’ second independence day.
Check out the list for events in and near your neighborhood.
North/Northwest Side
The Emancipation Ball 2024: Chicago’s Premiere Juneteenth Event
7 p.m.-midnight June 18
Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St.
Moor’s Brewing Company is hosting the Emancipation Ball 2024, a luxury gathering featuring arts, entertainment, an open bar, food and an optional VIP experience. Tickets are $125.
Juneteenth Celebration in Pottawatomie Park
5-9 p.m. June 19
7340 N. Rogers Ave.
At Pottawatomie Park, nonprofit ONE Northside’s violence prevention team will have its 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. A member of the citywide Communities Partnering 4 Peace collaborative, ONE Northside plans to offer music, food, games and family activities to honor Black history and culture. The event is free.
Artsy Barber Juneteenth Art Show
5-9 p.m. June 19
Positive Space Studios, 3520 W. Fullerton Ave.
Bryan Everett, the barber and artist behind Artsy Barber, is hosting an art show, called “The Bear Market,” for Juneteenth. He aims to create conversations about the experiences of participants and attendees of the past four years, post-COVID. No registration is required and there will be music, drinks and food.
You’re Invited To The Cookout! A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Comedians
7 p.m. June 19
Conservatory Theatre, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave.
Several rising Black comedians are coming together for this Juneteenth variety show featuring improv, musical improv, sketch comedy and stand-up. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks.
Juneteenth Open Mic
7-8:30 p.m. June 19
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
Organizers are hosting this open mic event with poets, singers, readings and dancing. There is a two-piece limit for those who’d like to participate. Donations are accepted online.
Chicago Juneteenth Paint and Sip
5-7 p.m. June 22
Pose Cultural Art Gallery, 2136 W. Chicago Ave.
At this Juneteenth-themed paint-and-sip, guests can bring their own drinks, enjoy house music and paint artwork.
South/Southwest Side
Opal’s Walk For Freedom-Juneteenth Celebration
9-11 a.m. June 19
31st Street Beach
The Justice Journey Alliance, Leadership Foundation of Chicago, along with other organizations in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York will lead a 2.5-mile walk starting at 31st Street Beach to honor the time it took news of the end of slavery to reach enslaved people in Texas. The route will head north along 18th Street (Sledding Hill), then return to 31st Street. The free event will also include speakers, food, and dancing.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
During the museum’s annual Juneteenth celebration, neighbors can enjoy a petting zoo, horseback riding, a farmers market and a planting station.
Juneteenth Community ReCommittment Celebration: Youth Olympics
10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 19
Gately Stadium Park, 810 E. 103rd St.
The National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum’s 12th annual Juneteenth Community ReCommittment Event, a day full of events, will be kicked off with a parade along with a block party and Youth Olympics activities. The block party will be on 104th Street between Corliss Street and Maryland Avenue. A festival, also part of the day’s events, will feature food, drinks, alcoholic beverages and entertainment in the Gately Stadium parking lot. It’s also where youth can learn where to go to participate in the day’s athletic events.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center 2024 Juneteenth Performances
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
This free event will feature a daylong program of musical Blues and R&B performances to celebrate Black creativity and expression. Artists include Glenn Jones, DJ ambassador Kevin Nevels, A Patch of Blues, Joe Pratt and the Source One Band, DJ Sam Blk Soldier, Javon Watson Experience, Guitars Over Guns, Zion and more.
Yoga With De’Shon McClain and Prison Yoga Chicago
10:15-11:15 a.m. June 19
The DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
During DuSable Museum’s annual Juneteenth celebration, attendees can join a yoga session led by De’Shon McClain and Prison Yoga Chicago. The event is free.
South Side Community Federal Credit Union Juneteenth Celebration
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 19
5401 W. Wentworth Ave., 19E
You can enjoy live music, dancing, food and drinks, art, family-friendly activities, financial workshops, spoken word, storytelling and more at this Juneteenth event centered on celebrating Black love, power and economic freedom.
Angel of God Resource Center Juneteenth Event
11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 19
108th and Halsted streets
This Juneteenth event will include a food drive, vendor fair, gaming truck, music, dancing, food and drinks and games.
Noon-4 p.m. June 19
Roundhouse at the DuSable History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place
A skating event at the DuSable Museum is part of its annual Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth Celebration at O’Hallaren Park
Noon-5 p.m. June 19
O’Hallaren Park, 8335 S. Honore St.
Sen. Willie Preston is inviting the community to join his Juneteenth event at O’Hallaren Park, where people can expect food, music, a basketball tournament, giveaways and more.
2024 Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market
2-7 p.m. June 19
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West
Several food vendors and local businesses are participating in this pop-up Juneteenth Market at The Promontory. There will be music and special guests. The event is free.
Juneteenth Celebration at MLK Skating and Bowling
5-9 p.m. June 19
The MLK Skating and Bowling Center, 1219 W. 76th St.
Neighbors can enjoy a night of skating and bowling at this Juneteenth event. There will be music, lights, games, face paint, a bounce house, food and more. Admission is $20 and includes entry and skate rental or two games of bowling, bowling shoe rental, a slice of pizza and a glow bracelet.
6-7:30 p.m. June 19
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Western Avenue and 87th Street
The Major Taylor Trail Keepers and Black Girl Bike will lead a 16-mile round-trip group ride for Juneteenth. Those interested should bring a bike and helmet.
Kids Off The Block Juneteenth Event
1-5 p.m. June 22
11618 S. Michigan Ave.
There will be free food, resources, music, and giveaways in this event from Kids Off The Block.
Support Black-Owned Businesses This Juneteenth at Jewel-Osco
Noon-4 p.m. June 29
Jewel-Osco, 87 W. 87th St.
In celebration of Juneteenth, Jewel-Osco will have an event with Black-owned businesses like McBride Sisters, Funkytown Brewery, Ma’s Best, Mumbo BBQ, Signature Sweets, live music, giveaways, raffles, a face paint activity for families and more. Attendees can sample products, receive in-store savings and hear music from DJ Tony Lane and singer and pianist Fred Barr.
West Side/West Loop
UIC Disability Cultural Center’s Accessible Juneteenth
4-7:30 p.m. June 18
The UIC Quad, 1200 W. Harrison St.
The University of Illinois-Chicago’s Disability Cultural Center will have free food, family-friendly activities, local vendors, giveaways, an open mic, games, a photo booth and more at its Accessible Juneteenth event, which celebrates Juneteenth and Black people with disabilities. Performances from DJ Matt, Complex Theory, Domo Moon, Victoria Boateng, RISE and Cherlnell Lane are also planned. Guests are asked to wear masks indoors.
My Block, My Hood, My City’s North Lawndale Youth-Led Walking Tour
Meet at 9:30 a.m., tour runs 10 a.m.-noon June 19
Tour starts at the Green Tomato Cafe, 3750 W. Ogden Ave
Join My Block, My Hood, My City and young people from the West Side on a walking tour of North Lawndale, where your young guides will discuss Civil Rights and North Lawndale history. The tour costs $30, which helps fund youth employment on the West Side. You might just be joined by a special guest on Wednesday’s walk — Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Westside House Head Festival Block Party and Pastor Hunter 58th Birthday Bash
4-9 p.m. June 21
1457 S. Kenneth Ave.
Rev. Marvin Hunter, the senior pastor of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, is hosting an event June 21 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the creation of house music and Juneteenth. At the festival, presented by Grace At Jerusalem C.D.C. Hugs Ministry, the Hospitality Ministry and R&B Justice, there will be performances from Farley Jackmaster Funk and the RockNation Band. Families are encouraged to come early to secure spots for bring spots for grilling.
On Saturday, Hunter is celebrating his 58th birthday with performances by the Williams Singers from Indianapolis, Pastor Marvin Gaye Hunter and The Sons of Jerusalem and The New Sons of Grace. Guest appearances will include the Prophets Of Joy: Roosevelt Bradley, William Crook, Randy L. Berry and Willie Reese. The event kicks off 5 p.m., and doors open 4 p.m.
Juneteenth Illinois Events at Malcolm X College
8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 22
Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Juneteenth Illinois, a collaborative of Illinois organizations, civic groups, and state and local sponsors, has several educational panels planned for June 22 at Malcolm X College. These include topics such as health, justice, education and finances. There will also be bingo event and youth competition. Those interested should RSVP online.
The Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation
4-9:30 p.m. June 28
Kehrein Center For The Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.
Being held the weekend between Juneteenth and Independence Day, this celebration from the Kehrein Center for the Arts will feature performances, documentaries, workshops and more that highlight the “aura of Blackness.” Those interested should RSVP online. Tickets are free or $25 with valet parking. Beer and wine tickets are $7 and $10 respectively.
Online
7-8 p.m. June 19
Online via Zoom
Yoga practitioner L’Oreal Thompson Payton invites people to join her for a special virtual yoga session in honor of Juneteenth and the Black community. Open to both seasoned yogis and those trying the practice for the first time, the session will teach reflection, mindfulness and physical and mental wellness. A $15 donation is suggested. A portion of the proceeds will support Free Root Operation, an organization that works to address poverty and gun violence in Chicago.
Juneteenth 2024: A Conversation on Structural Inequality with Dr. Andre Perry
9-10 a.m. June 28
Online via Zoom
Andre Perry will discuss race, structural inequality and economic inclusion in a conversation moderated by Paulette R. Dodson, the former General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Alight, Inc. and United Way of Metro Chicago Board Member. Those interested should register for the event online.
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