Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19, commemorates the day that slaves in Texas were finally told of their emancipation, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. PBS has a great article about How Juneteenth (and Other Celebrations) Can Be Meaningful For Your Family. We’re excited to say that there are now quite a few festivities for families to gather together this summer in the western and northwestern suburbs and celebrate Black culture, history, and food, and more! Are we missing an event? Submit it to the Kidlist calendar here.
Juneteenth Parade and Community Cookout (Oak Park)
June 12, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
June 15, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Festivities on June 12 include a flag-raising ceremony, whereas June 15 is a parade and community cookout. The parade kicks off at Longfellow Park near Jackson Boulevard and will march north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street.
Juneteenth Celebration (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
June 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County as they host activities and performances celebrating Black culture.
Juneteenth in Bronzeville (Chicago)
June 15, 2024 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Visit the Bronzeville neighborhood for this annual family friendly Juneteenth event.
NNU Celebrates Juneteenth (Naperville)
June 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Naperville Neighbors United hosted their inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in 2022. This family-friendly event is home to presentations, food, and fun activities for all.
Juneteenth Family Festival (Beverly/Morgan Park, Chicago)
June 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 7:00pm
This annual event honors African-American culture and traditions.
Juneteenth Celebration (Bolingbrook)
June 15, 2024 | 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Bolingbrook’s Juneteenth celebrations, which began in 2014, are home to delicious food, live performances, and family-friendly fun.
Juneteenth Celebration (Bronzeville Children’s Museum, Chicago)
June 15, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit this annual celebration with children’s activities.
Juneteenth Cultural Festival: What About the Children? (Elgin)
June 15, 2024 | 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit Festival Park for family-friendly fun celebrating Juneteenth.
Drums and Stories for Juneteenth (Berwyn Public Library)
June 18, 2024 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Register in advance for stories and music with Oba William King.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Red Drink (Downers Grove Public Library)
June 19, 2024 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
Learn about the history of Hibiscus Tea Red Drink and take home a kit.
Juneteenth in Aurora
June 19, 2024 | 8:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance for this youth summit filled with empowering speakers and interactive stations.
Juneteenth Celebration (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
June 19, 2024 | 10:00am – 8:30pm
DuSable Museum of African American History is celebrating Juneteenth with food, history presentations, live performances, games, and so much more.
Juneteenth and Father’s Day Festival (Hillside)
June 19, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Join this family-friendly festival hosted by State Representative and Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Juneteenth Cupcakes and Crafts (Bolingbrook)
June 19, 2024 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Register in advance to celebrate Juneteenth with the Fountaindale Public Library.
Kid Inventors (Downers Grove Public Library)
June 19, 2024 | 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Learn about black innovators and then create a LEGO project inspired by their works. Register in advance.
Juneteenth Freedom Market (The Salt Shed, Chicago)
June 19, 2024 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Hosted by Refine Collective, this vendor market will feature black-owned businesses, double dutch, and other family-friendly activities. Register in advance.
Juneteenth Celebration Storytelling with Oba William King (Darien)
June 19, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Join the Indian Prairie Public Library for a live story-telling performance about the history of Juneteenth. All ages are welcome.
Juneteenth Suburban Block Party (Harper College, Palatine)
June 22, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Join the Schaumburg Township District Library and other local organizations as they celebrate Juneteenth with crafts, activities, and much more.
Juneteenth Commemoration (Elmhurst)
June 23, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
First United Methodist Church hosts this family-friendly event with live music, food, and activities.
Berwyn Juneteenth Joy Fest
June 23, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Berwyn welcomes back Juneteenth festivities that celebrates joyful Black culture and food.
2023 Juneteenth Celebrations
These festivities were hosted in 2023, but are not yet advertised in 2024. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
- Juneteenth Festival (Fifth-Third Arena, Chicago) – June 11, 2023
- Juneteenth Community Picnic (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – June 14, 2023
- What is Juneteenth (Naperville Public Library) – June 14, 2023
- Juneteenth: Folktales, Music, & More (Aurora Public Library) – June 17, 2023
- Sweet Treat Storytime – Juneteenth (Franklin Park Public Library) – June 19, 2023
Our outdoor family activity guide has even more ideas to get you and your kids out and about this summer.
