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 even more festivities for families to gather 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.
Juneteenth Parade and Community Cookout (Oak Park)
June 11, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
June 14, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Festivities on June 11 include a flag-raising ceremony, whereas June 14 is the vendor market and community cookout.
Juneteenth in Bronzeville (Chicago)
June 14, 2025 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Visit the Bronzeville neighborhood for this annual family friendly Juneteenth event.
Juneteenth Crafts: DIY Bracelet & Suncatcher Flag (Santori Library, Aurora)
June 14, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:45pm
Make bracelets to honor and celebrate Juneteenth.
NNU Celebrates Juneteenth (Rotary Hill, Naperville)
June 14, 2025 | 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 14, 2025 | 12:00pm – 7:00pm
This annual event honors African-American culture and traditions.
Juneteenth Freedom Market (The Salt Shed, Chicago)
June 17, 2025 | 5:00pm – 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 (Bolingbrook)
June 18, 2025 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Bolingbrook’s Juneteenth celebrations, which began in 2014, are home to delicious food, live performances, and family-friendly fun.
Juneteenth Celebration (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
June 19, 2025 | 8:00am – 8:30pm
DuSable Museum of African American History is celebrating Juneteenth with food, history presentations, live performances, games, and so much more.
Juneteenth Celebrations (Westchester)
June 19, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
June 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Join the Westchester community for two days of celebrating Juneteenth. Festivities on June 19 include a Freedom Walk & Flag-Raising Ceremony, whereas June 21 is a Community Celebration.
Juneteenth Celebration at 360 CHICAGO
June 19, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Live music, local vendors, and more while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Included in general admission at 360 CHICAGO, which is located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building.
Black Celebration Storytime (Downers Grove)
June 19, 2025 | 10:30am – 11:00am
Celebrate Black authors and illustrators with this Juneteenth storytime.
Juneteenth Celebration (Settlers Park, Plainfield)
June 19, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit Settlers Park for a day of community and freedom.
Juneteenth at the Field Museum (Chicago)
June 19, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with an African Fashion show.
Drop In Art: Juneteenth (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
June 19, 2025 | 1:00pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with arts and crafts.
Juneteenth Celebration (Bronzeville Children’s Museum, Chicago)
June 19, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit this annual celebration with children’s activities.
Juneteenth and Father’s Day Festival (Hillside)
June 19, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Join this family-friendly festival hosted by State Representative and Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Juneteenth for Mazie and Me (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
June 19, 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Learn about Juneteenth with crafts and cookie decorating.
Gather and Play: Juneteenth (Mount Prospect Public Library)
June 19, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with family-friendly activities at this outdoor event.
Juneteenth Celebration (White Oak Library, Romeoville)
June 19, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Visit the library for storytelling and a musical performance by Oba William King.
Juneteenth Activities (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
June 20 – 30, 2025 | times vary
Included in general admission, visitors to the museum will find special Juneteenth celebrating history and heritage.
Juneteenth Jubilee (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
June 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County as they host activities and performances celebrating Black culture.
Juneteenth Celebration (Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington)
June 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Learn history and make crafts at this family-friendly event.
Juneteenth Celebration (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
June 21, 2025 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people.
Juneteenth Suburban Block Party (Harper College, Palatine)
June 21, 2025 | 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 22, 2025 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
First United Methodist Church hosts this family-friendly event with live music, food, and activities.
2024 Juneteenth Celebrations
These festivities were hosted in 2024, but are not yet advertised in 2025. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.
- Juneteenth Cultural Festival: What About the Children? (Elgin) – June 15, 2024
- Drums and Stories for Juneteenth (Berwyn Public Library) – June 18, 2024
- Juneteenth in Aurora – June 19, 2024
- Juneteenth Celebration Storytelling with Oba William King (Darien) – June 19, 2024
- Berwyn Juneteenth Joy Fest – June 23, 2024
Our outdoor family activity guide has even more ideas to get you and your kids out and about this summer.
