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 suburbs and celebrate Black culture, history, and food, and more! Are we missing an event? Submit it to the Kidlist calendar here.
Juneteenth Festival (Fifth-Third Arena, Chicago)
June 11, 2023 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Listen to live music, enjoy delicious food, and have fun with free ice skating.
Juneteenth Community Picnic (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
June 14, 2023 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Learn about Juneteenth through various art and music. This event is free, but reservations to the conservatory are required.
What is Juneteenth (Naperville Public Library)
June 14, 2023 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
June 16, 2023 | 10:00am – 10:30am
June 19, 2023 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Visit the various branches of the Naperville Public Library to learn about the history behind Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Parade and Community Cookout (Oak Park)
June 14, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
June 18, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
Festivities on June 14 include a flag-raising ceremony, whereas June 18 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: Folktales, Music, & More (Aurora Public Library)
June 17, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Visit the Santori Library branch in Aurora for a celebration of music and story-telling.
Juneteenth Celebration (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
June 17, 2023 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County as they host activities and performances celebrating Black culture.
Juneteenth Family Festival (Beverly/Morgan Park, Chicago)
June 17, 2023 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
This annual event honors African-American culture and traditions.
NNU Celebrates Juneteenth (Rotary Hill, Naperville)
June 17, 2023 | 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 Celebration (Bolingbrook)
June 17, 2023 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Bolingbrook’s Juneteenth celebrations, which began in 2014, are home to delicious food, live performances, and family-friendly fun.
Juneteenth Jubilee (Bronzeville Children’s Museum, Chicago)
June 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the 21st annual celebration with children’s activities.
Juneteenth Celebration (Schaumburg)
June 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Enjoy family-friendly activities, crafts, music and more hosted at Town Square.
Juneteenth Commemoration (Elmhurst)
June 18, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
First United Methodist Church hosts this family-friendly event with live music, food, and activities.
Juneteenth in Aurora
June 19, 2023 | 8:30am – 2:00pm
Register your child to participate in this Juneteenth summit for middle and high school students, with a special flag-raising ceremony at the end.
DuSable’s Juneteenth BBQ (Chicago)
June 19, 2023 | 10:00am – 8:00pm
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, 2023 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Join this family-friendly festival hosted by State Representative and Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Sweet Treat Storytime – Juneteenth (Franklin Park Public Library)
June 19, 2023 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Learn all about Juneteenth at this special storytime. Registration is required.
Juneteenth Trivia
June 19 – 23, 2023 | during business hours
The Downers Grove Public Library’s teen department is running teen trivia all week.
Berwyn Juneteenth Joy Fest
June 24, 2023 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Berwyn welcomes back Juneteenth festivities that celebrates joyful Black culture and food.
Our outdoor family activity guide has even more ideas to get you and your kids out and about this summer.
