While celebrated for many years, “Juneteenth National Independence Day” became an official federal holiday in 2021. 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 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.
2022 Juneteenth Events in the Western Suburbs
Juneteenth Parade (Forest Park, Maywood, Oak Park, and River Forest)
June 18, 2022 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Kicks off at the corner of Brown and Randolph Street, heading west through Forest Park and River Forest neighborhoods before concluding at Proviso East High School in Maywood.
Juneteenth Celebration (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
June 18, 2022 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County as they host activities and performances celebrating Black culture.
Juneteenth Celebration (Bolingbrook)
June 18, 2022 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Bolingbrook’s Juneteenth celebrations, which began in 2014, are home to delicious food, live performances, and family-friendly fun.
Berwyn Juneteenth Food Fest
June 18, 2022 | 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Berwyn welcomes back Juneteenth festivities that celebrate Black culture and food. This year’s theme is “Food Crosses Many Rivers: High on the Hog”.
NNU Celebrates Juneteenth (Rotary Hill, Naperville)
June 18, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Naperville Neighbors United to is hosting their inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in 2022. This family-friendly event is home to presentations, food, and fun activities for all.
Juneteenth Parade and Community Cookout (Oak Park)
June 19, 2022 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
The parade kicks off at Longfellow Park near Jackson Boulevard and will march north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street. Community cookout follows the parade.
DuSable’s Juneteenth BBQ (Chicago)
June 19, 2022 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
DuSable Museum of African American History is celebrating Juneteenth with food, history presentations, live performances, games, and so much more.
Juneteenth Festival (Fifth-Third Arena, Chicago)
June 19, 2022 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Listen to live music, enjoy delicious food, and have fun with free ice skating.
Juneteenth Celebration (La Grange)
June 20, 2022 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Join in an hour of prayer with the Park District of La Grange and CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange.
Free Admission Day at Field Museum (Chicago)
June 20, 2022 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Special programming connects the Juneteenth holiday to Chicago and the Field Museum with discussion related to the 1893 World’s Fair.
Movie Showing: Black Panther (Downers Grove)
June 22, 2022 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
The Downers Grove Public Library’s teen department is hosting a movie showing for students in 7th through 12th grade.
Our outdoor family activity guide has even more ideas to get you and your kids out and about this summer.
