Juneteenth | Events to Celebrate in Chicago
Chicago wouldn't be the vibrant city it is today without a long line of influential African Americans, from Jean Baptiste Point du Sable to Barack Obama to Ida B. Wells and Harold Washington.
A plethora of events are scheduled in Chicago to commemorate Juneteenth. These include exhibits, theatrical productions, cookouts, festivals, and other activities meant to foster fellowship, inform about the past, and empower the future. Read on for a list of celebrations to attend and businesses to support throughout the weekend and beyond!
Festivals and Celebrations
Festival On The Square
Sunday, June 19th | 6pm - 10pm | 1029 W 35th Street
Celebrate arts, healing, and Black joy with a vibrant collection of live music, theatrical readings and much more.
1865 Fest
Friday, 17th – Sunday, 19th | Garfield Park
Honoring Black military members and fathers, this festival provides a space for cultural activities, live music, food, arts and entertainment.
ITAV Juneteenth Village Festival
Saturday, June 18th | 12pm - 6pm | Douglass Park
This jam-packed event features activities for the whole family, including a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, inflatables, carnival rides, community vendor booths, face painting, and giveaway.
Juneteenth Block Party
Sunday, June 19th | 12pm - 10pm | The Woodlawn
The third iteration of this event is hosting several food vendors as well as live music and karaoke pods.
M.A.D.D Rhythms Celebrates Juneteeth: The Celebration
Sunday, June 19th | 1pm - 5pm | Harold Washington Cultural Center
Centered around live music and dancing, this annual event includes complimentary food, workshops, raffles from Bronzeville businesses.
Emancipation Ball
Saturday, June 18th | 7pm - 11pm | Willis Tower
Enjoy an open bar, passed appetizers, works by Black artists, and cocktails featuring Chicago-based, Black-owned alcohol brands while taking in the stunning view from SkyDeck.
Restaurants
Justice Of The Pies
Various Locations Throughout Chicago
This Chicago-based specializes in sweet and savory pies quiches and tarts, also available to ship nation-wide.
Virtue
Hyde Park
Award-winning restaurant dishing out hearty Southern cooking paired with wines & cocktails in industrial-chic quarters.
Ina Mae
Wicker Park
Funky outpost with a New Orleans vibe, creative fare, live music & specialty retail products.
Soulé
West Town
Cozy option for modernized soul & Creole cooking in a casual space.
Frontier
West Town
Game, oysters & tap brews are served in a stylish lodge space with TVs, a fireplace & a beer garden.
The Delta
Wicker Park
Hip spot with funky-chic decor offering a menu of tamales & Southern fare with house cocktails.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Ravenswood
Traditional Southern favorites are served in a simple storefront space with a weekend brunch menu.
Batter & Berries
Lincoln Park
Bright cafe with creative pancakes, omelets & other breakfast eats plus sandwiches & lunch fare too.
Shopping
Semicolon Bookstore
Wicker Park
Chicago’s only woman- and Black-owned bookstore and gallery has been catering to a loyal following since 2019.
An Orange Moon
Humboldt Park
Light-filled showroom featuring hip vintage home furniture & decor including artwork & lighting.
Love Peridot
Online
An offering of jewelry, lifestyle, travel accessories and expertly curated gifts.
The Silver Room
Hyde Park
This boutique specializes in creative jewelry & accessories plus hosts arts shows & music parties.
Plant Salon
Noble Square
A hybrid boutique specializing in houseplants, skincare and other beauty products.
Belle Up Boutique
East Beverly
Women's boutique that offers collections of stylish maternity and contemporary apparel.