Juneteenth celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States and families have been celebrating on June 19 for 156 years. Our list includes Juneteenth events in Chicago and across the suburbs perfect for kids, including art galleries, musical performances, festivals and more.
We selected some of our top picks below and you can find a full list of Juneteenth events on our calendar.
Juneteenth Flag Craft at Woodson Regional Branch
June 12, 2025
- Address:Â 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Come out to Woodson Regional Branch to create a Juneteenth flag craft to celebrate the holiday. All supplies will be provided. For ages 6-plus. Registration required.
Juneteenth Celebration at Rotary Hill
June 14, 2025
- Address:Â 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free
This kid-friendly event will feature great music, food trucks and activities. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Registration suggested.
Juneteenth Community Event at Brainerd
June 14, 2025
- Address:Â 1246 W. 92nd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can come out to Brainerd Park to learn about the Juneteenth holiday through guest speakers, music, vendors, dance, food, arts and more.
Juneteenth in the Park at LeClaire-Hearst Park
June 14, 2025
- Address:Â 5120 W. 44th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can join LeClaire-Hearst Park for a full day of activities including a 3K walk/run, dance performances, vendors, softball game and volleyball game.
Juneteenth Story Time at Greater Grand Crossing Branch
June 14, 2025
- Address:Â 1000 E. 73rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6 and under can come out to Greater Grand Crossing Branch to celebrate Juneteenth by reading stories and creating a craft. Registration required.
Pre-Juneteenth Celebration with Kucha and Baba Tony at King Branch
June 14, 2025
- Address: 3436 S. King Dr., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can come out to King Branch for a Pre-Juneteenth Celebration with Kucha and Baba Tony. They’ll sing and tell stories to celebrate Juneteenth. Registration required.
Family Fun: Juneteenth Lion Craft at McKinley Park Branch
June 18, 2025
- Address:Â 1915 W. 35th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3 and up can come out to McKinley Park Branch to create a Juneteenth lion craft. All materials will be provided.
Juneteenth Stickers at Richard M. Daley Branch
June 18, 2025
- Address:Â 733 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Tweens and teens ages 10-19 can come out to Richard M. Daley Branch to create Juneteenth-themed stickers. Bring anything you would like to decorate with the stickers.
Juneteenth Tournament at Homan Square
June 18, 2025
- Address:Â 3559 W. Arthington, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Teens ages 13 and up can come out to Homan Square to showcase their talent while still being able to celebrate Juneteenth.
Make Your Own Juneteenth Flag at Hall Branch
June 18, 2025
- Address:Â 4801 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-plus can come out to Hall Branch to create a Juneteenth flag. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
Bronzeville Children’s Museum Annual Juneteenth Celebration!
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 9301 S. Stony Is. Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5/person, free/members
This annual celebration offers activities for the children including storytelling, music, arts and crafts and a balloon release.
Juneteenth Annual Community BBQ at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago
- Cost:Â Free
This annual Juneteenth Festival offers music performances, food trucks, children’s activities, local vendors and more.
Juneteenth Celebration at La Follette
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 1333 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can come out to La Follette for a Juneteenth event for the community. There will be food, music and family activities.
Juneteenth Celebration – Community Event at Hamilton
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 513 W. 72nd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can come out to Hamilton (Alexander) Park to honor freedom, culture and community by recognizing this day through both celebration and service.
Juneteenth Freedom Ride at Dan Ryan Woods
June 19, 2025
- Address: S. Western Avenue and W. 87th Street, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Juneteenth Freedom Ride is a cycling celebration with Major Taylor Trail Keepers and Black Girls Bike. It is a 16-mile loop ride. Bring your own helmet and bike.
Juneteenth Reflection Walk at Sand Ridge Nature Center
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
- Cost: Free
Join Rooted Routes for a reflective guided or self-guided hike along the Dogwood Trail at Sand Ridge Nature Center. This hike invites participants to connect with the powerful legacy of Juneteenth through narratives of freedom, history and nature. Registration required.
Juneteenth River Boat Tour at Beaubien Woods
June 19-20, 2025
- Address: E. 132nd Street, east of S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail at Beaubian Woods Boat Launch. Registration required.
Juneteenth Walk at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont
- Cost: Free
Join Sagawau Environmental Learning Center for a walk focusing on the contributions made by African-American naturalists.
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival
June 19, 2025
- Address:Â 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor
- Cost: Free
The HF Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of African American culture as expressed through food, music, dance and arts.
This article was recently updated on June 12, 2025, by Chicago Parent Content Writer Kari Zaffarano. The update included her updating Juneteenth events in Chicagoland and adding new Juneteenth events for families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
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