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 our top picks below and you can find a full list of Juneteenth events on our calendar.
Chicago
1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical at Vittum Theater
June 17-19, 2022
- Address: 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago
- Cost: $35-plus
This Juneteenth musical uses various forms of music including hip-hop, blues and jazz. It commemorates the struggle for equality and celebrates the story of African American sons and daughters.
20th Juneteenth Celebration at Bronzeville Children’s Museum
June 18, 2022
- Address: 9301 S. Stony Is. Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5/person, free/members
This annual celebration offers activities for the children including storytelling, music, balloons, crafts and a balloon release.
Juneteenth Village Fest at Anna & Frederick Douglass Park
June 18, 2022
- Address: 1313 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family-friendly Juneteenth event at Anna & Frederick Douglass Park. It will feature games, carnival rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, food and more.
Juneteenth Weekend Market Day at POSE CULTURAL ART GALLERY
June 18, 2022
- Address: 2136 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Juneteenth with a Market Day of black arts, crafts and local creates at Pose Cultural Art Gallery.
Trade Day & Juneteenth Celebration in Douglas Park
June 18, 2022
- Address: Douglas Park Field House, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Trade Day provides teens ages 12-21 with the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning with trades. Local trade colleges will be on site. There will also be a Juneteenth celebration for children ages 5-11 with STEM stations, fitness and art stations, performances and more. Registration required.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee & Resource Fair at Uplift Community High School
June 19, 2022
- Address: 900 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate their 2nd annual Juneteenth event with a resource fair, live entertainment, games, prizes and more.
Festival on the Square at Zhou B Art Center
June 19, 2022
- Address: 1029 W. 35th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
This family-friendly program is inspired by the original Congo Square located in New Orleans, and aims to celebrate arts, healing, and Black joy. Themed around “Homecoming,” this year’s Festival will showcase a vibrant collection of live performances, theatrical readings and Black owned vendors.
Juneteenth Extravaganza on Ellis
June 19, 2022
- Address: 1000 E. 76th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
There will be music, vendors, games, food and more at this family-friendly event for Juneteenth.
Lawndale Juneteenth/Father’s Day Celebration
June 19, 2022
- Address: 3200 W. Douglas Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Father’s Day and Juneteenth, since they are on the same day this year. There will be a BBQ, mini car show, music, contests, food and more. RSVP required.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Juneteenth Independent Festival at Festival Park
June 18-19, 2022
- Address: 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin
- Cost: Free
Join Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the African-American Coalition of Kane County for their Juneteenth Celebration. There will be live bands, BBQ, DJ night and a parade.
Skokie Juneteenth
June 17-18, 2022
- Where: Various Locations, Skokie
- Cost: Free; fees for food and some activities
This two-part celebration acknowledges the past, present and future. On Friday, join for a discussion and on Saturday, celebrate Juneteenth with food and fun activities.
South Suburbs
Dolton Juneteenth Festival “Still We Rise” at Dolton Park
June 18, 2022
- Address: 721 Engle St., Dolton
- Cost: Free admission
Join the annual Juneteenth festival to celebrate aspiring entrepreneurs and black business owners at this family-friendly event. The day will be filled with vendors, food, kid’s activities, giveaways, games, entertainment and more.
Juneteenth at the Nate
June 18, 2022
- Address: Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, 1 University Parkway, University Park
- Cost: Free; $10 suggested donation
Families can bring their own chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy jazz music performances at this Juneteenth event at the Nate. There will also be an art exhibition and food trucks for purchase. RSVP requested.
Juneteenth Celebration Sand Ridge Nature Center
June 18, 2022
- Address: 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
- Cost: Free
Celebrate freedom, family and country with various self-guided activities and exhibit displays. Nature center activities will be highlighted along with registration-based guest presenters discussing Black history, arts and culture.
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival & Parade
June 19, 2022
- Address: Homewood-Flossmoor High School, 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. The mission is to provide an environment that celebrates and showcases the uniqueness, power, and endurance of African Americans. There will be a parade, live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon & Legacy Scholarship Awards at Tuscan Gardens Pub & Banquets
June 19, 2022
- Address: 601 Holbrook Road, Glenwood
- Cost: $40
This Juneteenth celebration will have a buffet lunch, music, raffles, presentations and more. Must purchase tickets in advance.
Juneteenth Prairie Powerwalk at Crabtree Nature Center
June 19, 2022
- Address: 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills
- Cost: Free
Ages 16 and up are invited to join Crabtree Nature Center for an outdoor discussion and remembrance of this important holiday. Then, go on a fast-paced 3-mile summer prairie walk.
Village of Robbins Juneteenth Event at Robbins Park District Community Center
June 19, 2022
- Address: 13800 S. Trumbull Ave., Robbins
- Cost: Call for prices
This Juneteenth celebration at Robbins Park District Community Center will have performers, historical speakers, vendors, dancing, food and more.
Western Suburbs
Juneteenth Celebration at Rotary Hill
June 18, 2022
- Address: 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Call for prices
This kid-friendly event at Rotary Hill will commemorate the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States.
This post is updated annually.
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