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.
This article was recently updated on May 14, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, 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.
Support Black-Owned Businesses this Juneteenth at Jewel-Osco
June 6, 2024
- Address: 9400 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can celebrate Juneteenth by supporting local, Black-owned brands, businesses, musicians and more at Jewel-Osco. There will also be a live DJ, kid’s activities, raffles and giveaways.
Juneteenth Fair at Forest Park Public Library
June 8, 2024
- Address: 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park
- Cost: Free
This Juneteenth fair spotlights black authors, creators, artists and small business owners. There will be book giveaways for children and refreshments.
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival at Homewood-Flossmoor High School Parking Lot
June 15, 2024
- Address: 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.
Juneteenth Celebration at Commercial Club Playground
June 15, 2024
- Address: 1845 W. Rice St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Join Commercial Club Playground of Chicago to celebrate Juneteenth and learn about this historic holiday.
Juneteenth Celebration at Robbins Community Center
June 15, 2024
- Address: 13800 S. Trumbull Ave., Robbins
- Cost: Free
This annual Juneteenth celebration at Robbins Community Center will have local entertainment, community resources and food vendors.
Juneteenth Celebration at Rotary Hill
June 15, 2024
- Address: 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free
This kid-friendly event at Rotary Hill will commemorate the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. It will feature great music and activities. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.
Juneteenth Celebration at Sand Ridge Nature Center
June 15, 2024
- 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.
Juneteenth Cultural Festival: What About the Children? at Festival Park
June 15, 2024
- 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, vendors and a kids zone.
Juneteenth in the Park at LeClaire-Hearst Park
June 15, 2024
- Address: 5120 W. 44th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a full day of activities including a peace walk, basketball tournament, yoga, dance performances and vendors. For all ages.
Juneteenth Bracelets at Gage Park Branch
June 17, 2024
- Address: 955 E. 131st St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Teens ages 13 and up can join Altgeld Branch to design a T-shirt for Juneteenth. Snacks and supplies will be provided. Registration required.
Juneteenth Celebration at Lozano Branch
June 18, 2024
- Address: 1805 S. Loomis St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Teens ages 13 and up can join the Lozano Branch to create art paintings to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
June 19, 2024
- Address: 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
- Cost: Free
This annual Juneteenth Festival offers music performances, food trucks, children’s activities, local vendors and more.
Speaker Welch’s Third Annual Juneteenth Festival at Memorial Park District
June 19, 2024
- Address: 639 N. Wolf Road, Hillside
- Cost: Free
Celebrate this annual Juneteenth and Father’s Day Festival with games, bounce houses, vendors, entertainers, food and drinks and more.
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