Where to find 2025 Juneteenth events in the Chicago area
Juneteenth celebrations are taking place throughout the Chicago area.
The federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
From parades and live performances to food and more, check out the local Freedom Day events near you.
Thursday, June 19
North Lawndale, Chicago
North Lawndale held its first annual Juneteenth parade along 16th Street Thursday morning.
The parade began at 1457 S. Kenneth Ave and continue to 3401 W. Ogden Ave.
"What we did is we put vendors along the route to replicate what 16th street looked like, to give the image visually to the community of what we could bring back to North Lawndale on this day but beyond this day as a community," Dinitia Robinson, CEO and president of Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, said.
The parade featured a variety of floats and performances, along with a free community breakfast. Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the parade.
"This being Juneteenth, a day of celebration and liberation, I thought it would be a wonderful time to for us to highlight all of the goals and the efforts that people have made to make this the great country it is," Pastor Marvin Hunter said.
Englewood, Chicago
My Block, My Hood, My City hosted a Juneteenth Day of Service and community celebration in Englewood on Thursday.
The group is focusing on supporting the seniors in the community during the heat wave ahead. Fans and water will be delivered to ensure the community's safety.
There was also a community clean-up for anyone wanting to volunteer their time.
A celebration was also held at Hamilton Park at 2 p.m.
Lakeview's Wrigley Field, Chicago
The Chicago Cubs hosted a Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field during Thursday's game against the San Francisco Giants.
The celebration featured a market at Gallagher Way for Cubs fans to enjoy products from local Black business owners.
The first pitch was thrown by Chicago native and actor Jason Weaver, as well as outgoing Cubs Senior Vice President of Communications Julian Green.
During the game, the Black national anthem and the national anthem were sung by mother-daughter duo Tracy R. Kincaide and Jameisha Trice.
West Pullman, Roseland, Chicago
The Angel of God Resource Center held a Juneteenth Freedom Celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 10810, 10824, and 10831 S. Halsted St., Chicago.
The event featured a special tribute to the United States Colored Troops through a live-streamed "Boots on the Ground" line dancing event.
There was music, food, and educational opportunities for the community.
Bronzeville, Chicago
In Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, a youth baseball game in Armstrong Park had special meaning this Juneteenth.
"Nothing is given as we try to teach the boys, actually something that the holiday teaches us, but you know, we just love to come out here and compete," said Odie Hoover IV, whose young son, Odie Hoover V, was playing in the game.
Advocates for Armstrong Park spent years working on a plan for the space and securing $100,000 from the Cubs organization to fix up two baseball fields.
"This is absolutely what we dreamed of," said Armstrong Park advisory council president Shemeka Irby.
DuPage County
Hosted by House Speaker Emmanuel Welch, DuPage County held a Juneteenth festival at the Memorial Park District Thursday afternoon
The event was free and open to the public.
Gary, Indiana
Midwest Fest kicked off its Juneteenth celebration starting with a Car Take Over parade at 3 p.m. at 15th and Broadway, followed by a car show at Roosevelt Park at 5 p.m.
Community car and bike enthusiasts from across the region were featured. Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to the Best in Show.
Admission to both events was free.
Saturday, June 21
Evanston, Illinois
At 11 a.m., the City of Evanston Juneteenth Parade and Celebration will begin at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave and continue to Ingraham Park.
Following the parade, at Ingraham Park from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the city will host an assortment of live music, spoken word performances, drum and dance, kid's activities and more.
To get involved in the march or volunteer for this event, visit its website for more information.
Joliet, Illinois
in honor of Juneteenth, a ribbon cutting ceremony of Joliet's community garden and wellness center will be hosted at 616-620 Woodruff Ave from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
As a part of EAT's United We EAT campaign, the event will include free food, cultural performances, activities, and special guest speakers for its surrounding community.
The event intends to reflect the land's fight for Black liberation and in recognition of the Black farmers connected to the area.
