Juneteenth Events In And Around Chicago Include Parades, Picnics, Concerts

Events commemorating Juneteenth, a celebration of emancipation and a reminder of the long struggle for civil rights and equality, are taking shape in and around Chicago.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that enslaved people there were free. The announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.

The date became known as Juneteenth, a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth.” It is a nationwide civic and cultural observance, not just a single-day holiday. For generations, Black communities marked the day with gatherings, food, music, prayer, education and celebrations of freedom.

Commemorative events, ranging from large marquee celebrations to local community programming, will be held in dozens of major cities in every region of the country.

12th Annual Chicago Juneteenth Parade and Picnic

The 12th Annual Chicago Juneteenth Parade is scheduled for June 20. The parade will step off from 2901 W. Monroe St. at 11 a.m. The parade will be followed by a free community picnic.

1865 Fest

1865 Fest is a two-day celebration in Chicago's Park featuring live music, carnival games, free food and activities for kids. This year's 1865 Fest will take place June 19 and June 20 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Texas made Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and is now observed annually on June 19 by the federal government and many state governments, schools, banks and private employers.

Aurora Juneteenth Celebration

Aurora's Juneteenth Celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live poetry readings, music, dance contests, a Double Dutch tournament, a chess tournament and more.

The event will be held June 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park.

Bronzeville Juneteenth Celebration

Set for June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Bronzeville Juneteenth Celebration spotlights Black vendors and organizations and features live music and cultural programming.

Joliet Juneteenth Community Picnic

On June 20, the Joliet Park District will host its 13th Annual Helping Hands Juneteenth Community Picnic at Inwood Park. The event will feature performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, Rico Michael Jackson and DJ Virgil Pilate.

Naperville Juneteenth Celebration

On June 13, Naperville will celebrate Juneteenth with live music and poetry performances at Rotary Hill from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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