Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is a nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of chattel slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers delivered the news to the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and they were now free. This was a full two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had become official in 1863.
Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021, after years of activism led by 95-year-old Texas grandmother Opal Lee. Today, the holiday is honored across the country each year on June 19. Celebrate Juneteenth 2025 in Chicago by discovering Black history, culture, and traditions.
Chicago cultural events for Juneteenth
Chicago’s African Fashion on the Runway at the Field Museum
June 19, 2025
The Field Museum expands on its Africa Fashion exhibit with a live runway show showcasing original designs and contemporary African style. The show kicks off at noon and is included with regular museum admission.
Bronzeville History Tour with Mahogany Tours
June 14, 2025
Learn about the rich cultural history of the South Side’s Bronzeville neighborhood during this tour from Chicago’s celebrated urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. The two-hour bus tour will stop at important landmarks and cultural sites to explore Bronzeville’s vibrant Black history and significant influence on Chicago.
R&B Music Experience: Juneteenth Music Fest
June 19, 2025
Enjoy classic ‘80s and ‘90s R&B music with performances by Ashanti, Lil Kim, Mya, Lloyd, and Chicago’s own Donell Jones at this musical celebration of Black culture. The Juneteenth Music Fest will be held at the Wintrust Arena in the city’s South Loop neighborhood.
Juneteenth celebrations in Chicago
Juneteenth Celebration Yacht Cruise with Skyline Yacht Cruises
June 14, 2025
Float along Lake Michigan while absorbing the beauty of Chicago’s legendary skyline during this Juneteenth yacht party. Dress in all-black attire and commemorate Juneteenth on a three-hour cruise with two indoor dance floors, an outdoor sky deck, live DJs, and a cash bar.
The Emancipation Ball 2025
June 18, 2025
Celebrate community, culture, creativity, and commerce at this year’s Emancipation Call. The formal soiree includes bites from Black-owned restaurants, an open bar featuring wine and spirits from Black-owned companies, and live entertainment at Rockwell on the River.
Black Yacht Weekend
June 19 – June 22, 2025
Join a floating party of hundreds of boats on Lake Michigan during Juneteenth weekend. Other celebratory events include bottomless mimosa cruises, beach fests, after parties, and much more.
Juneteenth Annual Community BBQ
June 19, 2025
Attend this annual celebration at the DuSable Black History Museum and enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks, and children’s activities. Festivities and workshops will center around this year’s theme, “Black Power Era.” Don’t forget to make time to explore the museum and its many exhibitions.
Juneteenth Jubilee & Resource Fair
June 19, 2025
Participate in a day of empowerment and connection at this fifth annual celebration at Truman College. Discover community services and initiatives and enjoy performances and talks from artists, hair care experts, and a genealogist. The event will also supply food, games, free barber services, and a DJ.
Juneteenth Celebration at Harold Washington Cultural Center
June 19, 2025
Enjoy music, culture, and community at this Juneteenth celebration hosted by the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. Kindred The Family Soul headlines, alongside special guest performances, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a lively atmosphere.
Juneteenth Celebration at Chicago Theatre Works
June 19, 2025
Commemorate the holiday with live music, a vendors showcase, performances, and a craft show at Chicago Theatre Works in the Lakeview neighborhood.
The Black Aura: A Weekend of Liberation and the Arts
June 28 – 29, 2025
Head to the Kehrein Center for the Arts to celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth with Independence Day with a weekend of gospel music, workshops, performances, and documentary screenings celebrating Black liberation, creativity, and community
Explore more: Discover delicious Black-owned restaurants throughout Chicago.
Juneteenth markets in Chicago
The 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market
June 17, 2025
Refine Collective presents this free all-ages celebration showcasing more than 70 Black-owned businesses and creators, selling everything from housewares, beauty products, one-of-a-kind fashions, and more. Held at The Salt Shed, this event will also feature DJ sets, a performance by the renowned 40+ Double Dutch Club, flash tattoos, and more.
Juneteenth For the Culture Market at The Promontory
June 19, 2025
Support the creativity and resilience of Black businesses at this pop-up market highlighting a range of Black-owned companies, including fashion, beauty, art, and home goods. Admission is free.
Chicago neighborhood Juneteenth events
Bronzeville’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
June 14, 2025
This fifth annual neighborhood celebration focuses on freedom, heritage, and community empowerment with this year’s theme of “Honoring the Legacy of Freedom: Remembering the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The free event will feature live performances, cultural showcases, local vendors and small businesses, delicious eats, and more.
Juneteenth Extravaganza on Ellis
June 19, 2025
The Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood is home to this block party that will include food, family activities, music, games, and vendors in a celebration of heritage.
Juneteenth Family Festival
June 14, 2025
The Beverly/Morgan Park community is the site for the fifth-annual celebration of African and African American cultural heritage. The festival includes live music, African dance performers, family sports activities, fitness and meditation classes, food, face paintings, and local vendors.
Juneteenth Festival in West Pullman
June 21, 2025
This free festival highlights community empowerment in the West Pullman neighborhood with live music, food from Black-owned eateries (including iconic Chicago spots like Harold’s Chicken and The Original Rainbow Cone), family activities, games, bounce houses, and a small business marketplace.
1865 Fest in Garfield Park
June 19 – 20, 2025
This cultural experience in Garfield Park offers educational workshops, live music, free food, a Father’s Day Grill Off, and a Black veterans military ceremony. The fest also hosts a special concert with beloved Chicago hip-hop group Do or Die.
Explore more: Immerse yourself in Black art and culture in Chicago.
