Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
96th Bud Billiken® Parade
96th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade & Back to School Festival
Join us for one of Chicago’s most treasured and historic summer traditions, the 96th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade & Back to School Festival taking place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As the largest African American parade in the nation, this beloved celebration winds down Dr. Martin Luther King Drive from 35th Street to 51st Street, culminating in a vibrant community festival in Washington Park.
This year’s theme, “Road to 100 Years,” honors nearly a century of cultural pride, educational advocacy, and unity, highlighting the Chicago community’s enduring dedication to peace and progress amidst a changing world.
The parade will be broadcast live on ABC7 Chicago from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring dazzling performances, local celebrities, youth organizations, floats, and marching bands. The excitement continues at the Back to School Festival with family-friendly activities, giveaways, food, and entertainment designed to uplift and prepare students for a successful school year.
Don’t miss this unforgettable Chicago experience.
Learn more:
Follow us:
