Juneteenth Freedom Day Area Activities
Our greater Chicago community has a number of Juneteenth celebrations, activities and learning opportunities. Consider learning more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth and join in on these Freedom Day events.
Oak Park Juneteenth Caravan & Picnic—Saturday June 19th 3:00pm
Join in the caravan or enjoy along the caravan route followed by a Juneteenth Picnic in Taylor Park!
Black History Bike Tour—Saturday June 19th 10:00am — 2:00pm
Oak Park River Forest Museum will participate in the community’s Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 19 by debuting a free bicycle tour of sites that tell some of the many stories of African-American life in Oak Park.
Forest Park Annual Juneteenth Family Pool Party—Saturday June 19th 7:00pm-10:30pm
The Juneteenth Family Pool Party will be held at the Forest Park Aquatic Center located at 7501 Harrison Street, on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from 7pm to 10:30 pm (rain date TBD). Based on current safety guidelines, the pool will have limited capacity (max of 200 guests and 6 per household to allow as any families to attend as possible). As an added bonus this year, we will be featuring the blockbuster film, Black Panther, on the park district lawn at 8 pm.
Chicago Public Library city-wide Juneteenth Reading Circle—Thursday June 17th 6:00pm
This book discussion focuses on various views of Black culture from a scholarly prospective in recognition of Juneteenth. This inaugural mainstage event will discuss "a never-before seen masterpiece by Richard Wright” which was rejected 80 years ago, The Man Who Lived Underground.
Oak Park Public Library viewing PBS documentary "The Long Shadow" with director Q&A—Thursday June 24th 7:00pm
"The Long Shadow" will be available to screen virtually at your convenience, June 21–28. The film features award-winning Director Frances Causey’s personal living experience of white privilege in the context of the history of anti-black racism in the US. Plus, register now in Zoom for a virtual interview and Q&A with the director on Thursday, June 24 at 7 pm.
Juneteenth in Berwyn UNITY Fest—Saturday June 19th 2:00pm-7:00pm
“Art Connects Us”
Our purpose is to infuse Black Lives Matter & Black Liberation messaging with Black Music Month into a celebration of life and manifestation of freedom while showcasing the unity movement in Berwyn.
ART COMES IN MANY FORMS
Event will showcase the art behind featured cultural flags as well as music (black music month) & local vendors in their art of music, clothing, skincare, food, and of course, ARTWORK!
Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival by YOU MATTER 2—Saturday June 19th 11:00am-6:30pm
The HF Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of African American culture as expressed through food, music, dance, and arts. Our mission is to provide an environment that celebrates and showcases the uniqueness, power, and endurance of African Americans.
Tikkun Chai Inter-National and Chicago Activist Coalition For Justice Juneteenth Tributes—Saturday June 19th 12:00pm
Tune in for a Facebook Live cast of tributes, speeches, entertainment, poetry
Black Owned Business Expo—Saturday June 19th 2:00pm
The Juneteenth Market is a pop up market celebrating black business in Chicago. It will take place on Saturday June 19th at the Promontory in Hyde Park. The marketplace will feature various business and industries from beauty to fashion. Food vendors will be on site. This event is free but to be a vendor, please email thankyouchicago@gmail.com for more information.