June 19, also known as Juneteenth, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and all enslaved people were now free.
One of the oldest celebrated days in the United States, the Juneteenth date is now widely recognized in the American consciousness as we revisit our nation’s history. Juneteenth was proclaimed a federal holiday and became an official Illinois holiday in June 2021.
The national reckoning over race helped set the stage for Juneteenth to become the first new federal holiday since 1983, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created.
“We are the Land of Lincoln – with a proud legacy of embracing the emancipation and rejecting slavery even before the Civil War as a safe haven for enslaved people traveling the Underground Railroad. It is only fitting that Illinois is now at the forefront of recognizing Juneteenth – allowing our communities a chance to honor those before us and to celebrate the freedom it represents today. As our nation continues to reflect on the impacts of its history, we encourage Illinoisans to join celebrations in their communities to recognize the importance of Juneteenth this year and in years ahead," said Stephanie Taylor, co-chair of the Illinois Juneteenth Committee.
The Illinois Juneteenth Committee is a grassroots-driven group comprised of community organizers who are leading the charge on educating residents and communities statewide in acknowledgement, celebration and advocacy of the importance of Juneteenth in American history.
Here’s a selection of events to acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth across Illinois:
Alton
- Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: June 14, 2025, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Along the Mississippi River, Alton will mark 34 years of celebrating Juneteenth at James H. Killion Park with cultural presentations, performances and homemade cuisine. - Untold Black Stories: Self-guided tour, anytime
An audio and visual walking tour of downtown Alton. The 1-mile route along the Broadway corridor includes personal stories from 15 residents.
Aurora
- Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Celebration: June 14, 2025, 2:30 p.m–6:30 p.m.
Commemorate African American heritage and help support Black-owned businesses with music, live entertainment, African American History tributes, poetry, food & craft vendors, chess tournaments and more. Hosted by African American Men of Unity (AAMOU).
Bloomington
- Juneteenth Community 2024 Celebration: June 21, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Join a day of celebration, information, and inspiration. The Juneteenth Community Celebration will feature entertainment and performances, community resources, vendors and food trucks in Miller Park.
Carbondale
- 2024 Juneteenth Block Party: June 20, 2025, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Join the Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois for this year’s Juneteenth Block Party. Jackson to Gum Street will be blocked off for a fun-filled evening of live entertainment, food vendors, face painting, community organisations, and so much more.
Collinsville
- Collinsville Juneteenth Festival: June 19, 2025, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
There will be food, vendors, live music, dancers, poets, games and raffles. The festival will include the first ever Juneteenth parade in Collinsville. This celebration will be hosted by Collinsville High School Black Student Union.
Champaign
- Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration: June 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can create arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad at Douglass Park.
Chicago area
- Bronzeville 2025 Juneteenth Celebration — Unity Rising: June 14, 2025, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Keynote speakers include Alderman Lamont Robinson, political pioneer Ms. Delmarie Cobb and Bronzeville historian Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. Performing artists from the Chicagoland area will come together to showcase their depictions, share stories, educate residents and entertain attendees. - The DuSable Black History Museum Juneteenth Performances: June 19, 2025, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black creativity and expression with blues and R&B performances on June 19th at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. - Juneteenth Family Festival: June 14, 2025, 12 noon–7 p.m.
Every year, thousands of people flock to Chicago’s south-side Beverly/Morgan Park community to attend the annual Juneteenth Family Festival. Attendees will enjoy a DJ & live music, African dance, family sports & activities, face painting, unique vendors and more. - West Communities Juneteenth Collaborative: June 13, 15, 17, 19
Visit the Traveling Museum at their 2025 Events including a BBQ, pool party and flag ceremonies. The events take place in River Forest, Forest Park and Westchester.
Decatur
- Juneteenth Freedom Day - Rooted in Excellence: June 19, 2025, 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Join us at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater for live music, food, and more!
Elgin
- Juneteenth Celebrations: June 19-20, 2025
A series of free public events will take place in Elgin June 19-20 to commemorate Juneteenth, celebrate emancipation, honor African American culture and bring the community together through music, reflection and family-friendly activities.
Evanston
- 6th annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration: June 21, 2025, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join Parade Marshall, Second Ward Alderman Krissie Harris, the ETHS Marching Band, the Evanston Creative Dance Team, the South Shore Drill Team, and The Jesse White Tumblers along with floats, walking groups, marching bands & cars. The commemoration will continue where the parade ends at Ingraham Park until 4PM with additional festivities, food, vendors, and speakers.
Freeport
- Elevated Voices Juneteenth Art Celebration: June 21, 2025, 1 p.m.
Get ready for Elevated Voices' biggest and best Juneteenth celebration yet! This is more than just an event-it's a cultural experience, honoring Black art, music, history, and community through creativity, education, and celebration!.
Peoria
- Juneteenth Fest 2025: June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Head to the George Washington Carver Recreational Center at John H. Gwynn Jr. Park for the return of Juneteenth Fest. This year's event will feature all kinds of fun, including basketball, free youth haircuts, a bouncy house, performances, local food and merch vendors, and horseback rides.
Quincy
- Juneteenth Celebration - Community Gala: June 13, 2025, 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Join for an elegant evening for people aged 12 and up. A social hour and catered dinner from JJ's will be followed by entertainment from Memphis, Tennessee vocal group Perfect Combination. - Juneteenth Celebration - Juneteenth Festival: June 14, 2025, 12 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
This festival features a variety of food, local businesses, and informational vendors. Highlights include appearances by the Buffalo Soldiers Iker Group, a variety of children's activities such as bounce houses and petting zoo, and performances by dancers and musicians. - Juneteenth Celebration - Voices of Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Community Choir: June 15, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
This event will feature voices from the community, led by guest directors Koretta Sykes and Marquis Smith.
Rockford
- Juneteenth1865 - 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration: June 19, 2025, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.
The longest-running Juneteenth celebration in Illinois is back! Come along for a day of music, community awards, food and retail vendors, a talent show, and more! The day ends with a headlining performance from Con Funk Shun.
Springfield
- 2024 Juneteenth Celebration: June 12–19, 2025
The Springfield Juneteenth Celebration is a full program of exciting events. Festivities begin with a talent showcase on June 12, followed by a concert series, lunch and learn panel, museum party, Mr. and Miss. Juneteenth Pageant, and more.
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