Juneteenth Events in Chicago 2025: Celebrations, Cultural Engagements, and Community

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth, the federally recognized holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as Black Independence Day , it commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved people of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. There are plenty of ways to celebrate in Chicago, from festivals and parades to cultural events. Here’s your guide to Juneteenth happenings across the city. Chicago’s African Fashion on the Runway --------------------------------------- Black style will take center stage at the [Field Museum](https://secretchicago.com/pokemon-exhibit-field-museum/) on June 19th with *Chicago’s African Fashion on the Runway. * Inspired by the museum’s ongoing *Africa Fashion* exhibit, the exclusive fashion show will highlight haute couture garments from Black designers in partnership with Black Fashion Week USA. [Tickets](https://www.fieldmuseum.org/our-events/chicagos-african-fashion-on-the-runway/chicagos-african-fashion-on-the-runway) are included in standard admission. When ⏰: Thursday, June 19 | 12 – 1:30 p.m. Where 📍: The Field Museum | 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Tickets 🎟️: Included in museum admission R&B Music Experience: Juneteenth Music Fest ------------------------------------------- 80s and 90s R&B stars Lil Kim, Ashanti, Donell Jones, and more will take the stage at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena on Juneteenth in a celebration of Black music and culture. Tickets available [here](https://www.wintrustarena.com/events/detail/rb-music-experience-061925) . When ⏰: Thursday, June 19 | 8 p.m. Where 📍: Wintrust Arena | 200 E Cermak Rd. [Tickets](https://www.wintrustarena.com/events/detail/rb-music-experience-061925) 🎟️ The Emancipation Ball 2025 -------------------------- The Emancipation Ball is a vibrant celebration of Black culture and business. Presented by Moor’s Brewing, the formal Juneteenth celebration will feature food and an open bar courtesy of local [Black-owned restaurants](https://secretchicago.com/black-owned-restaurants-chicago/), along with live entertainment. When ⏰: Wednesday, June 18 | 7 p.m. Where 📍: Rockwell on the River | 3057 North Rockwell Street [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-emancipation-ball-2025-chicagos-premier-juneteenth-event-tickets-1289504445509) 🎟️ Juneteenth Celebration at the Harold Washington Cultural Center --------------------------------------------------------------- Immerse yourself in an evening of live entertainment, community, and Black culture this Juneteenth at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Bronzeville. Guests will enjoy music from headlining act Kindred the Family Soul, passed hors d’oeuvres, and additional entertainment. When ⏰: Thursday, June 19 | 8 p.m. Where 📍: Harold Washington Cultural Center | 4701 S Martin Luther King Drive [Tickets](https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/juneteenthconcert/) 🎟️ Juneteenth Freedom Market at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds ------------------------------------------------------ Join Refine Collective for the 5th annual Juneteenth Freedom Market, a free, all-ages celebration of Black business and creativity. The event will feature more than 70 Black vendors offering beauty products, home essentials, curated clothing, and other goods. Guests will also enjoy live DJ music, flash tattoos, and brand activations from Black Girl Vitamins, Mike’s Hot Honey, and other companies. When ⏰: Tuesday, June 17 | 5 – 10 p.m. Where 📍: The Salt Shed Fairgrounds | 1357 N Elston Ave. Tickets 🎟️: Free with RSVP Bronzeville’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration ----------------------------------------- The Bronzeville community is welcoming Chicagoans to its 5th annual Juneteenth celebration —a vibrant showcase of Black heritage and resilience. With local food, live music, cultural performances, and educational resources , the event will offer a lively, inclusive tribute to Black culture. When ⏰: Saturday, June 14 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where 📍: 3500 S King Dr. Tickets 🎟️: Free to the public Source: https://secretchicago.com/juneteenth-chicago/