5 Exciting Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago

This year, Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, so expect plenty of special events and celebrations to go down all day (and weekend) long. You can check out Black-owned restaurants offering Juneteenth specials, visit museums with exhibitions highlighting Black culture, and head to outdoor performances featuring local musicians, dancers, and poets. Below we've listed some of our favorite events for you to check out and celebrate.

Juneteenth Events

• Black People Eats: For the third year in a row Black People Eats is organizing restaurant promotions to celebrate Juneteenth. Over a hundred Black-owned restaurants across Chicago are offering $6.19 and $16.19 food and drink specials on June 18th and 19th. Click here for the full list.

• DuSable Museum of African American History: On June 18th, from 10am to 4pm, The DuSable Museum of African American History, has free admission to the museum. And on Saturday and Sunday they’re having special Juneteenth celebrations featuring a variety of speakers, events, and free admission to the museum. More info here.

• Chicago History Museum: The Chicago History Museum is also offering free admission on Saturday the 19th, starting at 9:30am. They’re also offering virtual programs (like panels and performances) to celebrate Juneteenth, and you can see the full list here.

• Harold Washington Cultural Center: On Juneteenth, the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Bronzeville is hosting a free outdoor celebration. The event will have a DJ, art, complimentary food, and performances from groups like M.A.D.D. Rhythms, a tap collective that’s celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

• Black Culture Week: This collective celebrating Black culture has a number of Juneteenth celebrations happening all weekend long. Like a live band, citywide caravan and parade, and festival. Check out their list of events for more details.