Chicagoans, mark your calendar and dust off your festival gear—Juneteenth is right around the corner and the city is bursting with events celebrating Black history, culture, and community. From venerable institutions like the DuSable Black History Museum to the bustling streets of Pilsen, activities and performances abound for all ages and interests.

Kicking off the festivities, the Chicago Tribune highlights a day at Washington Park where the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center will host a jam-packed lineup on June 19, including blues and R&B music, a petting zoo, and horseback riding from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. For those with a penchant for creativity, Artists of the Wall Festival at Pratt Beach offers an inspiring array of community murals and a plethora of additional activities from June 15-16.

Rogers Park will witness the walls coming alive during the Artists of the Wall Festival. Thirty-one years in the running, this beachside spectacle brings together community artists to transform a 600-foot sea wall into a vibrant canvas, while simultaneously entertaining with music and food for a compelling creative experience.

Simultaneously, music lovers can indulge in the Summer Smash at SeatGeek Stadium, with headliners like Travis Scott and Chief Keef, from June 14-16. The event not only promises a powerhouse lineup but also introduces Scott's collaboration with his Cactus Jack record label—an absolute draw for hip-hop aficionados.

On another note, WTTW News adds to the list the 1865 Fest at Garfield Park, which stretches from June 14-16 and includes a tribute to Black veterans and a family-friendly Father’s Day Grill-Off. Additionally, the Juneteenth Village Fest at Douglass Park on June 15 promises live performances and recreational activities.

Fulfilling a more specific community need, the Accessible Juneteenth celebration at the UIC Quad on June 17 will focus on inclusivity, highlighting the Black disability community's achievements in accessibility. The day will offer resources, food, and a chance to connect within the community.

For those desiring laughter alongside celebration, the Cornservatory Theatre introduces “You’re Invited to the Cookout,” a laugh-packed Juneteenth event on June 19 showcasing a medley of Black comedians. The theater's BYOB policy might just add an extra element of cheer to the evening.

Last but certainly not least, cyclists have the opportunity to participate in the Juneteenth Black JoyRide, culminating in the Juneteenth Freedom Market at the Salt Shed. Here, over 50 Black and Brown creators and business owners will be showcasing and selling their products, offering an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while commemorating an important day in American history.