The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty more events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to Pride, the end of the school year … and more. This month is PACKED.
As we jump into June, here’s your official guide to keep everything straight.
Pride in Chicago
This year, Pride kicks off June 7 at Sidetrack. Chicago Pride Fest is June 20 and 21 in Northalsted, headlined by Durand Bernarr on Saturday and G Flip on Sunday.
Finally, the big parade is June 28. It starts at 11 a.m. on Sheridan and Broadway and ends on Diversey. View the full map, and plan accordingly!
School’s Out!
Chicago Public Schools are out Thursday! By now, the kids in your life probably have their summers scheduled, but the parks are full of non-camp options to stay busy (for free). Meanwhile, we’ll be keeping our eye on the upcoming school board elections and the district’s major budget concerns 👀
Celebrate Juneteenth
The birthplace of Juneteenth is Galveston, Texas, but the holiday has plenty of connections to Chicago, too. Celebrate Black Chicago throughout that week:
- 🛍️ June 16: The 6th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market | Salt Shed | Goose Island
- 👠 June 18: The Emancipation Ball 2026 | CineCity Studios | Douglass Park
- 🚢 June 18-21: Black Yacht Weekend | Various locations
- 🎉 June 19: Juneteenth Celebration | DuSable Black History Museum | Washington Park
- ✍️ June 19: A Juneteenth Celebration | American Writers Museum | Loop
- 🎡 June 19: Boxing Out Negativity Juneteenth Celebration | 1616 S. Avers Ave. | North Lawndale
- 🥇 June 19: Juneteenth Youth Olympics | Gately Park Stadium | Pullman
- 🎉 June 20: Multiple events through the National A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum | Various locations
- 🎇 June 20: Juneteenth Fireworks Cruise | Anita Dee Yacht Charters | Loop
The Obama Presidential Center Opening
The Obama Presidential Center, across 19 acres of Jackson Park, opens officially to the public June 19. Museum slots for the weekend are full, but there’s availability on Sunday for free activities and performances on the campus. Register ASAP!
Many Fests!
As you all know, summer in Chicago is fest season. They’re really ramping up this June — but don’t forget to donate at the gate! And don’t forget to check our events section all month long for additional street (and non-street) parties.
- 🇬🇷 June 5-7: Lincoln Park Greek Fest | St. George Greek Orthodox Church
- 🎷 June 5-7: Chicago Blues Festival | Grant Park | Free
- 🐷 June 5-7: Ribfest | Lincoln Avenue between Irving and Berteau | North Center
- 🚛 June 5, 12, 17, 26: Food Truck Fest | Daley Plaza | Loop
- ✍️ June 6-7: American Writers Festival | American Writers Museum and Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free
- 🍎 June 7: Cider Fest | Jarvis Square | Rogers Park
- 🇸🇪 June 12-14: Midsommarfest | Clark Street between Foster and Gregory | Andersonville
- 🍽️ June 19-21: Taste of Randolph | Randolph Street between Peoria and Racine | West Loop
