Growing Community Media has compiled a list of Juneteenth celebrations across the Greater West Side, including events in Austin, Broadview, East Garfield Park, and Forest Park. The celebrations include a Front Porch Art Center celebration, a trunk party for college-bound seniors, the 3rd Annual Festival of Freedom, a Music and Culture Celebration, the 1865 Fest, and Liberated: A Juneteenth Celebration. These events feature music, food, dancing, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Some events require an invite or a small cover charge, and proceeds from some events will go towards supporting local art centers. The festivities will culminate with a Father’s Day Grill Off.
Growing Community Media has compiled a comprehensive list of Juneteenth celebrations happening across the Greater West Side. Whether you’re in Austin, Broadview, East Garfield Park, or Forest Park, there are events for everyone to enjoy.
In Austin, the Front Porch Art Center celebration will be held at Columbus Park on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature music, food, dancing, and a Juneteenth Art Exhibit, along with family art-making activities. On June 19, a trunk party for college-bound seniors will be held at 304 N. Parkside Ave. from noon to 5 p.m. Graduating seniors must bring their college acceptance letter to attend.
Broadview is hosting its 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration all weekend at Schroeder Park, from June 16 to June 18. The festival will feature music, food, local vendors, and cultural exhibits chronicling Black history and struggles. The festivities will wrap up with a Sunday fireworks show.
East Garfield Park is offering a Music and Culture Celebration on June 18 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 345 Art Gallery. The celebration will feature local music acts, performances by poet Poetry Soulchild, wine curated by P. Michelle, the Music in My Soul art exhibit, and local vendors. There is a $10 cover charge, and all proceeds go to the art center. Additionally, the 1865 Fest is a three-day festival organized by the 1865 Coalition, taking place from June 16 to June 18 at Garfield Park Gold Dome and Garfield Park Music Court Circle. There will be cultural activities for families, workshops, live music, and performances, as well as a Father’s Day Grill Off on Sunday.
In Forest Park, the I Am Black Art organization will be at the Forest Park Public Library’s Austin room on June 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Liberated: A Juneteenth Celebration.
Juneteenth is a significant holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate Black history and culture. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate and honor this important holiday, consider attending one of these events happening across the Greater West Side.
