This year marks the 32nd annual Juneteenth celebration in Springfield honoring the freedom, community, resilience and history of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the end of slavery after enslaved people in Texas were finally freed on June 19, 1865 – two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2021, Illinois and the federal government instituted Juneteenth as a legal holiday.
Springfield is honoring the legacy of Juneteenth with a vibrant, monthlong lineup of events designed to educate, inspire and bring people together. Featured are live musical performances to educational workshops and family-friendly picnics. From the Unity Parade to the Bar and Restaurant Crawl, Juneteenth Inc. and countless community members have planned something for everyone.
Whether you are looking to support local Black-owned businesses, dive deep into African American history, or enjoy great food and art with your neighbors, Springfield’s Juneteenth calendar is packed with opportunities. Here are some Juneteenth celebrations happening across Springfield this month.
Ongoing exhibits and events
The Nature of Freedom: A Literary Commemoration of Juneteenth
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) Union Theatre
June 11, 13, 17 and 19, noon, and June 18, 6:30 p.m.
This powerful half hour theater piece directed by Reggie Guyton and written by Ed MacMurdo uses vocal expression without costumes, scenery or props. Speakers will deliver historical text from figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Maya Angelou, Robert Smalls, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Bibb. Daytime shows are included with museum admission. The June 18 evening event is free but requires advance registration through ALPLM website.
“noir 6: The Truth”
Old State Capitol through Oct. 16
Opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 12
Black art stands as a profound and enduring reflection of the Black experience, offering a truthful lens through which history, identity and cultural memory are preserved and interpreted. The artwork in this year’s exhibit connects past struggles with present realities while envisioning more equitable futures. The Illinois State Museum presents this powerful exhibition that honors and featuers Black art, artists, and the stories of truths that shape the Black experience in America. It is co-curated by Jaliyah Ross and Austin Wells.
The exhibit features work by Jeff Williams, Anthony Wilson, Raven Minor, Elijah Miller, Ja Nelie Pleasure, Zach Adams, Waleed Johnson, Kamara Sade, Bri Jackson, Natalie Jackson, Thomas Mosley, Shatriya Smith, Justarrea Curry, Carol Hinton, Jawwaad Spann, Lawanda Chillis, Kristen Jurgens, Senyah Haynes, Daniel Walden, Cheryl Osby, Christian Sitilli, Austin Wells and Jaliyah Ross.
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
Presented by Springfield Theatre Centre
Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St.
June 12-13 and 19-20,7:30 pm.; June 14 and June 21, 3 p.m.
This “choreopoem” is a groundbreaking and captivating collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. The production offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry. Tickets are $18 for students and seniors, $22 for adults.
Friday, June 12
Juneteenth Family Day Celebration
Old State Capitol 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free. The Illinois State Museum and State Historic Sites invite you to a Juneteenth Family Day Celebration. Explore history, art, culture and more with Illinois State agency partners.
Youth in the Movement
Old State Capitol 12 P.M. – 3 P.M.
Free. All ages. An inspiring afternoon of education, empowerment and civic engagement for all ages while exploring the history of the black vote and the art of “noir 6: The Truth.”
Saturday, June 13
Comer Cox Park Celebration Day 1
10 am. to 8 p.m.
Activities include local merchandise vendors, food trucks, family games, live music, a car show and the annual youth/adult basketball tournament.
Juneteenth Coach McBride Unity Parade
10 a.m. The parade lines up at the Capitol City Elks Lodge and begins at the corner of MLK Drive and South Grand Avenue. The procession moves north along MLK and finishes at Comer Cox Park. This year’s parade is filled with marching groups, music, floats and culture.
The LeVert Experience
Comer Cox, 11 a.m. following Unit Parade
An Unforgettable Journey through Classic R&B. Entertainment is headlined by The LeVert Experience: Marc Gordon, Joe Little and Dave Tolliver. Grab those lawn chairs and get ready for a night full of music including the Debbie Ross Band, Springfield Municipal Band, Soul Experience, Saint Boogie Brass Band, Nicholas R. and Rudy Boz & Friends.
Community Hours
Comer Cox, 2 p.m.
Hosted by DJ Tat, this afternoon of music, culture and community showcases local emerging artists such asYoung Queens Dance Team, Pure Sensational Diamonds Dance Team, Christopher D. Sims, Cuspofarrows, Katae, Dru, Raven B, Rhythm & Groove Live Dance and Taylor Moni.
Sunday, June 14
Comer Cox Park Celebration Day 2
Praise in the Park
10 a.m.
Worship with Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Hosted by Pastor Bobby Hampton and Randy Cole.
Gospel Community Hour
12:30 p.m.
Hosted by Randy Cole with DJ Slikkdarula. Vocalists include Quentin Brackenridge, Jestine Doss, Jada Love, K3HLAN, W.O.O (Damar Weatherly), God’s Promise, Miss Johnetta. Also featuring Miracle Temple Love Family Choir and the Brown Street COGIC Choir.
Monday, June 15
Free-ish – Juneteenth & The Long Legacy of 1619
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
6:30 p.m. Program with book signing to follow. Join a thought-provoking conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, as she explores Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of slavery in America.
Thursday, June 18
The Psycodelics (Funk) and Paul Bill Jr.
Y-Block, South Fourth and East Jackson streets, 6 p.m.
Levitt Amp Springfield Concert. The lawn opens at 6 p.m. Grab dinner from one of the food vendors or bring your own. Visit the Community Square and learn about local organizations. Support local businesses while enjoying live entertainment.
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth Youth Breakfast and Fine Arts Breakfast
The Salvation Army 10 a.m. to noon
Adults $15, children, $10
A grand finale honoring freedom, creativity and the next generation. This special celebration includes a breakfast, live performances by youth artists, visual arts gallery showcasing young creators and recognition of outstanding youths who embody the spirit of Juneteenth. All ages welcome. Seats are limited. Get tickets at the Juneteenth Inc. website.
Juneteenth at Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 E. Lake Shore Drive, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take the entire family to visit the Henson Robinson Zoo, with free admission for all ages on Juneteenth.
Lowcountry Seafood Boil: A Historical Gullah Geechee Immersion Dinner
Pasfield House, 525 S. Pasfield St. 7 p.m.
This is not just a dinner. It’s a doorway into cultural traditions served over a communal table. Experience the story of the Gullah Geechee through the food, music and traditions. Tickets are $99 per person and include a full traditional Lowcountry seafood boil served communal style. Presented by The Culture Experience.
Juneteenth Restaurant and Bar Crawl
This event, hosted by Juneteenth Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha, will celebrate culture, community and Black excellence. Schedule: 1-2 p.m., Boyd’s New Generation Restaurant and Catering, 1831 South Grand Ave. E.; 2:15-3:15 p.m., American Legion, 1800 E. Capitol Ave.; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Jerk Joint, 219 S. Fifth St.; 4:45-5:45 p.m., 5th Street Gem, 221 S. Fifth St.; 6-7 p.m., Replay Lounge, 217 S. Fifth St.; 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Xtreme Dreamz Car Club, 1635 Carpenter St.; 8:30-9:30 p.m., Blueprint Bar and Grill, 816 S. 11th St.; and 9:45-10:45 p.m., and Unique’s Bar & Grill, 1231 E. Cook St.
Juneteenth Panel Discussion
Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State Street in Jacksonville, 6 p.m.
A panel of prominent Underground Railroad scholars will discuss the process, excitement and challenges of making historical topics such as the Underground Railroad come alive during the social media age. The panel includes Brian Mitchell, Brittany Yancy, Kathryn Harris and Ruth Linear. Free. The event is being held in conjunction with the Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum.
Katie Spoon is a mother of three young adults and is active in community theater, activism and mutual aid throughout the 217.
This article appears in June 11-17, 2026.
