Celebrating Juneteenth in Springfield Illinois | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield

  • May 5, 2025
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Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Heritage


Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is observed annually on June 19th. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, where on June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, announcing the end of slavery in Texas, and nearly two & a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth became a federal across the country and state holiday in Illinois in 2021.

Springfield, like some many other communities across the country, celebrates Juneteenth.  2025 will mark 31 years since the first Juneteenth celebration in Springfield.  And to commemorate, organizers have set up a week-long celebration. Check out these events throughout Springfield from June 12th to June 19th.


More events to be added soon

6/12 Mr. & Miss. Juneteenth Pageant: Held at the auditorium of the Springfield Southeast High School, the pageant encourages youth to express their values and diverse backgrounds.

6/14 Annual Juneteenth Celebration Unity Parade: Join us for this annual tradition.  The parade begins at Martin Luther King Jr Drive & South Grand Ave and finishes at Comer Cox Park.

6/14 Juneteenth Car & Bike Show: Get your car, motorcycle, truck, or jeep ready for the Juneteenth Celebration.  The show will take place at Comer Cox Park.

6/15 Juneteenth Outdoor Revival: This vibrant and uplifting church service held at Comer Cox Park will be followed by community performances, music and more.

6/16 Stop the Violence Community Panel: This event will be held at One in a Million Inc (700 S Livingston St).

Please join us for these events as we celebrate the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice that Juneteenth represents.