Juneteenth celebration

The entire community is invited to join in Oak Park’s celebration of Juneteenth! This year's theme is Remembering OUR History and Claiming OUR Future.

Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony
6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 
Village Hall courtyard

• Oak Park's Juneteenth festivities begin with a flag-raising ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 in the courtyard at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The free event will include speakers, refreshments and more. ​

Juneteenth community cookout
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 15
Village Hall south lawn

• The entire community is invited to a Juneteenth community cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the south lawn of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The free event will include a vendor market, music and of course, food. More details will be announced soon. 

Interested in helping plan the Juneteenth celebration or volunteering at the events? Click here to sign up as a volunteer.

Juneteenth events in the community:

Juneteenth oratory competition 

• Students of all ages are invited to share their original, persuasive speeches on the importance of Juneteenth in a community-wide oratory competition.
• Winners and runners-up will receive cash prizes and also be presented as featured speakers at a celebratory event on Sun., June 9 at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, and at the Village’s Juneteenth flag raising ceremony on Wed., June 12.
• Competition dates are Thurs., May 16 from 7-8 p.m. (high school), Sat., May 18 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. (middle school) and Sun., May 19 from 3-4 p.m. (elementary school).
• The contest is open to all youth, including Oak Parkers and non-residents. For more information about competition rules and dates click here.