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PEORIA, IL (June 8, 2026)—The Peoria Park District and City of Peoria, in collaboration with NAACP Peoria Branch, Tri-County Urban League, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Springdale Cemetery, Whisper & Shout, Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant, The YANI Collective, Southside Community Center, Heritage Ensemble, and additional community partners, invite members of the media and the public to a joint press conference celebrating Peoria's Juneteenth events on Thursday, June 11th at 10 am at the Gateway Building, third floor, 200 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602.
This press conference will highlight several Juneteenth events organized by local partners—part of a larger tapestry of celebrations honoring Black history, culture, and community throughout Peoria. Running throughout June, these events feature pageants, parades, festivals, and family-friendly gatherings organized by local partners and hosted at iconic Peoria venues. Together, these events serve to educate, empower, and unite our community through storytelling, music, art, and shared reflection.
Representatives from each partner organization, along with Mayor Rita Ali and Park Board President Robert L. Johnson Sr., will attend the press conference to speak about their event and the shared significance of honoring Juneteenth in Peoria.
Event Lineup
For event details, please visit: https://peoriaparks.org/events/signature-events/peorias-juneteenth-week/
Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant
Location: East Bluff Community Center
Date: Memorial Day Weekend
Organizer: Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant Organization
Juneteenth Self-Guided Driving Tour
Location: Springdale Cemetery & Mausoleum
Date: Throughout June
Organizer: Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum
Tri-County Urban League Juneteenth Golf Classic
Location: WeaverRidge Golf Club
Date: June 8
Organizer: Tri-County Urban League
Ernestine Jackson Juneteenth Freedom Parade
Location: Main Street, Downtown Peoria
Date: June 13, 1pm
Organizer: NAACP Peoria Branch
Juneteenth Fest 2026
Location: Peoria RiverFront
Date: June 13, noon
Organizer: The YANI Collective
Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Location: Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
Date: June 18, 8:00 p.m.
Organizer: Ryan Lowry and the Peoria Poets
Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration
Location: Peoria RiverFront
Date: June 19, 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Organizer: Peoria Park District
Freedom Fest 2026
Location: Trewyn Park
Date: June 20, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Organizer: Southside Community Center
27th Annual Juneteenth Father's Day Choral Celebration
Location: Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center
Date: June 21, 3:00 p.m.
Organizer: Heritage Ensemble
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