Erika Davis
June is a busy month in Chicago! In addition to warmer weather and longer days, June brings opportunities to honor Dads and Graduates, celebrate Pride month and commemorate Juneteenth. Here are some ideas for celebrating the June holidays near our Rogers Park and Gold Coast TAWANI Property Management homes:
Dads/Graduates
Add a June-themed twist to Father’s Day or a graduation event – choose an LGBTQ+-owned or Black-owned business for your celebration in honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month.
Rogers Park Social: Local residents founded this neighborhood watering hole that serves craft beers and seasonal cocktails in an industrial but cozy setting. If you’re planning an evening indoors, you can order cocktails to go! 6920 N. Glenwood Ave.
South of the Border: Enjoy Latin cuisine of all kinds, from arepas and enchiladas to Cuban sandwiches and Tex-Mex burgers. The drink menu is equally diverse and festive, and the owner believes its cocktails are “the best in Chicago.” 416 W. Morse Ave.
Meron Injera Inc.: This East African bakery is run by an Ethiopian couple who honor the traditional methods of labor-intensive, hands-on baking. The shop makes injeras, ambashas, and other unique breads. 6637 N. Clark St.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth Family Festival: The 4th annual Juneteenth Family Festival began as a small gathering but has grown to an event thousands of people strong. The family-friendly festival includes free entertainment featuring dancers, African drummers, singers, musicians, and more. Attendees can purchase food and beverages from some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants and food trucks and shop for Afrocentric items from local vendors and artisans. June 17th, 11 am-7 pm; 110th & Longwood.
Juneteenth Freedom Market: The 3rd annual Freedom Market from Refine Collective and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago celebrates African-American creativity, joy, and entrepreneurship in Chicago. Each ticket includes a welcome cocktail and wine samplings, access to a marketplace showcasing dozens of local Black-owned businesses, and an array of entertainment. You must be 21 to attend. June 16th, 5 – 9 pm; Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 20 E Chicago Ave.
Pride
Pride North Chicago: The largest Pride gathering on Chicago’s North Side, the festive, high-energy weekend features DJs, live entertainment, and hours of non-stop dancing. The event is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. June 24-25; the intersection of Morse & Glenwood in Rogers Park.
Pride in the Park: Chicago’s best-known Pride event occurs each year in Grant Park. The musical celebration has an impressive 2023 line-up of more than a dozen performers, including headliners Zedd, Years & Years, and Zara Larsson. Friday, June 23rd, 2:00 pm. Saturday, June 24th, 3:00 pm. Ticket prices vary. 337 E Randolph St.
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives: Offering the Midwest’s most extensive collection of Pride-related history, this circulating library also curates exhibits ranging from complex issues like Nationalizing Gay Rights to lighter subjects like five decades of Pride Parade pins. Outside of Rogers Park, people can delve into the organization’s archives via its online collection. 6500 N. Clark St, 2nd Floor.
We wish you happy and safe celebrating all month long!
