Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate freedom, unity, and Peoria’s rich Black history at Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration. This free community event invites attendees to experience a powerful evening of live entertainment, cultural experiences, food, family activities, creative activations, youth engagement, and opportunities for reflection and remembrance along Peoria’s RiverFront.

Jubilee Day takes place from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Eckwood Park and the RiverFront Village Green Space. Guests are encouraged to attend the full celebration and experience the energy, culture, and community throughout the evening.

The celebration will feature live music and entertainment, including Devin Brown and Jaylin Howard, VJ Divide, and a headline performance by MJ The Illusion. Also on the stage will be the top 3 performers from Proctor’s Got Talent and the crowning ceremony of the Talent Show Winner! Family activities and interactive experiences will be available throughout the event, including the Ninja Nation Mobile Obstacle Course, Fun on the Run, Peoria Park District Rec ‘n Roll, youth engagement activities, and additional creative and cultural activations.

Community members can also experience several featured activation stations throughout Jubilee Day, including:

• Village Storytelling and Grandparents’ Porch Activation, honoring the African tradition of oral storytelling through shared wisdom, memories, and reflections from community elders
• Ancestor Tree Activation Station, where guests may purchase lanterns and leave messages honoring ancestors in a space of remembrance and gratitude
• Ancestor Walk in partnership with the African American Hall of Fame, offering opportunities for reflection and recognition of African American contributions and legacy within the community
• Community Resource and Partner Tables featuring local organizations, services, programs, and opportunities for community connection
• Youth, Art, and Cultural Engagement Activities designed to encourage creativity, learning, and participation for youth and families

Food vendors and community food experiences will also be part of the evening, including “The Cookout,” featuring awards for Best Side, Best Entrée, Best Dessert, People’s Choice, and Best Overall Food Stand. A panel of community judges, including one secret judge, will help recognize standout culinary experiences during the celebration. Make sure to cast your vote for People’s Choice Award! Current food vendors include*:

• Plated So’L
• Go Bites
• Youngs Popcorn Heaven
• Hickory Stick Catering
• Moore Skillz Kitchen
• Court’s Smoke & Grill
• Rumbergers
• Jamaican Taste
• Meet Me On Madison
• BALCO
• and more

The evening concludes with a Juneteenth-themed drone show at approximately 9 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate freedom, culture, creativity, remembrance, and community at Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration.

Learn more about the Community Juneteenth events by clicking here!

*Vendors subject to change