DeKalb Juneteenth Fest 2026 – What's Happening

📋 Draft Programme — This schedule is subject to change. Final timings and full activity list will be confirmed closer to the event. Follow @DeKalbJuneteenth for updates.

🌅 Morning — 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00 AM Setup

Vendor Setup & Preparation

All vendors set up across the festival grounds.

9:00 – 10:00 AM Gates Open

Festival Gates Open

Soft background music. Coffee and breakfast available from food vendors.

10:00 – 10:30 AM Ceremony

🎉 Opening Ceremony

Welcome from DeKalb Community Leader • Recognition of county leaders • Juneteenth history presentation. Main Stage.

10:30 AM Launch

🎉 Free Food Wall Launch

Official expansion announcement on the Main Stage.

10:30 AM Activity

Kids Zones Open & Community Singing

Kids activity zones officially open. Community singing on the Main Stage.

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Activity

Student Showcase & Cornhole Classic Begins

Students perform spoken word and music on the Main Stage. Juneteenth Cornhole Classic kicks off in the Activity Zone.

☀️ Midday — 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

12:00 – 12:30 PM Entertainment

Magic Show for Kids

Professional magician on the Main Stage.

12:30 – 1:00 PM Contest

Ice Cream Eating Contest

Kids only (up to age 10). Main Stage.

1:00 – 1:30 PM Contest

Pizza Eating Contest

Adults only. Main Stage.

1:30 – 2:15 PM Featured

Local Celebrities Appearance

Meet & greet, live Q&A with the crowd, football toss challenge with kids, photo opportunities. Main Stage.

1:30 – 2:15 PM Activity

Unity Quilt Project

Families decorate fabric squares. Quilt displayed at City Hall after the event. Activity Zone.

2:15 – 2:45 PM Performance

Alumni Musician

Live performance from a successful music alumnus. Main Stage.

2:45 – 3:15 PM Workshop

Fire Department Interactive Workshop

Interactive safety demos with the DeKalb Fire Department. Main Stage.

🌤️ Afternoon — 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

3:15 – 3:45 PM Culture

Historical Storytelling

Local historian brings Juneteenth and DeKalb heritage to life. Main Stage.

3:15 – 3:45 PM Fashion

Juneteenth Junipers Fashion Ramp Walk

Kids fashion ramp walk hosted by Alaysia Gonzalez Giraldo (Mrs. Illinois 2026). Afrocentric empowerment showcase for girls aged 5–9. Sponsored Location.

3:45 – 4:30 PM Activity

Storytelling Circle

Community elders share intimate local history. Storytelling Circle Area.

4:30 – 5:00 PM Activity

Cornhole Classic Continues

Activity Zone.

5:00 – 5:30 PM Fashion

Fashion Ramp Walk

Community participants on the Main Stage.

5:30 – 6:00 PM Performance

Dance Group Performances

Local dance groups. Main Stage.

🌂 Evening — 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

6:00 – 6:30 PM Ceremony

Community Awards Ceremony

Honouring local leaders • Sponsor recognition • Volunteer appreciation • Best Festival Outfit Contest. Main Stage.

6:30 – 7:00 PM Performance

Opening Act

Local artist opens the evening. Main Stage.

7:00 – 9:30 PM Headliner

🎵 Headliner Performance

Evening headliner takes the Main Stage. Artist to be announced.

9:30 – 10:00 PM Closing

Grand Finale & Closing

Festival organizers close out DeKalb Juneteenth Fest 2026. Main Stage.

What's Happening