Our Venue Frank Van Buer Plaza, Downtown DeKalb
Frank Van Buer Plaza is a vibrant open-air community space at the corner of N. 2nd Street and E. Locust Street in the heart of Downtown DeKalb. Home to the DeKalb Farmers' Market every Thursday and beloved community events year-round, it's the perfect setting for DeKalb Juneteenth Fest 2026 on Friday, June 19th.
www.juneteenth-fest.com
On the Day What's at the Venue
🎵 Kids Play Area
A dedicated kids zone featuring face painting, mehndi, carnival games, crafts, and magic shows. Safe, supervised, and open all day (9 AM – 9 PM). Perfect for little ones aged 2–12.
Restrooms
Portable restroom facilities will be available on-site throughout the festival, including ADA-accessible units. Facilities are cleaned and serviced regularly across the 14-hour event.
🍕 Food Truck Row
7 diverse food trucks serving all day — soul food, BBQ, Caribbean, pizza, tacos, desserts, and vegetarian options. Cash and card accepted. Something for every taste!
🚗 Parking
Free street parking is available throughout Downtown DeKalb. Additional public parking lots nearby on Lincoln Highway. Accessible parking spaces available close to the plaza entrance.
🚌 Public Transit
DeKalb Public Transit Route 12 stops at Lincoln Highway & 2nd St — just steps from the plaza. Fare: $0.50 adults • $0.25 seniors/disabled • Free for OneCard holders & children under 5. Call (815) 748-2000.
⛛ First Aid & Accessibility
On-site first aid station staffed throughout the event. Van Buer Plaza is fully accessible — level ground, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking. Questions? Email kamal@juneteenth-fest.com
Reach Us Get Direction to the Event
Frank Van Buer Plaza, Downtown DeKalb
148-198 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115
United States
General Enquiries
Name: Kamal Osman
Phone: +1 815 472 7375
Email: kamal@juneteenth-fest.com
Friday, June 19, 2026
Gates Open: 9:00 AM
Festival Closes: 10:00 PM
Vendor Setup
From: 8:00 AM
Public Entry: 9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony: 10:00 AM
Evening Programme
Headliner: 7:00 PM
Grand Finale: 9:30 PM
Event Closes: 10:00 PM
Getting to Van Buer Plaza
Corner of N. 2nd St & E. Locust St
Downtown DeKalb, IL 60115
🚗 By Car
From I-88: Take Exit 97 (Annie Glidden Rd), head north into downtown DeKalb. The plaza is on Lincoln Highway between 1st and 4th Streets.
🚌 By Bus
DeKalb Public Transit Route 12 stops at Lincoln Hwy & 2nd St — steps from the plaza. Fare: $0.50. Call (815) 748-2000 or visit cityofdekalb.com.
