June 10, 2026 – Decatur residents will have multiple opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth this year with events planned at both Central Park and the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.
The African American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois will host its 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, in downtown Decatur’s Central Park. The event is designed to honor the history and significance of Juneteenth while bringing the community together through culture, education, entertainment, and family activities.
Festivities will begin with the Juneteenth Emancipation Parade at noon in downtown Decatur. This year’s parade will feature Stephanie King as Grand Marshal. Following the parade, activities in Central Park will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local artists, live entertainment, Black art, community storytelling, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors.
Organizers will also offer free giveaways, including gas cards and McDonald’s ice cream treats for children. The celebration will conclude with an evening smooth jazz performance by Zack Sanders of South Carolina. Admission is free and open to the public.
Sponsors for the event include the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Memorial Health, First Mid Bank & Trust, Hickory Point Bank, CEFCU, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Decatur Dental, DHA, Kenny’s Ace Hardware, and Dunn Company.
A day earlier, on Friday, June 19, the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater will host Decatur Juneteenth beginning at 3 p.m. The celebration will feature a variety of entertainment, including performances by Main Street Praise Dancers, Clifton Jones & The Anointed Friends, Dynamic Heat Elite Dance Company, J’s Boots & Beats, and DJ Fresh. The event’s headliner will be Kapitol Sound.
In addition to live entertainment, attendees can enjoy food vendors, local business booths, exclusive Juneteenth T-shirts, face painting, and children’s crafts. Organizers have also announced the return of “Juneteenth Bucks” for use with participating vendors.
Both events are intended to commemorate Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, while celebrating African American culture, heritage, and community.
