DeKalb Holds Inaugural Juneteenth Festival at Van Buer Plaza, Organizers Plan Annual Event
DeKalb held its first Juneteenth Festival at Van Buer Plaza on June 19, featuring live music, vendors, and community activities. Organizers say the event will return annually.
A first-time celebration draws community, students, and vendors to downtown DeKalb
Gospel music filled Van Buer Plaza in downtown DeKalb on June 19 as the community gathered for its first-ever Juneteenth Fest. The free event ran from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and drew residents, Northern Illinois University students, and local vendors to celebrate the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.
"This is amazing because it's been a long time coming," said Kamal Osman, who helped organize the event over the last three months. "We had a lot of meetings. We've had a lot of calls. We've got a lot of support from the city. They've been helpful, helping us throughout the week every step of the way. I appreciate them for that."
According to WIFR, the day featured a free food wall launch, a student showcase, an ice cream eating contest, and live dancing and singing performances.
Vendors and community groups set up in the plaza
Stands in the downtown plaza included the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, clothing and craft vendors, and food trucks. Some vendors decorated their tents with red, black, green, and yellow memorabilia, colors traditionally associated with Juneteenth celebrations.
"DeKalb is a small town," said Olive Yarbrough, a history student at Northern Illinois University. "A lot of times when the college kids leave, there's nothing to do, and people complain cause there's nothing to do."
Yarbrough said she chose to study history because of her interest in community. She called Juneteenth an important part of American history.
Organizers look toward future events
Osman, who moved to DeKalb from Africa a couple years ago, said he wants the festival to become a regular annual event. He plans to bring more entertainment and community gatherings to downtown DeKalb.
"I just moved from Africa a couple years ago. I want to welcome myself in the city," Osman said. "This is something we love to do. Entertainment, love, bringing people together for a fun day. This is a first event but we have a lot of events coming up, and I'm sure we'll have a lot of entertainment downtown."
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans learned they were free, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday earned federal recognition in 2021.
A separate Juneteenth celebration also took place in DeKalb on June 20. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church held its sixth annual Juneteenth Community Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at Lions Park, according to the church's website.
Sources: WIFR, June 19, 2026; Happening Next; New Hope Missionary Baptist Church website