Trivia, food trucks and picnics. Check out these 5 Juneteenth events in Peoria this week

Thursday is Juneteenth, which means many Peoria residents will get a day off work to spend with family and friends.

For those looking to commemorate the holiday, which marks the freeing of the last Black slaves of the Confederacy in 1865, Peoria has a plethora of fun events scheduled throughout the week. From bingo to poetry to gospel music, this week is jam-packed with opportunities to celebrate.

Here are some events to keep an eye on.

Juneteenth Bling and Trivia

Peoria Public Library McClure Branch, 315 W. McClure Ave.

June 18 @ 3-5:45 p.m.

This split event gives attendees the chance to make their own bling and test their knowledge about Black history and pop culture, with a jewelry-making workshop at 3 and a trivia contest at 4:30.

Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration

Glen Oak Park, 2218 N. Prospect Road

June 19 @ 1-9 p.m.

Enjoy food trucks, entertainment and even a drone show at this Juneteenth celebration organized by the Peoria Park District. Admission is free, with various events scheduled over an eight-hour period, including a car show and Mary J. Blige tribute band.

Juneteenth Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, 305 SW Water St. #2R

 June 19 @ 8-10 p.m.

This open mic event hosted at the Contemporary Art Center invites artists from all backgrounds to share poetry related to Juneteenth. Tickets purchased in advance range from $3-8, while tickets purchased at the door will range from $5-12. Attendees can bring their own food and drink or purchase water or pop at the bar for $1. The event will be hosted by Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV.

Juneteenth BYOE Picnic

Peoria Riverfront, 110 NE Water St.

June 19 @ 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

This all-day picnic at Liberty Park is BYOE – bring your own everything. Whether you want to grill BBQ or play card games, be sure to bring everything you need for the family, including blankets and/or chairs.

Freedom Fest 2025

Trewyn Park, 2219 S. Idaho St.

June 21 @ Noon-4 p.m.

This event, organized by the Southside Community Center, will include free food, gospel performances, a bake-off competition and more. The center's Facebook event invites Peoria residents to come "commemorate the end of slavery and celebrate Faith, Freedom and Healing."

Saman Shafiq contributed to this article.