Peace Week Chicago 2025

Peace Week Chicago offers daily events, actions, and learning opportunities from Memorial Day through July 4—spanning runs, panel discussions, happy hours, volunteer drives, art activations, data briefings, and more.

Peace Week Chicago 2025

BUILD: 5th Annual Restorative Justice Conference: Restoring Human Connections

This conference aims to ignite a movement in the fight for our hard-earned social and civil rights with workshops designed to cultivate individual and collective resilience, along with techniques that heal and empower individuals and their communities.

Sunshine Gospel Ministries: Youth & Family Summit

Join us for our annual youth and family summit to explore resources, speak to experts and empower every member of your family. There will be games, raffles and prizes in addition to local vendors with services, experiences, and options for every member in your family to stay energized and empowered throughout the summer.

2025 Bank of America Chicago 13.1

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers runners a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The 13.1-mile course weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park with scenic loops through Humboldt and Douglass Parks.

Chicago Crime Lab: Overview of the City of Chicago's Violence Reduction Dashboard (Virtual Webinar)

The City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard is a publicly available tool launched to support efforts to reduce gun violence through transparent, real-time data. This virtual webinar will provide an in-depth look at how the dashboard brings together key data on shootings and homicides to help community organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders make data-informed decisions and better target resources.

Inner City Empowerment CDC: Wear Orange Youth Event

Join the Youth Violence Prevention & Creative Team's Special Event sponsored by our Inner City Empowerment CDC!

2025 Race Against Gun Violence

The Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV) celebrates the life-changing work of community organizations and provides a dynamic platform for people who care about ending gun violence to connect and get involved. RAGV offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to Choose Hope and join others who share the common vision of a Chicago free from the fear of gun violence.

Cities United, Cure Violence Global, and the National Network for Safe Communities: #ProtectCVI Conversation

Join Cities United, Cure Violence Global, and the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC) for a dynamic conversation with law enforcement officials on the vital role of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) in modern public safety strategies. Together, we'll explore why CVI is essential to law enforcement efforts; how these partnerships reduce violence and build trust; and why full and sustained funding for CVI is critical to community safety. To register, email scotton@nnscommunities.org

BUILD: Wear Orange Community Event

Join Build as we march through the Austin Community to showcase our stand against Gun Violence and keep peace in the streets for all youth and community members.

Real Men Charities & Southside Critical Mass: Wear Orange Gun Awareness Bike Ride

Annual bike ride from Nichols Park to South Shore, in memory of Hadiyah Pendleton.

We Are Our Own Medicine: Gun Violence Prevention Conference 2025

Join us for a powerful day of connection, strategy, and community healing at the 2nd Annual Gun-Violence Prevention Conference. "We Are Our Own Medicine" brings together diverse stakeholders to identify and activate the resources already within our communities.

Chicago Adventure Therapy: Community Climbing Day

Free rock climbing event. No experience necessary. We will provide all needed equipment and instruction.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries: Westside Sports Opening Day

Come join us as we collaborate with Chicago Westside Police and Youth Sports. We will be shutting down Jackson between Central Park and Hamlin for a fun filled day of sports and activities for all to enjoy. Bouncy house, Face Painting, Game Truck and etc will be present. Food will be provided.

Mercy Garden of Peace and Healing: Wear Orange

Join us in observing Gun Violence Awareness Month in Austin.

Giving Others Dreams (G.O.D. Inc.): Pita's Promise 4 Peace

Join us for South Chicago's 3rd annual event, featuring community resources, games, music, food, a bouncy house, and craft table. Pita's Promis 4 Peace is a free family event.

Hadiya's Promise Presents: The 12th Annual Party4Peace

The Hadiya's Promise Foundation will host its 12th Annual Party 4 Peace on June 7, 2025, from 1 PM - 5 PM at Hadiya Pendleton Park. There will be food, music, bounce houses, and lots of fun. We encourage members of the community, local houses of worship, and all who want to see change in our communities, to join us as we raise Gun Violence Awareness.

Wood St. Collective: Englewood Summer Book Fest

The First Annual Englewood Summer Book Fest (ESBF) is located in the West Englewood community and is free to all attendees. Located at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, ESBF will work with community partners to promote a love of reading and fill up to 1,000 student backpacks with books. The event includes a book vendor market of children’s books authors, Chicago-based authors, and independent bookstores; and a programming stage will offer a robust schedule of panel discussions, poetry readings, and children’s programming. The Book Fest aims to inspire 3,000 attendees to read more, introduces students to published authors, and to enhance the cultural and educational experience of Chicago youth.

Southwest Organizing Project: Women Against Gun Violence

Bread breaking event for mothers who have lost children to gun violence, sisterhood, and bond-building.

Earth's Remedies: Leaders & Lattes - Coffee Shop Networking

Leaders & Lattes is a dynamic coffee networking series where community leaders, changemakers, and advocates come together to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate around bold ideas for impact. In this session, Mercedes Pickett will spotlight the power of data advocacy — exploring how data can be used not only to tell compelling community stories but also to: Elevate grant opportunities through evidence-based narratives Strengthen cross-sector collaboration by identifying shared goals and gaps Encourage organizational accountability through transparent, community-centered metrics Whether you're a nonprofit leader, funder, policymaker, or grassroots organizer, this conversation will offer practical insights on how to use data as a tool for equity, empowerment, and sustainable change.

Mayor's Office For People With Disabilities: "Voices of Resilience” Disabled Survivors Symposium (Virtual Event)

In honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, MOPD's Disabled Survivors of Gun and Community Violence project presents a virtual panel discussion uplifting the lived experiences of disabled survivors of gun violence. ASL Interpreters and Live Captions provided. If you have additional accessibility requirements, please reach out to Porcia.Seals@cityofchicago.org. Please note: This is a virtual event.

WTTW & Breakthrough Urban Ministries: Youth Summit on Violence Prevention

Join us for a powerful, youth-led summit designed to amplify the voices of young people and spark real conversations around gun violence prevention. This interactive event is part of the WTTW Firsthand: Peacekeepers impact campaign and brings together youth from across Chicago to lead the way in shaping solutions for safer communities. This interactive event is sponsored by Breakthrough Urban Ministries and Youth Guidance in partnership with, Project Unloaded, and North Lawndale College Prep Peace Warriors.

Illinois Peace Project: "Peace Portraits" Launch Event

"Peace Portraits," presented by the Illinois Peace Project, is a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals who are making a difference in Illinois. This year's five finalists embody the spirit of "Peace Portraits," as they work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, empower residents, and inspire change.

Think Outside Da Block: Roll N Peace 12

This eight-mile bike tour throughout Greater Englewood, intentionally passes important neighborhood landmarks and community hotspots. To create this route, CEO Pha’tal Perkins utilizes crime stats produced by the 7th District Police Department, to identify areas where criminal activity may be higher than others and purposefully uses active community engagement as an opportunity to deter violence. To enhance our participants’ cultural awareness and knowledge, we highlight landmarks along the bike route. These landmarks consist of schools, churches, parks, and structures that make up the rich history and culture of our community. By highlighting community landmarks along the route, we strive to educate participants and supporters on the rich history and culture of our community. RNP allows community members to push past the media’s cliché depiction of Englewood’s damaging reputation and begin creating a new narrative for the place Greater Englewood residents call home.

St. Sabina Peace Rally & March

St. Sabina Church is hosting a peace rally and march to kick off the summer and promote peace in our streets.

Peace Runners 773: Juneteenth Wellness Run/Walk 5K

Join us for a vibrant 5K Run/Walk as we come together to commemorate Black freedom and excellence, uplift one another, and move as a united community!

Brilliance and Excellence: 2025 Brilliance and Excellence March and Opportunity Fair

Join a gathering of more than 1,000 boys and young men of color from across Chicago. The march will kick off at the Northeast corner of Pershing Rd (39th St) and King Dr.

SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library

Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud. All participants will need an adult parent or guardian present to sign a permission form. Only children can register, but families are welcome to join them during the event. Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club: Fathers March 2025 (Block Party Edition)

It’s that time of year again, and I'm thrilled to share that Mr. Dad is gearing up for our 7th Annual Fathers March! This year, we’ll be gathering at Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine) on Saturday, June 14th, from 12 PM to 4 PM. The free event will feature games, prizes, face painters, variety of bouncy houses, live music/entertainment, raffles and food prepared by Michael “Chef Mike” Airhart. We believe this is going to be our biggest event yet! In addition to the fantastic community resources, employment opportunities, and engaging activities we always offer. This event will also include tons of FUN!! for the children, including bouncy houses, face painting, activity stations, Free Ice Cream, Photo Booth, and much more.

Violence Interrupters: Community Peace Circle

Violence Interrupters and Community Members will participate in a Community Safety Peace Circle.

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives: MPA Spring 2025 Graduation + Dinner

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and Communities Partnering 4 Peace will celebrate the newest round of Chicago’s community violence intervention graduates from the Metropolitan Peace Academy.

Justice Journey Alliance: Imagine Justice Juneteenth Commemorative Walk

The Justice Journey Alliance, Leadership Foundation of Chicago (JJALFOC), invites you to the inaugural Imagine Justice Juneteenth Commemorative Walk on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This 2.5-mile walk begins at 31st Street Beach, proceeds north to 18th Street, and returns via the Lakefront Trail. The distance honors the 2.5-year delay in freedom reaching the last enslaved people in Texas following the Emancipation Proclamation. A portion of each registration supports the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

R CITY: 2025 Juneteenth Celebration

Join R CITY for a Juneteenth Celebration! Bring the whole family to our outdoor space for an afternoon of GAMES, FOOD & FUN—all FREE! Event will feature performances from our youth, a bounce house for the kids and LOADS of fun!

Driven To Inspire: Softball & Volleyball Picnic

Driven To Inspire will be in the park for BBQ picnic, along with softball and volleyball games.

Project H.O.O.D. 2025 Gala

On behalf of Project H.O.O.D.’s Advisory Board and 2025 Gala Committee, we are honored to invite you to an elegant evening celebrating Project H.O.O.D.’s work at our 11th Annual Fundraising Gala. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Geraghty in Chicago. We ask you to please join us as we honor our sponsors and friends while sharing our work on the South Side of Chicago.

One Aim Illinois: Wear Orange Open Mic

Join us for the Wear Orange Open Mic in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery in Chicago, IL. This free event, sponsored by One Aim Illinois, invites all genres of music with a social justice theme. Enjoy pizza, a cash bar, and entertainment by Sahu Creative. This is a night to connect, share your voice, and support the fight against gun violence. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Saving Ourselves & One Aim Illinois: Mix & Mingle

Join us for the “Mix & Mingle” on Thursday, June 26th from 6–9PM at TEN3 Event Space in Chicago! Hosted by Saving Ourselves and co-sponsored by One Aim Illinois, this vibrant evening honors those working in gun violence prevention and advocacy. Enjoy finger foods, a cash bar, and a community dedicated to connection and purpose. Wear your most creative orange shirt symbolizing gun violence prevention — best design wins a prize!

One Aim Illinois: Sip & Paint for Peace

Sip & Paint for Peace – In Honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month Join us for a special evening of creativity, connection, and purpose at Museica’s Sip and Paint on Thursday, June 27th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM), located at 2052 North Western Avenue, Chicago. Paint for a cause as you choose from any of Museica’s featured artworks. No experience necessary. You will be guided step by step while enjoying great vibes in a relaxed, lounge-style setting.

2025 Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run

Since its establishment in 2017, the Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run has been committed to honoring and commemorating the courageous men and women who serve as first responders, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our mission is to recognize their steadfast dedication and service to both our city and nation. This event seeks to raise funds for distinguished non-profit organizations that provide essential support services to individuals facing traumatic circumstances. In past years, we have been privileged to support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, the 100 Club of Chicago, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To sustain this vital work, we respectfully request your consideration of a donation. Your generous contribution will directly benefit these esteemed organizations and aid us in achieving our goal of creating a meaningful impact.

This Is Life Chicago: Talent Showcase & Resource Expo

This Is Life's 12th annual Talent Showcase and Resource Expo will feature live performances, vendors, community resources, and more.

Acclivus, Inc.: Community Fun Day

An afternoon of free food/BBQ, fun (incl. facepainting, games, inflatables), and music as we celebrate community, joy and togetherness in Washington Park.

Acclivus, Inc.: Wipe It Clean & Chill

An afternoon of free food, fun, and record expungement and sealing services.

Chicago CRED & the Youth Peace Center: Roseland Gun Violence Awareness Month Community Meeting

Join Chicago CRED and the Youth Peace Center for an outdoor community discussion centered around safety in the Roseland community. Everyone is welcome — let your voice be heard! There will also be food, face painting, and a bouncy house for children who attend.