Chicago’s Puerto Rican Festival & People’s Parade returns for the 46th year on June 6-9
Save the date for the annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade as it returns to Humboldt Park during Chicago’s Puerto Rican Festival this summer from June 6-9, 2024.
Celebrating Puerto Rico’s rich culture and heritage for the 46th year (1978-2024), the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, June 8, stepping off at its new time at noon on Paseo Boricua, Division St. (at the corner of Campbell Ave.).
The festival will feature fun-filled festivities for families and people of all ages.
Embrace the culture and celebrate the heritage of Puerto Ricans in Chicago in the lead-up to National Puerto Rican Day, the festival's final day, June 9.
The legacy continues this year as Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas will be held on the grounds of Humboldt Park in “Puerto Rico Town” (Paseo Boricua) on Division Street.
This year’s festival features a new take on traditional activities, celebrity meet-and-greets, workshops, fashion show, immersive experiences, live art, and more. Home chefs are encouraged to register for the Plátano Cook-off on the PuertoRicanFest.com website for a chance to win great prizes.
There will also be music and dance shows from Thursday to Sunday. Musical artists will be announced soon.
“Year after year, we've been bringing the spirit of Puerto Rico right here to Humboldt Park, and let me tell you, it's something special. From the music to the food to all the family fun, there's just nothing like it,” said event producer Michelle Gomez. “But it's more than just a party — it's a celebration of who we are, our resilience, and the strong bonds we share as a community. So come on out and join us as we keep the tradition alive, ensuring everyone feels safe, welcomed, and ready to have a blast celebrating our Puerto Rican heritage together!”
The carnival is coming to town! Modern Midways brings carnival games, food and rides. Enjoy 25 rides of the latest in rides including the spectacular Double Sky Wheel, Century Wheel, Hyper Loop 360, Arctic Blast, Rock Star, Bumper Cars, Dragon Flyer, Puppy Roll, two Carousels and more.
The daily schedule for Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas 2024 is as follows:
• Thursday, June 6: Free Community Day (Carnival opens)
• Friday, June 7: Festival opens
• Saturday, June 8: Parade day
• Sunday, June 9: Closing night
• Sunday, June 16: San Juan 5K
This year’s Puerto Rican Festival proceeds will go toward the Tu Casa Project.
The Tu Casa Project aims to create a space for a new generation of youth programs, financial education, entrepreneurship opportunities, mentorship, and community investment. This safe haven will foster a sense of community and be a driving force for advancing the festival’s mission.
The Puerto Rican Festival proceeds will go toward the Tu Casa Project, a nonprofit organization composed of local community, Chicago area social entrepreneurs, and business members. A new vision is created in old values.
The Tu Casa Project’s mission is to inspire, facilitate and create a resource for Chicago Latinos growth utilizing social entrepreneurship through community partnerships encouraging education and success. The Tu Casa Project aims to create a space for a new generation of youth programs, financial education, entrepreneurship opportunities, mentorship, and community investment. This safe haven will foster a sense of community and be a driving force for advancing the festival’s mission.
About the Puerto Rican Festival
The Puerto Rican Festival has been a community staple in Chicago. Founded by a group of Puerto Rican visionaries to better represent the Puerto Rican community and make others in the city aware of their presence and culture.
The Puerto Rican community, nonprofit organizations, and city officials come together, creating awareness and an overall positive experience of the Puerto Rican culture. The festivities’ traditions continue with cultural programming “by the community for the community.”
For more information, visit www.puertoricanfest.com.