The bud billiken parade unfolded today across Chicago’s South Side, filling Bronzeville and Washington Park with energy, music, and community pride as thousands came together to celebrate youth and the back-to-school spirit.
This year’s parade stepped off at 10 a.m. from the intersection of 35th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, winding south to 55th Street in Washington Park. The tradition, which began in 1929, has grown into the largest African-American parade in the United States, serving as both a cultural celebration and a symbolic send-off for the school year ahead.
Leading this year’s procession was Grand Marshal LaRoyce Hawkins, the Chicago P.D. actor and Harvey native whose personal connection to the parade made his role especially meaningful. Hawkins shared that attending the event as a child shaped his sense of community pride, and now being able to guide it forward alongside his young son felt like a full-circle moment.
Colorful floats, marching bands, and dance troupes filled the streets, each bringing their own flair and message of unity. Among the standout groups were youth dance teams that spent months rehearsing intricate routines, showcasing the dedication and talent that the parade inspires year after year. Their performances were more than entertainment—they were statements of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
Washington Park, the parade’s final destination, transformed into a bustling festival grounds under the theme “It Takes a Village.” Families enjoyed live music, food trucks, and booths offering everything from cultural crafts to educational resources. Community organizations provided free school supplies, haircuts, and health screenings, ensuring that the day’s celebration also delivered practical support for families preparing for the academic year.
The Bud Billiken Parade has long been more than a visual spectacle. It is a touchstone of Chicago’s African-American heritage, rooted in values of education, self-determination, and solidarity. Generations have grown up looking forward to the second Saturday in August, when neighbors line the streets with lawn chairs, children wave from curbsides, and local talent shines on one of the city’s most prominent stages.
This year’s weather offered near-perfect conditions for the celebration, with sunshine highlighting the bright costumes and banners. Crowds stretched for blocks, cheering for familiar faces and soaking in the sounds of drums, brass, and joyful chants. Vendors along the route served traditional foods and cool treats, creating an atmosphere that blended cultural pride with summertime fun.
Read also-96th Annual Bud Billiken Parade Celebrates Legacy and Youth on Chicago’s South Side
Transportation officials encouraged attendees to use public transit, and CTA trains and buses saw a steady flow of parade-goers. Street closures around the parade route helped ensure safety for performers and spectators while giving the event a more festive, walkable feel.
For the performers, the parade is a culmination of months of work. Dance teams spoke about the discipline and teamwork required to create their routines, while marching band leaders emphasized the role of music in bringing people together. Several groups used their performances to honor community members who had recently passed, showing how the parade also serves as a space for remembrance and healing.
Notable this year was the strong presence of youth organizations promoting literacy, STEM education, and mental health awareness. Floats carried students reading books, building model robots, and holding signs with positive affirmations, reinforcing the parade’s mission to encourage learning and personal growth.
As the day moved into the afternoon, Washington Park’s festival drew families deeper into its activities. Children tested their skills in sports stations, elders told stories under shaded tents, and local artists sold handcrafted jewelry and clothing. Live music from the main stage kept energy high, with genres ranging from R&B to gospel to hip-hop, reflecting the rich diversity of Chicago’s music scene.
The Bud Billiken Parade’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to honor tradition while embracing change. New generations are finding their place in a legacy nearly a century old, and each year adds its own chapter to the story. Whether through the beat of a drum, the stride of a majorette, or the smile of a child with a new backpack, the spirit of community remains the parade’s most powerful draw.
As the sun set on another Bud Billiken Parade, the message was clear: this is more than an event—it’s a living tradition that continues to unite, inspire, and uplift Chicago. Those who attended will carry the day’s joy into the school year ahead, and for many, the countdown to next August has already begun.
