Indigenous Peoples’ Day at CCM
Monday, October 14
Second Floor Lounge at Chicago Children’s Museum
Story Lounge: 10am-5pm
Seed Ball Activity: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm
Join us for our Indigenous Peoples' Day story lounge and curl up with books that celebrate Indigenous children, families, history, and culture. Create a “seed ball” of wildflower seeds indigenous to Illinois that you can plant in your own neighborhood.
Your Guide to Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Your Family
More 2024 Events around Chicagoland
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to celebrate and honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples. The Chicagoland area offers numerous events and activities for families to engage with Indigenous cultures in meaningful and educational ways. This guide provides a variety of options, ranging from outdoor festivals to educational museum visits, to help you plan a memorable and respectful celebration with your family.
1. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian - Evanston, IL
October 14 from 10 am to 5 pm
Free admission all day, including guided craft activities. The museum provides an immersive experience into Indigenous cultures, with exhibits and events that highlight Native histories and traditions.
Location: 3001 Central Street, Evanston, IL
Visit the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian website for more details.
2. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Arts & Music Festival - Wicker Park, Chicago, IL
October 8-9 from 5 to 10 pm
This two-day festival features renowned Indigenous musicians from the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The event includes musical performances, traditional craft demonstrations, and interactive workshops hosted by the American Indian Center.
Location: Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL.
Visit the Sky People Entertainment website for ticket reservations and the event lineup
3. Trickster Cultural Center - Schaumburg, IL
October 23 from 5 to 6 pm
The Trickster Cultural Center will host a Native Authors and Reading Circle. The event focuses on community engagement and the sharing of Indigenous cultures.
Location: 190 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL.
Visit the Trickster Cultural Center website for more details on the celebration and other events.
4. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration - Schiller Woods, Chicago, IL
October 12 from 10 am to 12 pm
Schiller Woods will host an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration featuring a variety of activities. Listen to drumming, enjoy Native dancing, explore the Serpent Mounds, & more. Presented with the American Indian Center of Chicago.
Location: Schiller Woods, near Cumberland Ave and Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL.
Visit the Forest Preserves of Cook County website for more details on the event.
5. American Indian Center of Chicago Events - Chicago, IL
Ongoing events
The American Indian Center of Chicago hosts multiple events throughout the year to celebrate Indigenous culture and community. These events often include: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration, Cultural Classes and Workshops, and participation in IndigiFest.
Location: American Indian Center, 3401 W Ainslie St, Chicago, IL.
Visit the American Indian Center events page for specific dates and detailed programming.
6. Educational Activities at Home
Read Stories by Indigenous Authors: Books by contemporary Indigenous authors help children understand the diversity and modern-day realities of Native communities. Check out We Are Teachers for recommendations.
Watch "Molly of Denali": This PBS show features a Native American lead character and offers games, recipes, and printables on its website. Visit the PBS Kids website for more.
Learn About Native Plants: Planting Native species like milkweed or pawpaw trees is an earth-friendly way to honor Indigenous communities. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information.
7. Chicago Public Library Events
Various branches host educational programs, storytelling sessions, and crafts centered around Indigenous Peoples’ Day. 2024 events include Peyote Stitch with Noelle Garcia in Little Village and Indigenous Peoples Day Bead Necklaces in West Pullman.
More Info: Visit the Chicago Public Library website for specific event listings.