Bud Billiken Parade

Bud Billiken Parade The official page of the Bud Billiken® Parade, the second largest parade in the United States. In 1921, Mr. Working under Mr. Bud Billiken™. In 1929, Mr. Truman.

The Chicago Defender was founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott on May 5, 1905. His plan was to use this newspaper to address African American issues. Abbott started the Chicago Defender Jr., a section for children in the newspaper. It was edited by the young Robert Watkins, who was known as Bud Billiken™, and included an application to the Bud Billiken™ Club. It was named after the Billiken, the gua

rdian angel of little children according to Chinese legend. Abbott, David Kellum was a key member of the Bud Billiken™ team and was often called Mr. Abbott expanded the Bud Billiken™ concept to include a parade. Its purpose was to provide underprivileged youth with the chance to be in the limelight. Hundreds of thousands have lined the parade route with millions viewing festivities on live TV. Today, the parade features dozens of bands, drill teams, marching units, floats and more. The Bud Billiken™ Parade is the second largest parade in the United States. It has grown into an institution with participation from across generations and across the country. The parade takes place every second Saturday in August. The parade proceeds south on King Dr. from Oakwood Blvd. to 51st St. and continues on Ellsworth Dr. thru Washington Park to 55th St. where it disbands. It is broadcast live on ABC7 Chicago with picnics and other events in the park throughout the day. Many celebrities have appeared in the Bud Billiken™ Parade. From the past, the parade has seen Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Roy Rogers, Lena Horne and former President Harry S. In recent years, the parade has enjoyed the company of then Senator Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, L.L. Cool J, Spike Lee, Michael Jordan, Frank Thomas, Donny Osmond, Queen Latifah, Tyler Perry and more. The parade is produced by the Chicago Defender Charities, Inc.

🎉 Save the Date, Chicago! 🎉The countdown is on for the 97th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade, the nation's largest African Am...
06/23/2026

🎉 Save the Date, Chicago! 🎉

The countdown is on for the 97th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade, the nation's largest African American parade and one of Chicago's most cherished traditions.

Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026 as we continue our Road to 100 celebration with a day filled with culture, community, education, entertainment, and Black excellence.

From marching bands and drill teams to community organizations, elected officials, youth leaders, and families from across the country, the Bud Billiken® Parade remains a powerful symbol of hope, achievement, and opportunity for future generations.

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
📍 King Drive, Chicago
🎒 Back to School Festival Following the Parade
🌟 Road to 100 Years

Mark your calendars, gather your family, and get ready to celebrate the legacy that continues to inspire generations.

🔗 Learn more: www.BudBillikenParade.org

💙💛🎺🥁🎒✨

🎭✨ Support our friends at the South Shore Drill Team as they take the stage for their 2026 Summer Show!For decades, the ...
06/23/2026

🎭✨ Support our friends at the South Shore Drill Team as they take the stage for their 2026 Summer Show!

For decades, the South Shore Drill Team has inspired generations of young people through discipline, creativity, leadership, and the performing arts values we proudly celebrate through the Bud Billiken® Parade and our youth programs.

Join them on Saturday, June 27 for an evening of incredible performances showcasing the talent, dedication, and artistry of Chicago's youth. Click the

📍 Gary Comer Youth Center
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM (Doors Open at 4:00 PM)

Let's continue supporting organizations that invest in our young people and strengthen our communities through the arts.

❤️🖤💚 Happy Juneteenth! 💚🖤❤️Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black excellence.Juneteen...
06/19/2026

❤️🖤💚 Happy Juneteenth! 💚🖤❤️

Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black excellence.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day the last enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and celebrate the progress made through education, leadership, community, and perseverance.

As we continue our Road to 100, the Bud Billiken® Parade and Chicago Defender Charities remain committed to empowering youth, uplifting families, and preserving the legacy of those who paved the way.

May we never forget our history, continue building our future, and inspire the next generation to lead with purpose and pride.

Freedom. Education. Opportunity. Legacy.

From the classroom to the marathon course, Kate Colbourne .colbournee is running with purpose. As a future educator and...
06/18/2026

From the classroom to the marathon course, Kate Colbourne .colbournee is running with purpose. As a future educator and Team ChiDC charity runner, Kate is using her second marathon to raise funds that support Chicago Defender Charities’ mission of uplifting youth, families, and communities through education, empowerment, and legacy-driven programming.

Help Kate cross the finish line strong.

🥖💚 RAISE SOME DOUGH FOR A GREAT CAUSE! 💚🥖Join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Panera Bread in Oak Lawn and help support t...
06/17/2026

🥖💚 RAISE SOME DOUGH FOR A GREAT CAUSE! 💚🥖

Join us on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Panera Bread in Oak Lawn and help support the programs that empower Chicago youth and families through Chicago Defender Charities.

📍 4011 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💵 25% of net sales will be donated
📲 Use Promo Code: FUND4U

Whether you're craving soup, salad, sandwiches, or pastries, every order helps support our community initiatives and the historic Bud Billiken Parade & Festival—Road to 100.

Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to grab dinner and make a difference!

❤️ Eat Good. Do Good. Give Back.

Eat Well, Do Good! 🍴 Make a positive impact by joining us at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (1038 Lake St) on Tuesday, June 16th...
06/16/2026

Eat Well, Do Good! 🍴 Make a positive impact by joining us at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (1038 Lake St) on Tuesday, June 16th between 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Indulge in mouthwatering delights while supporting Chicago Defender Charities as 20% of your orders will be contributed.

RSVP now and help us make a difference!

Find all the event details here: https://grouprai.se/s326450

🌟

Evan Isidoro .isi is running with purpose. 🏃‍♂️💥After completing the Chicago Marathon last year, Evan knew he had to com...
06/16/2026

Evan Isidoro .isi is running with purpose. 🏃‍♂️💥

After completing the Chicago Marathon last year, Evan knew he had to come back and do it again. From supporting patients in his work at an orthopedic clinic to pushing himself through running and rock climbing, Evan understands what resilience looks like and now he’s bringing that same energy to support Chicago Defender Charities.

This year, every mile Evan runs helps raise awareness and support for programs that empower youth, strengthen families, and uplift our communities. Join us in cheering Evan on as he takes on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on behalf of Chicago Defender Charities.

Support Evan. Support the mission. Support the movement.

🎉🍗 CHICAGO, WE’RE TAKING OVER CHICK-FIL-A SOUTH LOOP! 🍗🎉Join us this Saturday, June 20 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM for a spe...
06/15/2026

🎉🍗 CHICAGO, WE’RE TAKING OVER CHICK-FIL-A SOUTH LOOP! 🍗🎉

Join us this Saturday, June 20 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM for a special Bud Billiken® Community Pop-Up Event supporting the Bud Billiken Performing Arts League (PAL)!

Come grab your favorite Chick-fil-A meal, use code BUD26, and help support the talented youth performers preparing for the 97th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade on August 8th.

✨ PLUS... we'll have surprise live performances from some of our incredible PAL teams throughout the event! You never know who might show up and put on a show. 👀🔥

Every meal purchased with code BUD26 helps provide resources, performance opportunities, transportation, uniforms, and programming for our youth as they prepare for parade season.

📍 Chick-fil-A South Loop
1106 S. Clinton St., Chicago, IL
🗓 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Grab lunch and support a great cause while celebrating Chicago's next generation of performers.

Drop a 🎭🎺💙 in the comments if we'll see you there!

🍗 TODAY'S THE DAY! 🍗Support the Bud Billiken Performing Arts League (P.A.L.) just by enjoying your favorite Raising Cane...
06/15/2026

🍗 TODAY'S THE DAY! 🍗

Support the Bud Billiken Performing Arts League (P.A.L.) just by enjoying your favorite Raising Cane’s meal!

📍 Visit Raising Cane’s in Downtown, South Loop, Evergreen Park, or Orland Park
⏰ Today from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Simply mention the Chicago Defender Charities fundraiser or use code RCFUND96 when ordering online or through the app, and 15% of net sales will be donated to support our youth programs and performing arts students.

Every order helps empower the next generation of dancers, cheerleaders, drill teams, and community leaders as we prepare for the 97th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade Road to 100!

Grab your family, invite your friends, and make dinner count for a great cause. 💙💛

The legendary South Shore Drill Team is bringing the energy to the stage for the 2026 Summer Show!Join us on Saturday, J...
06/11/2026

The legendary South Shore Drill Team is bringing the energy to the stage for the 2026 Summer Show!

Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as our talented performers showcase the precision, creativity, and artistry that have made South Shore Drill Team a Chicago treasure for generations.

🎟️ Tickets On Sale Now
📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
🕔 Show Starts: 5:00 PM | Doors Open: 4:00 PM
📍 Gary Comer Youth Center
7200 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago, IL 60619
🚗 FREE Parking Available

Come experience an exciting evening of drill, dance, flags, performance arts, and community pride while supporting youth development through the arts.

🎫 Advance Tickets: $20 | $30 at the Door
Purchase your tickets today via Eventbrite!

Don't miss one of Chicago's most anticipated summer performances! Bring your family, friends, and supporters for a night to remember.

Address

3509 S King Drive
Chicago, IL
60653

Telephone

+17735363710

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