For the 20th anniversary of Auburn Gresham’s beloved 79th Street Renaissance Festival, organizers are pulling out all the stops—announcing that Grammy-winning icon Chaka Khan will headline the daylong celebration on Sept. 6, transforming one of Chicago’s most vibrant corridors into a stage for history, culture, and hometown pride.
The free, family-friendly festival will take over 79th Street and Racine Avenue from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., shutting down traffic to make way for music, food, art, dance, and community connection. Organizers say this year’s event will be “bigger than ever,” and it’s no exaggeration. Landing Chaka Khan, one of the most legendary voices in American music, signals a bold new chapter in the festival’s evolution.
“We wanted to go big and honor local talent in a real way,” said Carlos Nelson, CEO of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, which hosts the event. “Who better than Chaka Khan—a global icon who started right here in our neighborhood?”
A Full-Circle Moment for the Queen of Funk
Born Yvette Marie Stevens, Chaka Khan grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and attended Calumet High School, located in Auburn Gresham. It was in these very streets where her passion for music took root—where she first performed in local bands and began shaping the soulful, fiery sound that would define an entire era of R&B, funk, and pop.
Since her breakout in the 1970s as the frontwoman of Rufus, Khan has amassed 10 Grammy Awards, sold over 70 million records worldwide, and released anthems like “Ain’t Nobody,” “I’m Every Woman,” and “Through the Fire.” Her voice is instantly recognizable, but it’s her connection to Chicago that makes this performance especially meaningful.
“This is more than a concert. It’s a homecoming,” Nelson said. “Chaka’s music lives in the hearts of generations of South Side families. This is our moment to celebrate her—and each other.”
A Festival Rooted in Resilience and Revival
Founded in 2003, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival was created to showcase Auburn Gresham’s business corridor and uplift local talent, entrepreneurs, and artists. Over the years, it has grown from a modest community gathering to one of the South Side’s most anticipated annual events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the city.
The festival’s 20th anniversary comes at a time of continued revitalization for Auburn Gresham. Once considered a “dead zone” for development, the neighborhood has seen new investment and infrastructure thanks to years of grassroots organizing and city-supported initiatives like Invest South/West.
This year’s festival will feature:
- Two music stages showcasing local DJs, dance troupes, gospel choirs, and R&B acts
- Over 100 vendors selling food, crafts, and goods from Black-owned businesses
- Kid-friendly zones with face painting, inflatables, and interactive play areas
- Wellness activations, including fitness demos and free health screenings
- A legacy wall celebrating 20 years of Auburn Gresham culture, resilience, and innovation
But Chaka Khan’s performance is undoubtedly the headline attraction.
Community Response: “A Dream Come True”
The announcement of Khan’s performance has electrified the neighborhood and beyond. For residents who have watched the festival evolve over two decades, this moment is more than a booking—it’s a statement.
“To have someone like Chaka, who walked the same blocks we did, who came up out of the same schools—it’s inspirational,” said Jasmine Henderson, a local teacher and lifelong Auburn Gresham resident. “Our kids need to see that greatness can come from here. And it did.”
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with fans sharing memories of dancing to Chaka Khan at cookouts, weddings, and block parties. Local musicians have also expressed excitement over the opportunity to open for a living legend.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Darrell “D-Lo” Owens, a South Side producer and vocalist set to perform at the festival. “You grow up trying to chase your sound, and then one day you’re on the same bill as Chaka Khan? That’s a different level of validation.”
Behind the Scenes: How They Landed Chaka
Securing a global artist like Chaka Khan was no small feat. The planning began over a year ago, Nelson revealed, when the development corporation started brainstorming how to make the 20th festival “the most unforgettable yet.”
“We looked at artists who represented excellence, longevity, and Chicago pride. Chaka checked every box,” said Nelson. “We knew it would stretch our resources—but our sponsors and partners believed in the vision.”
Funding for this year’s festival comes from a mix of corporate sponsorships, city grants, and community fundraising. Organizers credit partners like the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and the Chicago Community Trust for helping to make the event possible.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond Music
While Chaka Khan is best known for her unmatched vocals and enduring hits, her legacy as a humanitarian and community advocate also resonates deeply with the spirit of the Renaissance Festival.
Through her Chaka Khan Foundation, she has supported programs in autism awareness, women’s empowerment, and youth development. Her commitment to uplifting underserved communities mirrors the very ethos of Auburn Gresham’s revitalization efforts.
“We see Chaka not just as an artist, but as a model of leadership and giving back,” said Nicole Johnson, one of the festival’s youth programming coordinators. “She represents everything this festival stands for—celebrating where we come from and investing in where we’re going.”
What You Need to Know: Festival Day Details
Location: 79th Street & Racine Ave., Auburn Gresham
️ Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
️ Admission: FREE
Street Closures: 79th Street between Loomis and Halsted will be closed to traffic. Limited parking is available; public transportation and ride-share services are encouraged.
The main stage performance by Chaka Khan is scheduled for 7 p.m., and organizers advise arriving early to get a good spot.
Looking Ahead: A South Side Tradition, Reinvented
As Auburn Gresham prepares to celebrate two decades of art, culture, and community building, the message is clear: this isn’t just a festival. It’s a renaissance.
“This year is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future,” said Nelson. “Chaka Khan’s return is symbolic of everything this community has overcome—and everything it’s becoming.”
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a curious visitor, or just a fan of world-class music, Sept. 6 promises to be unforgettable.
So come ready to dance, eat, sing, shop, and celebrate. The Queen is coming home—and Auburn Gresham will never be the same.
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