THE WORD
- The Q began as a small gathering of approximately 15 people in 2006.
- The free annual event is organized by South Side natives Anthony Peterson, Terrel Jones and Aaron Murphy, along with friends and family.
- After moving between several backyards, The Q landed behind Englewood High School in 2018.
- Attendance reportedly grew from nearly 1,800 people in 2025 to an estimated 3,000 guests in 2026.
- The event features DJs, food, local vendors, Chicago streetwear and a largely millennial crowd.
What began as a small backyard cookout has grown into one of Black Chicago’s biggest summer gatherings.
The Q recently returned to the area behind Englewood High School, bringing approximately 3,000 people together for music, food, local vendors and the energy of a neighborhood kickback on a much larger scale.
A Threads post from @savannaxrose helped generate additional conversation around the event. The attendee described The Q as a packed but positive 30-and-over experience where millennials enjoyed BBQ, vendors and music without drama.
According to The TRiiBE, The Q was created by South Side natives Anthony Peterson, Terrel Jones and Aaron Murphy, along with a committee of close friends and family. It began with approximately 15 people gathering near West 97th Street and South Vincennes Avenue in 2006.
The gathering took on a deeper meaning the following year after Peterson’s mother unexpectedly passed away. Friends encouraged him to bring everyone together again in her memory, and more than 100 friends and relatives reportedly attended.
The event continued growing through word of mouth, moving between different backyards before landing behind Englewood High School in 2018. The TRiiBE reported that nearly 1,800 people attended in 2025, while the 2026 gathering welcomed an estimated 3,000 guests.
“It’s almost a giant version of a backyard kickback,” Peterson told The TRiiBE.
DJs kept people dancing while vendors offered barbecue, tacos, lemonade and Chicago streetwear. Participating businesses included So Chicago, Product of Chicago, Ty’s Suga Shack, Herman’s Tacos and Lemonade Angels.
The Q’s continued growth shows what can happen when a community creates its own space to gather, celebrate and support local businesses. Nearly two decades after the first cookout, the event has become a summer tradition rooted in remembrance, friendship and Black Chicago culture.
Sources: The TRiiBE and Threads post by @savannaxrose.
