The best restaurants. Shopping for magnificent miles. Deep passion for the arts. Chicago is filled with pride. So whether you’re admiring the lakefront or dancing your way down North Halsted Street, you’re always welcome here.

Chicago offers a welcome to GLBT travelers that begins with Mayor Richard Daley, extends throughout the city, and is warmest in such neighborhoods as Lakeview/Boystown and Andersonville. In addition to marquee downtown attractions known internationally, travelers will want to be sure to check out the huge array of accommodations, dining, nightlife, shopping, theater, events, and more, which broadcast their pride.

Check out all of these great resources to start planning your trip:

OUT AND ABOUT
Check out these great upcoming GLBT events for Fall of 2009:

North Halsted Street Halloween Parade is by far city’s most outrageous Hallow’s Eve blowout, and this year's theme is Mad Hatter's Ball. The parade steps off at 7 PM. There is also a costume contest, live music, and special events at bars and clubs until long after the witching hour.

Annee Pocalypse by Hubris Productions presented Fridays and Saturdays from September 18-October 24 at Hydrate.

Kathy Griffin returns to the Chicago Theatre for four shows October 8-11 where she invites you to catch up on the latest dish and laugh until you puke a little.

Chicago Humanities Festival, October 17 and November 2-15, is the stunning annual fall event which brings many of the world’s most exciting thinkers, artists, and performers to the city. Among participants in this year’s festival - themed Laughter - are Maria Gomez, one of America’s first openly gay comedians, playwright Tony Kushner, and author E. Patrick Johnson.

Reeling 2009: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival. Chicago Filmmakers will zoom in on the best GLBT films and videos from around the world. Now in its 28th year of pushing boundaries, this extraordinary event – which runs November 5-14 – is the second oldest of its kind in the country.

The Ville - Bare Boned Theatre’s hit live GLBT soap opera runs Mondays through December 14 at Mary’s Attic.

DON'T STOP THERE

In addition to the fun and fascinating activities above, an exciting lineup of special events and festivals occur throughout the year:

Each May, International Mr. Leather draws thousands of assorted leather folk of all ages, races, and genders to what many now consider to be the Leather Family Reunion.

Nearly 40,000 people flock to Andersonville Midsommarfest every June for this annual street festival featuring two days of cutting-edge music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, delicious food, and booths selling wares from area vendors.

Each June, Chicago Pride Month & the Gay Pride Parade on the last Sunday of the month make for the most glorious nonstop celebration of diversity in the Midwest.

Every year in July, Chicago Black Pride embraces the many cultures, lifestyles and points of view that resonate through the men and women in this community.

Tens of thousands of people from across the U.S. take to the streets each August for nonstop music, food, and fun during Northalsted Market Days.

STILL WANT MORE?
Check these additional GLBT resources and make the most of your Chicago experience: