Chicago knows how to party for Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and a massive parade. You’ll find the heart of the celebrations in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), the first official gay neighborhood in the country, but festivities take place all over the city. Check out all the best Chicago Pride events in June and beyond.
Chicago Pride Fest
This massive two-day pride celebration takes over Northalsted every June. Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three music stages featuring popular music headliners, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and more.
You’ll find Chicago Pride Fest on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to the Addison stop. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures.
Chicago Pride Parade
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. The Parade concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous four-mile procession held on the last Sunday of June. Traversing through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, the annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country.
The 52nd annual parade starts at Broadway and Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive. The procession features floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, a marching band, and more.
If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to any stop between Wellington and Wilson; or the Brown Line ‘L’ train to the Diversey or Wellington stops. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures.
More Pride events in Chicago
Explore more classic Chicago Pride events in June and year-round.
Andersonville Midsommar Fest
The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. The 56th annual Midsommarfest celebrates that heritage, along with the area’s Swedish roots. The fest features the Balmoral Pride Stage, which showcases local drag queens, cabaret performers, DJs, and more.
Pride in the Park
This two-day music fest celebrates equity, diversity, and good times in Grant Park each June. Pride in the Park donates a portion of ticket sales to The Center on Halsted and provides free tickets to ensure LGBTQ+ youth can celebrate their pride openly and safely. Previous year’s lineups have included Chaka Khan, Tiesto, GRYFFIN, Betty Who, and more.
Navy Pier Pride
This annual free event at iconic Navy Pier consists of a full day of family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. This event includes Storytime with Drag Queens, live performances, special film presentations, and a Queer the Pier” fashion and music show headlined by special guest CeCe Penistone.
Back Lot Bash
The Back Lot Bash Chicago kicks off with a Pride Family Fest and follows with two days of a signature outdoor music festival. The Andersonville event is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women.
Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon
Race along the lakefront for a great cause at the Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon! This 40th annual event has raised more than $600,000 for the local LGBTQ+ community.
Looking for more? Check out Pride events in Chicago all year long.
