Chicago knows how to party for Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and the iconic Chicago Pride Parade.
You’ll find the heart of the celebrations in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), the first official LGBTQ+ 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 Parade
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. A tradition for more than 50 years, 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 Pride parades in the country.
The annual parade starts at Broadway and Montrose and heads south, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
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.
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 LGBTQ+ neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high heel race, 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.
More Pride events in Chicago
Explore more Chicago Pride celebrations this June. And check out our full round-up of Pride events throughout the city.
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
Pride in the Park is a two-day music fest that celebrates equity, diversity, and good times in Grant Park each June. This year’s musical line-up includes big names like Zedd, Zara Larsson, Saweetie, and more. The outdoor festical also features vendors, artists, and more.
Navy Pier Pride
Navy Pier Pride is an annual free event at iconic Navy Pier that consists of a full day of family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t miss 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 in Andersonville is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women. The block-party-style event includes a full day of music, capped off by performances from DJ Mary Mac and Lauren Sanderson.
Looking for more? Check out Pride events in Chicago all year long.
