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 Northalsted and beyond.
Chicago Pride Fest
This massive two-day pride celebration takes over Northalsted every June. More than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three music stages featuring popular 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 4-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 51st annual parade starts at Broadway & Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.
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 Month events in Chicago
Chicago is a Drag Fest
Chicago is a Drag Festival is the city’s first-ever outdoor festival that showcases Chicago’s drag culture. The fest will feature 50 of Chicago’s top drag queens, representing diversity across generations, neighborhoods, and performance styles. The inaugural event will be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Raja and Tiffany Pollard.
Andersonville Midsommar Fest
The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. The 55th 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.
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.
Second City’s Salute to Pride
This annual variety show is written and performed entirely by an all-LGBTQ identifying cast. Sashaying its way to UP Comedy Club at the legendary Second City, this colorful show will feature original sketch, improv, music, and drag.
Navy Pier Pride
This annual free pride event an iconic Navy Pier will consist 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 new “Queer the Pier” fashion and music show headlined by special guest CeCe Penistone.
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 event has raised more than $600,000 for the local LGBTQ+ community.
Chicago Dyke March
As a celebration of reclaiming the word “dyke,” the Chicago Dyke March is a grassroots mobilization that honors dyke, queer, bisexual, and transgender people.
