In Chicago, Pride doesn’t end in June. You’ll find a full calendar of gay, lesbian, trans, and queer events in every corner of the city throughout the year. Our city is home to some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, from the iconic Pride Fest and Parade in June to one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the fall. Check out some of Chicago’s top inclusive events throughout the year.
Spring LGBTQ+ events in Chicago
International Mr. Leather: This international conference and competition, held annually in Chicago each May since 1979, includes speakers, socials, themed dance parties, and a leather market.
Summer LGBTQ+ events in Chicago
Andersonville Midsommarfest: This diverse neighborhood hosts one of Chicago’s most beloved street festivals each June. Midsommarfest celebrates the area’s Swedish roots and LGBTQ+ community with food, entertainment, artisan vendors, and more.
Chicago Pride Fest: In the historic Northalsted neighborhood, Chicago’s Pride Fest in June is a massive two-day celebration with multiple music stages, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and more.
Chicago Pride Parade: This legendary event is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country. The famous four-mile procession has been wrapping up June’s Pride Month festivities in Chicago for more than 50 years.
Back Lot Bash: This long-running June event includes a signature outdoor music festival and is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women.
Navy Pier Pride: This annual free event consists of a full day of family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community, including Storytime with Drag Queens, live performances, special film presentations, and more.
Northalsted Market Days: Billed as one of the biggest street fests in the country, this multi-day festival is all about life and community in Chicago’s historic Northalsted district. The August event includes live music on five stages, DJs and dancing, vendors, food, and more.
Fall LGBTQ+ events in Chicago
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival: The second longest-running film festival of its kind, Reeling showcases the artistic contributions of LGBTQ+ filmmakers, with a mission to educate and counteract stereotypes.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade: The city’s biggest neighborhood Halloween event, this spooky spectacle takes over the Northalsted area (Chicago’s oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood) with a costume contest, choreographed dances, a pup crawl, and more.
Year-round Pride events in Chicago
Pride Arts Center: The mission of Pride Arts, a non-profit theatre company, is to exhibit, promote, and champion LGBTQ+ artists through all media and art forms. Their on-stage season includes a diverse array of original works.
Showtune Sing-alongs at Sidetrack: Showtune sing-alongs are a beloved event at this popular LGBTQ+ bar in Northalsted. Other events include RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties, all things Beyoncé, and more.
Slo ‘Mo: From club nights and concerts to comedy, Slo ‘Mo aims to create spaces that celebrate queer joy and uplift local queer creatives and communities.
Party Noire: This inclusive cultural hub celebrates Black women of color across the gender spectrum and cultivates affirming events and makes space for Black queer joy.
Peach pop-up events: This event series is dedicated to unifying and celebrating LGBTQ+ women through music, drinks, food, art and visually stimulating entertainment.
Check out events calendar for more upcoming LGBTQ+ events.
