Pride season in Chicago is upon us with seemingly endless opportunities to celebrate, yet sometimes it can feel like LGBTQ+ families are left with little they can bring their kids to. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we have space to connect, cultivate, and grow a broader village of support and safety for LGBTQ+ families, kids, and allies.
The good news is there’s an abundance of programs for all ages in Chicago and beyond this year. From bilingual drag queen storytime to an all-ages family beach day, there are many ways this June to honor and invest in LGBTQ+ communities, history, and futures.
Here are just some of the Chicago events this month celebrating LGBTQ+ families and youth.
Pride events at Chicago Public Libraries
All month long
Various locations
All ages, free
The Chicago Public Libraries have an abundance of programming for all ages across the city, from rainbow-themed crafts to story hour to film screenings. Here are a few highlights:
- Intergenerational Queer Art Making (June 10)
- Teen Art Club (June 5)
- Gender Affirming Haircuts (June 8)
- Film Screening: Pariah (June 8)
- Hora del Cuento de Drag/Drag Queen Story Time (June 25)
- Gender Euphoria Clothing Swap (June 28)
Art of Pride at Hyde Park Art Center
Sunday, June 1
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave.
Free, all ages
The fourth annual Art of Pride is an intergenerational event that brings together LGBTQ+ artists, performers, makers, and community organizations from across Chicago for workshops, performances, an artist market, DJ sets by Duane Powell and CTRL Zora, and more.
Transcendent Souls Concert: A Celebration of Trans Identity and Sound
Friday, June 6
Wicker Park Lutheran Church, 1500 N. Hoyne Ave.
All ages, free
Transcendent Souls Concert: A Celebration of Trans Identity and Sound is a sensory-friendly concert experience featuring classical string music by trans composers performed by trans musicians and highlights themes such as the sacredness of the human body, cosmic inheritance, and transness as participating in the divine act of creation.
PlayLab PlayDate: Pride Month at the Field Museum
Tuesday, June 11
Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Ages 2 – 6, free
For this special Pride-themed PlayLab PlayDate, families are invited to a free, drop-in storytime session hosted by the Chicago Public Library. This interactive storytime will feature stories and activities honoring Pride Month. The event takes place on an Illinois Resident Free Admission Day, so make time to explore the museum while you’re there.
Midsommarfest
Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15
Andersonville
All ages, $10 suggested donation
Midsommarfest is Andersonville’s annual summer festival featuring local vendors and eclectic programming. The Andersonville neighborhood’s inclusive atmosphere is on full display, with a Pride stage featuring DJs, drag queens, art-making, and more.
Life Out Loud: Voices of Pride
Saturday, June 14
Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Ave.
All ages and young adults, free
About Face Theatre presents Life Out Loud: Voices of Pride, an interactive play that uses monologues and improv to introduce the audience to gender expansive and inclusive vocabulary. There will be more performances later this summer.
Pride Jam Pop Up: Queer Family Art Making
Saturday, June 21
Location TBD
All ages (best for 4+), free with RSVP
The annual Queer Fam Pride Jam will be hosting their annual event for LGBTQ+ families later this summer. In the meantime, join this pop-up of queer family artmaking. Sign up for the Slo ‘Mo newsletter or follow on Instagram for updates.
South Side Family Pride
Saturday, June 21
Beverly Unitarian Church
All ages, free
LGBTQ+ families and allies are invited to a picnic for food, music, and fellowship at the Beverly Unitarian Church (also known as The Givins Castle) during South Side Family Pride.
Out and About at the Lake: Family Beach Day
Sunday, June 22
Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Beach)
All ages, free
Out and About at the Lake: Family Beach Day is a joyful day of sun, swimming, and community at the lake created especially for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, kids, and their families.
Queer Prom’s Gaga Gala
Friday, June 27
National Museum of Mexican Art
Teens and young adults, free
Queer Prom’s Gaga Gala at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen features drag performances, food, music, and other freebies for LGBTQ+ and allied folks age 25 and under.
Navy Pier Pride
Saturday, June 28
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
All ages, free
Held at Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination, Navy Pier Pride is a free, full-day event featuring live music, performances by local LGBTQIA+ artists, educational programming, and resources from community partners.
Family Pride Day at Dan Ryan Woods
Saturday, June 28
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center
All ages, free
Families of all types are invited to Family Pride Day to celebrate love and inclusion at the Dan Ryan Woods forest preserve.
Pride! In Unity Park
Sunday, June 29
Unity Park, 2656 N. Kimball
All ages, free
The Logan Square neighborhood hosts the inaugural PRIDE! in Unity Park, a family-friendly afternoon with activities like chalk art, Pride kite making, a mini parade, and more.
Family Pride at Gallagher Way
Sunday, June 29
Gallagher Way, 3637 Clark St.
All ages, free
Family Pride at Gallagher Way just outside of Wrigley Field will feature live music from Rock & Roll Playhouse featuring the music of Queen, photo opps, rainbow-themed giveaways, lawn games, and more.
Jarvis Square Family Pride Fest
Sunday, June 29
Jarvis Square Alfresco, 1500 block of Jarvis Avenue
All ages, free
Celebrate love, family, and community at the Jarvis Square Family Pride Fest! Join this fun outdoor festival in the Rogers Park neighborhood with live music, activities for all ages, and a joyful atmosphere after the Chicago Pride Parade.
