June in Chicago is a time unlike any other. The blue sky beckons outdoor activity, parks are filled with dogs, picnics in the grass, and long boozy brunches. To top it all off: it’s officially Pride Month!
Pride first started in NYC and birthed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. It’s a time to celebrate and advocate for the queer community. There are a host of events happening around Chicago throughout the month, and we’ve rounded them up below. Keep reading for the top Pride Month events!
1. Celebrate Pride Night at the Shedd Aquarium this month
Starting off strong with Pride Night at the Shedd this Thursday! Join Shedd Aquarium and A Queer Pride at the lakefront to explore over 32,000 incredible animals.
Dance the night away from 6-10 pm with live entertainment and an ocean-themed drag showcase. Tickets start at $19.95 for residents.
When: June 1st
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
2. Attend a parade at the Chicago Pride Fest
Attend this beautiful two-day street festival located in the historic Northalsted neighborhood! The event brings together over 50,000 attendees to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and culture.
The schedule is jam-packed as the festival features live music on three main stages, DJs and drag shows, plenty of food and drink booths, 100+ vendors, and much more! It’s a can’t-miss event.
When: Saturday, June 17 (11 AM – 10 PM) and Sunday, June 18 (11 AM – 10 PM).
Address: 3656 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613
3. See the sensual Star Wars-inspired Burlesque Show ‘The Empire Strips Back’
Check out this brand-new show that’s unlike anything you’ve seen now playing at Chicago’s Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N Kedzie Blvd). The saucy production known as ‘The Empire Strips Back’ combines incredible burlesque performances with the world of Star Wars.
Grab tickets to this beloved show before it sells out!
4. Head to a festival at Andersonville Midsommarfest’s annual event
Honoring the diverse LGBTQIA+ community and Andersonville’s Swedish roots, the local Midsommarfest fills the streets with a weekend of incredible food, live entertainment, artisanal vendors, and plenty of fun to be had.
When: June 9-11
5. Enjoy live performances at the Pride in the Park Music Festival
The annual music festival is back and better than ever featuring LGBTQIA+ performers and plenty of vendors. Gather to celebrate and expect performances from artists like Zedd (who is headlining on Saturday) and Saweetie (on Sunday night) and more exceptional artists.
When: June 23 and 24
Where: 280 S Columbus Drive Chicago IL 60603
6. Indulge in southern cuisine while enjoying stunning drag performances at The Grand Cabaret
The Grand Cabaret is hosting a series of brilliant brunches and succulent 3-course dinners accompanied by unforgettable live entertainment right here in Chicago. BBQ Drag Brunch at The Grand Cabaret and Grand Cabaret After Dark are all geared up to dazzle audiences in a speakeasy performance space hidden away in West Loop’s Porkchop restaurant.
7. Enjoy live entertainment and more at the Chicago Urban Pride Picnic
Known as one of the biggest pride celebrations on the south side, the Chicago Urban Pride event at Jackson Park with an afterparty at The Promontory in Hyde Park and plans to take over the outdoor patio and indoor stage.
When: Sunday, June 25 from 12 pm to 8 pm
Where: 5311 S Lake Park Ave W, Chicago, IL 60615
8. Attend one of the largest parades in the city at Chicago Pride Parade
Known as one of the largest events with thousands of attendees, the spectacular four-mile procession has only grown over the years. The route covers Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. Check out a map of the route here.
When: Sunday, June 25
Where: Starting at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood.
9. Celebrate Celebrate Pride South Side at the DuSable Black History Museum
The 5th annual Pride South Side festival at the DuSable Black History Museum is a space where a “myriad of Black and brown bodies living in our truth and celebrating who we are as a collective!”
Filled with dancing, music, shopping, and celebrations galore at the historical museum, the Pirde South Side features an incredible lineup of artists, performers, and more.
When: July 1st
Address: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
10. Bring the Pride North in Rogers Park keeps the party going
The largest Northside neighborhood pride party is back. Featuring DJs and live entertainment, the free event is a three-day affair located on Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt.
It’s a time to come together and celebrate with musical acts, general revelry, and more. Dance the night away on any of the three dance floors, or take in the street performers as they move throughout the party. Located in the Glenwood Avenue Arts Corridor, this party is the place to be, surrounded by public murals, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, and locally owned stores. Pride North also serves up wine, spirits, craft beer, and plenty of local food vendors.
When: June 23-25
Where: 6962 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
11. Pride Month Party for Brave Space Alliance at Estelle’s
12. Enjoy a night out at Adults Night Out: Pride Party
The Lincoln Park Zoo is doing it right this pride month. Celebrate with animals, cocktails, and drag shows at the beloved outdoor zoo.
The playful event features LGBTQ+ artists, plenty of good food and drinks at a cash-only bar, and a chance to hang out amongst the cutest animals.
The event schedule also includes Drag Queen BINGO featuring Veronica Pop, free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel, lawn games, and more.
When: TBA
Where: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
13. Head to Navy Pier for a celebratory Pride event
Spend the day at the waterfront for the Navy Pier’s yearly LGBTQIA+ Pride event. This year’s celebration includes plenty of dancing, live music, a storytelling session, educational programs, and on-site resources from community partners, along with performances from your favorite local LGBTQIA+ artists!
When: TBA
Where: 600 E. Grand Avenue. Chicago, IL 60611