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. 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
2. 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
3. Chicago Urban Pride: Rooftop Pride in the Sky
Known as one of the biggest pride celebrations on the south side, the Chicago Urban Pride event will be held at The Promontory in Hyde Park and plans to take over the outdoor patio and indoor stage. Attendees can expect performances from live DJs like DJ Superman Hosted and Trina Tru Luv.
When: Sunday June 26
Where: 5311 S Lake Park Ave W, Chicago, IL 60615
4. Chicago Pride Parade
Celebrate with a parade this year. Known as one of the largest events with thousands of attendees, the spectacular four mile procession has only grown over the years. This years route will cover Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. Check out a map of the route here.
When: Sunday June 26
Where: Starting at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood.
5. Pride North in Rogers Park
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 24, 25 and 26
Where: 6962 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
6. Pride Month Party for Brave Space Alliance at Estelle’s
7. 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: July 23 from 6:30 PM-10 PM
Where: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
8. PrideArts Summer Film Festival
PrideArts is hosting a two-week short film festival. Featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, like Look Me Over: Liberace, a documentary about showcasing the a famous pianist, with showings running from June 1 – 8. Next, Swedish film, The Schoolmaster Games, about an all-boys school where homosexuality is the norm, with showings from June 8 – 5. The schedule is also packed with other short films premiering throughout July, including eight short films from the US, Canada, and Ireland. Check out the full week 2schedule here.
When: June 1-July 12
Where: 4139 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
9. Navy Pier Pride
Spend the day at the waterfront for the Navy Pier’s yearly LGBTQIA+ Pride event. The 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: Saturday, June 25
Where: 600 E. Grand Avenue. Chicago , IL 60611