Chicago is home to some of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, from Pride Fest and Parade in June to the Reeling Film Festival in the fall. Check out some of Chicago’s top gay events throughout the year.
May
International Mr. Leather: This international conference and competition, held annually in Chicago since 1979, includes speakers, socials, themed dance parties, and a leather market.
June
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 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 Pride Month in Chicago for more than 50 years.
Pride in the Park: A new two-day music festival, Pride in the Park is held in downtown Grant Park, the site of Lollapalooza and other iconic events. The event donates a portion of ticket sales to Center on Halsted, an LGBTQ community center.
Back Lot Bash: This long-running 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.
August
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 event includes live music on five stages, DJs and dancing, vendors, food, and more.
September
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.
October
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade: The city’s biggest neighborhood Halloween event, this spooky spectacle takes over the Northalsted neighborhood with a costume contest, choreographed dances, a pup crawl, and more.
Year-round Pride events
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.
Sunday Funday Showtunes at Sidetrack: Showtune Sundays 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.
