Chicago knows how to party for Pride. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and the iconic Chicago Pride Parade.
You’ll find the heart of the celebrations in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), the first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country, but festivities take place all over the city. Check out all the best Chicago Pride events in June and beyond.
In this article
Chicago Pride Parade
June 30, 2024
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. A tradition for more than 50 years, the parade concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous four-mile procession held on the last Sunday of June. Traversing through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, the annual event has grown into one of the largest Pride parades in the country.
This year, more than 100 groups will march in solidarity under the theme Pride is Power, highlighting the historic role of the parade as a tool for advocacy and visibility.
The annual parade starts at Broadway and Montrose and heads south, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Check out the Chicago Pride Parade route map below.
Public transit is one of the easiest ways to get to the Chicago Pride Parade. The route is accessible from the CTA Red Line ‘L’ train (any stop between Belmont and Sheridan) or the CTA Brown Line ‘L’ train (Diversey or Wellington stops).
You can also take several CTA bus lines to the parade, though there will be re-routes near the parade route. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures. Street parking will be limited on parade day.
Explore more: Celebrate Pride by honoring LGBTQ+ history in Chicago at these landmarks and museums.
Chicago Pride Fest
June 22 – 23, 2024
Chicago Pride Fest is a massive two-day pride celebration that takes over Northalsted every June. Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three stages with live music, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more.
This year’s headlining artists include Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley, and more across two stages.
You’ll find Chicago Pride Fest on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to the Addison stop. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures.
Explore more: Keep the party going with the city’s inclusive nightlife scene, including LGBTQ+ bars and clubs all around the city.
More Pride events in Chicago
The party keeps going all month long in Chicago, including neighborhood celebrations, a major music festival, and more. Explore more Chicago Pride celebrations this June and beyond.
Pride Month Kick Off Party
June 1
The Lesbian Social Club, known for their inclusive pop-up dance party, will be hosting their Pride Month Kick Off Party at TAO Chicago. They’ll also host a variety of events throughout the month, including a Pride Fest After Party and Chicago Sky Pride Night.
The Queer Fam Pride Jam
June 2
Kick off the Chicago House Music Festival with this celebration of LGBTQ+ families and allies in Millennium Park. The Queer Fam Pride Jam will include a packed lineup of house music, drag, DJs, kid-friendly singalongs, and more.
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 7 – 9
The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. The 58th annual Midsommarfest celebrates that heritage, along with the area’s Swedish roots. The fest features the Balmoral Pride Stage, which showcases local drag queens, cabaret performers, DJs, and more.
Navy Pier Pride
June 29
Navy Pier Pride is an annual event at the iconic lakefront Navy Pier that consists of a full day of free festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t miss live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners, and more.
Back Lot Bash
June 29 and 30
The Back Lot Bash Chicago in Andersonville is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women. The block-party-style event, now in its 20th year, includes a full day of music, capped off by performances from local DJs.
Pride South Side
July 6
Keep the party going and celebrate ‘The Right to Pride’ at Pride South Side. Held at The DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, this annual event features performances, dancing, local vendors, and more.
Looking for more? Check out Pride events in Chicago all year long.
