Tue. September 6, 2022
The 11th Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America in north suburban Gurnee is expected to draw a capacity crowd of 5,000 roller coaster enthusiasts for the private, 4-hour event to celebrate diversity.
Out In The Park is an all-ages event, open to any and everyone, but most attended by folks from Chicago and neighboring states like Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana. Gates open at 8 p.m., on Saturday, September 10.
The event is organized each year by BestGayChicago.com co-owners Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles.
Attendees can take advantage of crazy short lines for some of the park's most popular roller coasters and other attractions.
“If you have never attended (Out In The Park), or don’t even like rides that much, it’s still a fun time,” said Snell. “People have told me that Out In The Park feels like Pride In The Fall, the last big gay hurrah before winter. Everyone is in good spirits and having fun.
“If you love (amusement park) rides and hate the long lines, Out In The Park absolutely is for you. With a maximum of 5,000 people, lines move quickly. On an average day, the park draws 15,000-plus people.
“Plus, it is a private event, marketed to LGBTQ+ friends, families and allies. No haters. So, you can wear whatever you – rainbows, sequins, feathers, whatever. Just be you and have fun.”
Out In The Park features three DJs who are familiar to the Chicago crowd: Sean Parks and Suave Smooth, both from Chicago, and DJ RNB from Milwaukee. “Each DJ has a different style and vibe,” Snell said. “People really liked them last year, so we asked them back.”
Tickets for $43 are available at CelebrateDiversityChicago.com and free parking is included. Tickets are $48 at the gate, if available. Season passes are not honored for the event.
“We encourage people to get there at 7:30 p.m., since Six Flags opens the gates a little early,” said Sorles.
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy around the world.
Multiple bus options are available to Out In The Park. For buses from Lakeview, go to facebook.com/events/2210738705756455 and from suburban locations, go to: facebook.com/bil.baskins.1.
GoPride.com is a proud media sponsor of Out In The Park.
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