Sat. June 25, 2011
Chicago, IL -
Pride Weekend in Chicago continues Saturday, June 25, as the gates of Pride Fest open at 11 a.m. on what is expected to be a beautiful summer afternoon in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood.
Chicago Pride Fest, held before the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26, marks the first official party of summer with a two-day LGBT celebration of pride.
Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance along Halsted Street at Waveland Ave., Chicago Pride Fest is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This year features a non-stop lineup of rock and dance performers on two stages, with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community.
Friday night, Deborah Cox and Ultra Nate headlined the event. Saturday's entertainment includes Crystal Waters, Kim English and Inaya Day on the North Stage at Halsted Street and Grace. Wedding Banned, from Gas City, Indiana, headlines the South Stage at Halsted Street and Addison.
Another fun-filled highlight at this year's Chicago Pride Fest will be a Pet Pride Parade hosted by Miss Foozie, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, from the North stage area.
Pride Fest also showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors.
A gate donation of $7 benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance, the same group behind the popular Northalsted Market Days set for the weekend of August 13 and 14.
Chicago's Pride Weekend culminates with the 42nd annual Chicago Pride Parade, which steps off at Noon on Sunday, June 26, from Belmont and Halsted Street in Boystown.
Pride Fest Entertainment
Saturday, June 26
Saturday, June 25
South Stage
Noon - Lakeside Pride Show Band
1:00pm - Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
2:30pm - Chicago RedLine
3:30pm - ROTC
5:00pm - ROTC
6:00pm - Rock Candy
7:30pm - Windy City Cowboys
8:00pm - Wedding Banned
North Stage
1:00pm - Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:30pm - Drag Show featuring Chicago's Best Female Impersonators
2:30pm - Mya
3:00pm - Drag Show featuring Chicago's Best Female Impersonators
4:30pm - Xelle
5:30pm - Drag Show featuring Chicago's Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm - Crystal Waters
8:00pm - Kim English
8:45pm - Inaya Day
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