Sun. June 24, 2018
Chicago, IL -
Thousands are expected to descend on Chicago's Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods Sunday for the 49th annual Chicago Pride Parade, a culmination of the city's Pride Month festivities.
The parade steps-off at noon from Montrose and Broadway and will then travel the 21-block parade route before it ends near Diversey and Sheridan in Lincoln Park.
More than 250,000 people are expected along the parade route, and nearly 1 million could move in and out of the Lakeview and Uptown neighborhoods throughout the day.
Street closures will go into effect at 8 a.m. are expected to fully reopen by 8 p.m. Public transportation is highly recommended. Metra and CTA both announced additional service on Sunday for the parade.
Security will be evident along the route. That will include police officers and security officials. According to the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, there was "no known threat" to public safety.
Open container rules will be strictly enforced. Penalties include, but are not limited to, $1000+ tickets being issued, and you could have to throw out your booze.
The parade, coordinated by PRIDE Chicago, will feature 150 colorful entries and march under the international theme, "Remember the Past, Create the Future". Orlando "El Fenomeno" Cruz, the first openly gay active professional boxer, will ride in the lead car as Grand Marshal.
Whether you're a pride parade veteran or this is your first time attending, here are 10 things you'll want to know before heading out to the 49th annual Chicago Pride Parade this Sunday.
Related: 2018 Chicago Pride Parade line of march
Related: Best locations to watch the Chicago Pride Parade
Related: Driving? Find parking at the Parade route
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Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com