Eurovision Finals Viewing Party is back at Sidetrack, May 13

The annual Eurovision Finals Viewing Party is set for Saturday, May 13, from 2-5 p.m., at Sidetrack in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.

"People were very excited to vote for their favorite groups," at the 2022 event, said Sidetrack general manager Brad Balof. "There are people cheering on different countries. There often are groups for each of the major countries: Ukraine, Sweden, Espana, etc. All countries perform and then the voting process begins.

"The 2022 Eurovision Finals was a great event. Post-pandemic, it was a great way to celebrate global music.  It also was very exciting to see the world stand with Ukraine and support them to win the 2022 title."

Sweden’s 2022 entry also drew rave reviews, Balof told GoPride.com.

Eurovision is a global music contest dating back 70-plus years, which started as a way to bring people together after years of war.

The Eurovision Finals will air in all Sidetrack downstairs bars. The upstairs deck will be open with pop music outside.

"I love seeing the excitement and congenial rivalry among groups cheering for their favorite countries/entrants," Balof said.

Sidetrack opens this Saturday at 1 p.m., and events around the Eurovision final will be hosted by Zamora Love. 

Chicago's LGBTQ calendar is on GoPride.com