Chicago keeps the Pride party going with exciting events ahead

Thu. June 15, 2023 8:45 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

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chicago pride parade, 2022

photo credit // steven koch

'It will be one of the largest Pride Parades in many years,' says coordinator Tim Frye of this year's parade.

June marks Pride Month in Chicago and around the world, a time when we celebrate and honor the legacy of the Stonewall riots which acted as a catalyst for the LGBTQ rights movement.

“Pride is a party and a protest,” said Sidetrack general manager Brad Balof. “Pride is a time to gather together, to see the community at large, and together create a groundswell of love, resistance, and stamina to take back into our lives for the rest of the year.”

Here is an exciting lineup of the remaining Pride Month activities as we approach Chicago's popular Pride parade weekend - June 24 and 25. (Complete list below)

Chicago Pride Fest (June 17-18)

The 22nd annual Chicago Pride Fest turns the Northalsted neighborhood into one enormous Pride party this weekend with 2 entertainment stages and a dance music stage featuring some of Chicago's favorite DJs and drag queens.

Musical performances from Heather Small (M People), Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Altar, Jordy, Nick Osin, Shab, Ultra Naté, and many others.

The two-day street festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 17 and 18. There is a suggested donation of $15 to the Northalsted Business Alliance.

Related: Pop phenomenon Nick Osin ready to bring the heat to Chicago Pride Fest

Pride in the Park (June 23-24)

Celebrating its 4th year, Pride in the Park Chicago returns to Grant Park.

The rainbow-filled music festival features an all-star lineup of Grammy-winning performers and DJ’s as well as booths from local artists and vendors. Headliners Zedd and Saweetie will take to the stage on June 23 and 24.

The festival runs from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. General admission tickets cost $60 for a 1-day pass, and can be purchased online.

Pride North Chicago (June 24-25)

Rogers Park’s Pride North returns for a weekend-long neighborhood dance party, featuring some of the hottest DJs and live entertainment across two stages.

The party is located on Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt, just off the Morse Red Line stop.

Pride North is free to all from Noon - 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Navy Pier Pride (June 24)

Chicago’s annual Navy Pier Pride will take place June 24 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. The free, full-day event celebrates diversity, inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ community.

Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQ artists, on-site resources from community partners, and more.

Closing the night out, the pier will be illuminated with rainbow fireworks, making for a colorful Pride weekend in Chicago.

Chicago Pride Parade (June 25)

The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade, one of the oldest and largest parades in the country, traditionally concludes the city’s month-long pride celebrations.

Again this year, the parade starts at Noon from Broadway and Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive. The four-mile parade route travels through the Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.

"It will be one of the largest Pride Parades in many years," said coordinator Tim Frye of this year's event.

Chicago's LGBTQ calendar is on GoPride.com

Here are the Pride Month events remaining this year, so mark on your calendars:

Queer Elder History Panel on Thu. Jun 15
Details & directions | More info

Burlesque Royale - Pride Edition on Thu. Jun 15
Details & directions | More info

The Heist: Pride Edition on Thu. Jun 15
Details & directions | More info

Front Right Speaker: The Pride Edition on Thu. Jun 15
Details & directions | More info

WNDR After Dark: Pride Night on Fri. Jun 16
Details & directions | More info

Rated X: Pride Fest Weekend on Fri. Jun 16
Details & directions | More info

GRRR: Beary Proud on Fri. Jun 16
Details & directions | More info

Candyland: Taste The Rainbow on Fri. Jun 16
Details & directions | More info

Chomper "Taste the Rainbow" on Fri. Jun 16
Details & directions | More info

Chicago Pride Fest 2023 (Saturday) on Sat. Jun 17
Details & directions | More info

A Night Full of Stars: A WCPA Pride Concert on Sat. Jun 17
Details & directions | More info

DJ Paulo Fragoso on Sat. Jun 17
Details & directions | More info