Everything you need to know for Chicago Pride Fest 2023
Fri. June 16, 2023 12:01 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
chicago pride fest, 2022
photo credit // steven koch
The 22nd annual Chicago Pride Fest, June 17 & 18
Spectacular live entertainment, delicious food, endless shopping and plenty of people-watching marks the onset of Chicago Pride Fest happening Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood.
Opening at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the two-day street festival turns North Halsted Street into one enormous Pride party with 2 entertainment stages and a dance music stage featuring some of Chicago's favorite DJs and drag queens. Plus a whole lot of queer and queer-friendly folks in attendance.
Chicago Pride has grown to become one the largest and most well-known Pride celebrations in the world.
Where's the party?
Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood, commonly referred to as “Boystown.” Once there, follow the herd of excited revelers or the gaggle of drag queens, or just follow the music. But seriously, Pride Fest is located on North Halsted St. between Addison and Grace. Gates open both days at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
Is there a charge for admission?
Not officially, but a $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow-paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.
What acts are performing?
Heather Small (M People), Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Altar, Jordy, and Eureka O’Hara are among this year’s headliners.
The lineup also features Nick Osin, Shab, Ultra Naté, Ariana and the Rose, Cookiee Kawaii, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, and more.
“It’s going to be a super fun and engaging performance; I can’t wait to see people reacting to my new music,” Osin told GoPride.com. “Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world.”
And of course, what's a festival without drag queens?!
Is there a complete schedule that I can look at?
Yes, check it out here!
Are there other things to do or see?
If people-watching is your thing, grab a refreshment and watch the throng of festival attendees. With over 60,000 people expected to attend, there will be no shortage of eye candy for sure. In addition to the live entertainment, Pride Fest will include over 150 arts and craft vendors, as well as sellers of unique merchandise tailored to the LGBTQ community.
I hear bears will be at Pride Fest?
We hear bears, cubs, and otters will be at the festival! But, we must mention a fun event for the four-legged animals as well. The always popular Proud Pet Parade hosted by Miss Foozie is on Sunday, June 18, at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. at the North Stage (Halsted & Grace).
Will there be a Pride Parade?
Pride Month without a parade is like a gin and tonic without the gin! The annual Chicago Pride Parade is traditionally held on the last Sunday of June. This year, the 52nd annual parade is June 25 at noon.
What should I wear?
Forecasted temperatures for the weekend are mild, so dress accordingly. Keep in mind, that the festival is open rain or shine. Check the forecast before heading out!
How do I get there? Should I drive?
Pride Fest is easily accessible by public transportation, and attendees are encouraged to take CTA to the festival. (Maybe you’ll catch a ride on the CTA’s Pride Train.)
CTA Red Line stops Addison and Sheridan are a short walk from the festival, as is Belmont, which is served by the Red, Purple and Brown lines.
CTA buses 8 Halsted, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 77 Belmont, 80 Irving Park, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, 151 Sheridan and 152 Addison all serve the area of Pride Fest.
Halsted Street between Addison and Grace will be closed from 9 a.m. Friday, June 16 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 19. And there are numerous parking restrictions, so watch where you park.
Anything else I should know?
No large bags/backpacks are allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages. Clear plastic-sealed bottled water is allowed.
Chicago Pride Fest is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance (northalsted.com), the same group behind Northalsted Market Days and Halsted Halloween Parade.
Chicago's LGBTQ calendar is on GoPride.com
Opening at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the two-day street festival turns North Halsted Street into one enormous Pride party with 2 entertainment stages and a dance music stage featuring some of Chicago's favorite DJs and drag queens. Plus a whole lot of queer and queer-friendly folks in attendance.
Chicago Pride has grown to become one the largest and most well-known Pride celebrations in the world.
Where's the party?
Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood, commonly referred to as “Boystown.” Once there, follow the herd of excited revelers or the gaggle of drag queens, or just follow the music. But seriously, Pride Fest is located on North Halsted St. between Addison and Grace. Gates open both days at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
Is there a charge for admission?
Not officially, but a $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow-paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.
What acts are performing?
Heather Small (M People), Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Altar, Jordy, and Eureka O’Hara are among this year’s headliners.
The lineup also features Nick Osin, Shab, Ultra Naté, Ariana and the Rose, Cookiee Kawaii, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, and more.
“It’s going to be a super fun and engaging performance; I can’t wait to see people reacting to my new music,” Osin told GoPride.com. “Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world.”
And of course, what's a festival without drag queens?!
Is there a complete schedule that I can look at?
Yes, check it out here!
Are there other things to do or see?
If people-watching is your thing, grab a refreshment and watch the throng of festival attendees. With over 60,000 people expected to attend, there will be no shortage of eye candy for sure. In addition to the live entertainment, Pride Fest will include over 150 arts and craft vendors, as well as sellers of unique merchandise tailored to the LGBTQ community.
I hear bears will be at Pride Fest?
We hear bears, cubs, and otters will be at the festival! But, we must mention a fun event for the four-legged animals as well. The always popular Proud Pet Parade hosted by Miss Foozie is on Sunday, June 18, at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. at the North Stage (Halsted & Grace).
Will there be a Pride Parade?
Pride Month without a parade is like a gin and tonic without the gin! The annual Chicago Pride Parade is traditionally held on the last Sunday of June. This year, the 52nd annual parade is June 25 at noon.
What should I wear?
Forecasted temperatures for the weekend are mild, so dress accordingly. Keep in mind, that the festival is open rain or shine. Check the forecast before heading out!
How do I get there? Should I drive?
Pride Fest is easily accessible by public transportation, and attendees are encouraged to take CTA to the festival. (Maybe you’ll catch a ride on the CTA’s Pride Train.)
CTA Red Line stops Addison and Sheridan are a short walk from the festival, as is Belmont, which is served by the Red, Purple and Brown lines.
CTA buses 8 Halsted, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 77 Belmont, 80 Irving Park, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, 151 Sheridan and 152 Addison all serve the area of Pride Fest.
Halsted Street between Addison and Grace will be closed from 9 a.m. Friday, June 16 to 4 a.m. Monday, June 19. And there are numerous parking restrictions, so watch where you park.
Anything else I should know?
No large bags/backpacks are allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages. Clear plastic-sealed bottled water is allowed.
Chicago Pride Fest is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance (northalsted.com), the same group behind Northalsted Market Days and Halsted Halloween Parade.
Chicago's LGBTQ calendar is on GoPride.com