Chicago Pride Fest returns with a big entertainment lineup

Chicago, IL - Chicago Pride Fest 2018 is less than two months away, and today, organizers are kicking off the annual buzz leading up to the festivities by announcing the entertainment acts pegged to take the stage this year.

International R&B idol Mya and iconic diva Belinda Carlisle are among the entertainment lineup, featuring a mix of national acts and local talent making for 2 full days of non-stop entertainment in the heart of Boystown this June.

"No neighborhood puts on a better party than Boystown," said Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt. "But more importantly, Pride Fest fosters an atmosphere of celebration, appreciation and hope that is special to this event."

Pride Fest kicks off on Saturday, June 16, with La Bouche, Chicago-native Carlito Olivero, Frenchie Davis, Kim English, and Jessica Sanchez, a finalist from season 11 of American Idol. 

"I have a big gay following and have a lot of really close friends who are gay as well. I'm a big supporter of everyone," Olivero told ChicagoPride.com before his 2014 Chicago Pride Fest appearance.

On Sunday, June 17, performers include LGBT ally and Go-Go's founder Belinda Carlisle, Blake Lewis, Brian Justin Crumb, and Mya.

"I believe in equal rights for everyone and that means everyone. Even if I didn't have a gay son I probably would be involved," Carlisle told ChicagoPride.com. 

Local favorites include Cat Fight, One Night Band, Abba Salute, Boy Band Review, and 16 Candles.

Complete Pride Fest Schedule

In addition to the 3 entertainment stages, the two-day street festival features food and drink, over 100 arts/craft and merchant vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows and more.

Another fun-filled highlight of Chicago Pride Fest is the annual Pet Pride Parade, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 17.

Pride Fest, scheduled the weekend prior to the annual Chicago Pride Parade, brings together tens of thousands of LGBT supporters annually. It runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. down North Halsted Street from Addison to Grace. Organizers suggest a $10 donation upon entering.

The 2018 Chicago Pride Parade, which now brings more than a million visitors to the Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago, is slated for Sunday, June 24 starting at noon.

Chicago Pride Fest is organized by and benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance, the organization behind Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information visit www.northalsted.com.

 
Chicago Pride Fest (June 16-17)

11 am – 10 pm; North Halsted from Addison to Grace; $10 Suggested Donation

Saturday, June 16

North Stage

1:00PM Drag Show

2:30PM La Bouche

3:15PM Carlito Olivero

4:00PM Drag Show

6:00PM Frenchie Davis

7:00PM Drag Show

8:15PM Kim English

9:00PM Jessica Sanchez

South Stage

12:00PM Gay Men's Chorus

1:15PM Hello Weekend

3:00PM Don't Speak

4:45PM Cat Fight

6:45PM TL Williams & Band

8:30PM The Four C's

Sunday, June 17

North Stage

12:30PM VIP Pet Care Pet Pride Parade Kick-Off

2:30PM Belinda Carlisle

3:15PM Blake Lewis

4:00PM Drag Show

6:00PM Thea Austin

6:45PM Drag Show

8:00PM Brian Justin Crumb

9:00PM Mya

South Stage

12:30PM Chicago Spirit Brigade

1:00PM VIP Pet Care Pet Pride Parade Finish

1:30PM One Night Band

3:30PM Abba Salute

5:15PM Boy Band Review

7:45PM 16 Candles     

Visit www.pridefestchicago.com