Chicago Pride Fest 2018 returns this weekend to Boystown

Thu. June 14, 2018 3:19 PM by GoPride.com News Staff

2017 chicago pride fest

photo credit // eamonn sexton

‘Excessive’ heat expected over busy Pride Fest weekend

Chicago, IL - Chicago Pride Fest returns to Boystown Sat., June 16 and Sun., June 17, for another weekend filled with sun, fun, entertainment and plenty of pride.

Music stars Mýa, Belinda Carlisle, Frenchie Davis, and Jessica Sanchez are among the entertainment lineup, featuring a mix of national acts and local talent, making for 2 full days of non-stop entertainment in Boystown.

"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 with La Bouche, Chicago's own Carlito Olivero, Frenchie Davis, Kim English, Jessica Sanchez, Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, Hello Weekend, Chicago Spirit Brigade, Catfight, TL Williams & Band, and The Four C Notes.

On Sunday, performers include Belinda Carlisle, Blake Lewis, Thea Austin, Brian Justin Crum, Lakeside Pride Jazz Orchestra, One Night Band, Abba Salute, Boy Band Review, and 16 Candles. Mýa will close out Chicago Pride Fest.

The DJ Stage at Waveland Ave. will feature DJ Xtasy, DJ Brryce Fersher / KC Ortiz, DJ Metro, Michael Sefafini, Joe Gauthreaux, DJ All The Way Kay and more.

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

High temperatures in the mid to upper 90's are forecast for the busy weekend. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch as humidity could make it feel like 100 to 105 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival, scheduled the weekend prior to the annual Chicago Pride Parade, 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 the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA), the organization behind Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. 

Chicago Pride Fest schedule: Saturday, June 16 | Sunday, June 17

Interviews: Belinda Carlisle | Carlito Olivero

Chicago Pride Month Calendar
 

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