Chicago’s 43rd Annual Gay Pride Parade and More Fests and Fetes

Wigs, gaudy makeup, beads, crazy costumes and…don’t forget the rainbows. Chicago’s 43rd annual Gay Pride Parade is this Sunday at 12 pm!

Show your support for our city’s vibrant LGBT community by lining the streets for one of the most popular parades in the city (and country!). It’s always a crazy event with people cheering the procession and enjoying the show, culture, and reveling in our city’s dazzling diversity!

You know the routine by now- on Friday and Saturday thousands will gather along Halsted for the two day festival and then the weekend culminates with the world-famous Gay Pride Parade which brings out around 750,000 people!

Watch out! The parade is shaking things up this year with a new route that starts at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown and ends near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.

The parade will feature 200 entries including floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, a marching band and walking contingents. The parade is flamboyant and expressive- everyone’s just there to cut loose, celebrate, and have a crazy-good time.

Whoever you are, this event is a chance to celebrate your own freedoms- it’s something all Americans can be proud of!

When the parade ends, that doesn’t mean the festivities will! Head to Boystown or Andersonville (actually anywhere near the parade you’ll find a house-party or bar) and play into the wee hours of the night!

Some of the Best Fetes and Fests for the Weekend:

Back Lot Bash

An outdoor live music and entertainment festival, highly anticipated for lesbians around the country

Berlin Nightclub

This bar is a must-see during Pride weekend. Friday features a live performance by Shuteye, Saturday hosts DJ Chester, Sunday is ‘90s night!

Minibar Brunch

Have brunch and drinks at Minibar on Halsted with prime viewing for the Pride Parade.

Charlie’s Chicago

Great for an after after-party. Weekend events include Cool Country on Saturday and Hot Dance Party on Sunday, drink specials available all weekend.

Roscoe’s Tavern

You can find live band karaoke, wet boxer contests, drag races, and Male Call on Sunday- perfect venue for Pride activities.

By: Lauren Neuschel