About VIP Tickets
For the first time ever, we’re introducing a VIP experience—designed to give you more comfort and exclusive access throughout the weekend.
- Express entry
- A covered VIP lounge with seating
- A private bar
- Air-conditioned restrooms
Pride Fest VIP 2026
For the first time ever, we’re introducing a VIP experience—designed to give you more comfort and exclusive access throughout the weekend.
- Express entry
- A covered VIP lounge with seating
- A private bar
- Air-conditioned restrooms
Join the Waitlist! Be the first to know when VIP tickets go live!
Get early access to purchase VIP tickets before the public plus first looks at tiers, pricing, and full perk details!
Chicago Pride Fest
June 20th & 21st, 2026
Chicago Pride Fest® is an annual two-day street festival. The next Chicago Pride Fest is on June 20-21, 2026, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (Sunday, June 28, 2026). The 25th annual Chicago Pride Fest is a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture and community in Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood.
Chicago Pride Fest features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performances, the Proud Pet Parade (Sunday, 12pm) dance exhibitions, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers and over 150 food and merchandise vendors.
A $20 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and supports local non-profits & Northalsted community improvement programs including vibrant murals, art, and upkeep for the 14 Chicago Pride Crosswalks on Halsted Street, making it the longest permanent LGBTQ+ pride installation of it’s kind in the world.
Getting Here
Pride Fest is easily accessed via the CTA Red Line Addison station at Wrigley Field, CTA Red/Brown/Purple Lines at Belmont, multiple bus lines, and rideshare car/cab services to hotels and other lodging.
New For 2026
VIP areas with AC tents, private bars, and lounge seating! Stay tunned or join our list for updated information.
Our Lineup
Get ready for the 2026 lineup featuring national and local talent from our LGBTQIA+ community.
Chicago Pride Fest 2026 Artists
Attending Chicago Pride Fest
Location
Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ Northalsted district, located on N. Halsted Street between Addison St. and Grace St.
Main Gates are located at Halsted & Addison, Halsted & Waveland, and Broadway & Waveland
Entry
$20 Suggested Donation – All Ages. Your donation helps pay performers & festival workers and supports local non-profits and community programs.
Hours
June 20-21, 2026 Saturday-Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Weather
This event will be held rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances.
Security
- All bags will be inspected prior to entry
- No grills, coolers or outside alcohol allowed
- No alcohol purchased within the festival footprint may be taken outside the footprint
- Clear, sealed plastic water bottles are allowed.
- Empty reusable water bottles are allowed
- No weapons, knives, pepper spray, or firearms are allowed
- Flyering and distribution of promotional materials is prohibited
- Only approved and paid vendors may participate
- No exotic pets are allowed
ADVISORY: BEWARE PICK POCKETS
- Pick Pockets target large gatherings
- Don’t place phone / wallet in REAR pocket / loose clothing
- Don’t use shoulder bags / back packs that hang behind you in close quarters
- DO use a front facing fanny pack or cross body / sling bag
- DO use a zippered front pocket or deep front pocket
- DO hand cover pocket areas in close quarters / crowded areas
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Join the VIP Waitlist
Don’t miss the drop for early access to purchase VIP tickets before the public.
- First look at VIP tiers, pricing, and full perk details
- Priority access to limited-capacity experiences
- Real-time updates and insider announcements as they drop
Join the Waitlist Now
SATURDAY JUNE 20
North Stage with DJ Laura B
- 12:45 – Pride Fest Drag Show
- 2:00 – Durand Bernarr
- 3:00 – Miz Cracker
- 4:10 – Little Monsters: A Tribute to Gaga
- 5:40 – Chicago Spirit Brigade
- 6:00 – Pride Fest Drag Show
- 6:45 – Caroline Kingsbury
- 7:45 – MNEK
- 8:45 – Alex Chapman + Zoe Gitter Present: GAG
Waveland Stage with Mr. Pretty
South Stage with Gina Belle
- 1:00 – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
- 2:00 – Chicago Spirit Brigade
- 2:30 – The Divas
- 4:00 – Wic Whitney
- 5:30 – Too Much Molly Band
- 8:00 – Sixteen Candles
Drag Showcase
North Stage -Saturday
Show time: 1pm – 1:55pm
Host: Mimi Marks
Serena Fiierce – Abigail Beverly Hillz – Andromeda – DiDa Ritz- Amber Valentine – Boy J
Show time: 6:00pm- 6:25pm
Host: Ari Gato
Neutral Gena – Yur Unkle – Rachael Slurrz
North Stage - Sunday
Show time: 1pm – 1:55pm
Host: Ruff n Stuff
Bae Root – ChiFaguette – Angelicia Maria – Synthetic – Bella Diamond – Jerk Thique-Diamond
Show time: 2:50pm – 3:20pm Host: Khloe Park
9ine – Penis Envy – Finn – Galilea
SUNDAY JUNE 21
North Stage with DJ Laura B
- 12:00 PM – MSUFCU
- Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie Presented by Hollywood Feed Start
- 12:30 PM – Firebrand
- 1:00 PM – Pride Fest Drag Show
- 2:00 PM – Willa Ford
- 2:50 PM – Pride Fest Drag Show
- 3:45 PM – Anthony Rapp
- 5:00 PM – Nini Coco
- 5:30 PM – Chicago Spirit Brigade
- 6:00 PM – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
- 8:00 PM – Flyana Boss
- 8:50 PM – Black Girl. Magic with The Vixen, Yvie Oddly, and Heidi N Closet
Waveland Stage with Sasha Love
South Stage with Batty Davis
- 1:00 PM – MSUFCU Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie Presented by Hollywood Feed End
- 1:30 PM – Chicago Spirit Brigade
- 2:00 PM – S@NIC Healing
- 3:30 PM – Second City Outlaws
- 4:00 PM – Hello Weekend
- 6:30 PM – Rod Tuffcurls & The Benchpress
- 9:00 PM – G Flip
General Information
Hotels
The closest hotels and lodging will be found near the 60613 and 60657 zip codes. You may also check out options in 60640 and 60614 or visit the Villa Toscana in the Heart of Northalsted.
Also check out airbnb.com or VRBO.
Public Transportation
Due to heavy vehicle traffic, we recommend public transportation. You may research hotels near the CTA Red Line Addison or Sheridan Stations. The event is a few blocks from either. Here’s a fantastic video showcasing how to utilize the CTA Red Line to enjoy Chicago Pride Fest.
Buses – 8, 22, 36, 77, 80, 146, 151, 152. CTA Trip Planner
Ride services Uber, Lyft, and taxicabs are also available and Chicago has Divvy bikes for rental.
Event Parking
“Pay to Park” street parking (suggestion: use the app Park Chicago) & nearby public parking lots (use a parking app like Spot Hero).
The Chicago Pride Parade is a separately organized (non-Northalsted) event. For parade information contact info@pridechicago.org or (773) 348-8243.
Parade Website: pridechicago.org
The fun annual MSUFCU Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie presented by hollywood feed will be held on Sunday at 12:00pm starting from the North Stage. Celebrating 20 years with us, Miss Foozie will lead the contestants to the Winners presentation at the South Stage at 1:00pm. 2026 signup info TBA!
Look for Chicago Pride Fest: Teen Pride Space, near the Waveland & Broadway entrance, a new space for LGBTQ+ teens (age 12-18) presented by Center on Halsted & Walgreens.
- Performances
- Free entry
- Socialize, Food & Drinks
- Live DJ, Dancing
- Games & Giveaways
- Counseling Support
MORE INFO – Contact info@northalsted-com.us.stackstaging.com to participate in the planning committee!
Attention Residents & Businesses: the City of Chicago will begin towing cars:
(details subject to change)
Friday festival weekend at 9:00am
- 3733-3760 N. Halsted S
- 800-860 W. Bradley
- 750-820 W Waveland
and
- Friday festival weekend at 11:00pm
- 3600-3733 N Halsted St
Streets will reopen Monday after the fest at 8:00am
No access to Halsted Street surface parking lots or parking garages beginning: 11:59pm on Friday festival weekend.
The Whole Foods parking garage will remain open for customers, with access on Waveland west of Halsted during the festival and regular operating hours.
Leashed dogs are welcome; owner is responsible for their well being and behavior. Leaving before 5pm is recommended. Exotic animals are not allowed.
Contact us with questions.
During the fest: Info, First Aid, Lost & Found will be at the festival Command Center (at 3611 N Halsted St.).
For lost and found after the festival please contact Chicago Special Events Management at (773) 868-3010.
- No large bags/backpacks, all bags will be inspected prior to entry.
- No coolers or outside alcohol
- Clear, sealed plastic water bottles are allowed.
- Empty reusable water bottles allowed.
- No weapons, pepper spray, or firearms.
ADVISORY: BEWARE PICK POCKETS
- Pick Pockets target large gatherings
- Don’t place phone / wallet in REAR pocket / loose clothing
- Don’t use shoulder bags / back packs that hang behind you in close quarters
- DO use a front facing fanny pack or cross body / sling bag
- DO use a zippered front pocket or deep front pocket
- DO hand cover pocket areas in close quarters / crowded areas
Teens & Seniors
Teen Pride Space @ Broadway & Waveland
Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Free, Presented by Walgreens & Center on Halsted, Age 12-18
- 12 pm-1:30pm – Open Mic Performers
- 3:00pm – Teen Drag
- Drag Performance Saturday 2:00pm
All Day Activities:
- Family Area/ Refreshments
- Face Painting
- Button Making/ Crafts
- DJ Sessions
- Games
- Support Resources
Senior Pride @ Center on Halsted 3rd Floor
Sunday 12pm-4pm
Free, Presented by Center on Halsted, Age 55+
- 12:00pm – Refreshments
- 1:00pm – Lakeside Pride Strayhorns
- 3:00pm – Sweets Table
MSUFCU PROUD PET PARADE WITH MISS FOOZIE PRESENTED BY HOLLYWOOD FEED
Registration
North Stage, Sun 12-12:30pm
Join us at MSUFCU PROUD PET PARADE WITH MISS FOOZIE PRESENTED BY HOLLYWOOD FEED. Free to participate.
Show off your proud pet’s best outfit!
The Proud Pet Parade will kick off at 12:30pm and head to the South Stage for the Awards Presentation.
Awards Presentation
South Stage, Sun 12:45pm
Prize information coming soon!
2025 Schedule Coming Soon
Festival Map
2026 Pride Fest Sponsors
2025 Pride Fest Sponsors
Recent Galleries
Chicago Pride Fest 2025 Sunday Highlights - Tracy Conoboy
Vending, Participation, & Sponsorship
Merchants & Food Service Vendors (and Food Trucks), Artists, Local Non-Profit Organizations
2026 vending applications are now closed. Please join our email list for 2027 opportunities!
Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? Contact our Marketing & Sponsorship team for pricing and customized benefits package. Get started by reaching out to Karyn Terrones with Chicago Special Events Management at karyn@chicagoevents.com or (773) 584-6625
Submissions for 2026 are now closed for talent. Please join our email list for 2027 opportunities!
Due to the large number of submissions received, we are unable to acknowledge/decline requests to perform.
General inquires please contact us.
Merchants & Food Service Vendors (and Food Trucks), Artists, Local Non-Profit Organizations
2026 vending applications are now closed. Please join our email list for 2027 opportunities!
Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? Contact our Marketing & Sponsorship team for pricing and customized benefits package. Get started by reaching out to Karyn Terrones with Chicago Special Events Management at karyn@chicagoevents.com or (773) 584-6625
For consideration at Pride Fest:
Please contact us.
Include as much information as available:
- Chicago performance history
- Specific Dates/Venues/Attendance)
- Festival performances (Dates/Festivals)
- Social Media Links
- Website Link
- Pricing (range)
- Set Length
- Sample set list
- What sets your band apart from others
If there is an interest in having you perform at any of our events, we will contact you. Please note that we take every submission seriously and will review all materials and research your band.
Due to the large number of submissions received, we are unable to acknowledge/decline requests to perform.
General inquires please contact us.
