The 23rd Chicago Pride Fest was a celebration to remember! With record breaking attendance, two food courts, new spaces for teens & seniors, and a wide variety of entertainment; the event broke new ground and brought us together for an LGBTQ+ celebration like no other.
Mark your calendars for Chicago Pride Fest 2025 on June 21st-22nd. Pride brings the community together today and every day in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood. See below for a recap on the festivities!
JoJo Siwa
Pop star, TV personality and singer/dancer JoJo Siwa created a sensation on Saturday, with record breaking attendance.
She performed her latest hit “Karma” to a very enthusiastic audience, showing off her signature dance moves and sassy personality.
Her Chicago Pride Fest performance was also a viral sensation online. JoJo’s Pride Fest posts topped 14+ million views on her Instagram and news of the attendance made People, the Sun Times, ABC7 and other feeds.
photos: above, Steven Koch;
below: Steven Koch (ul), Ken Brown (ur), Kate Scott
Performer Showcase
Pride Fest’s other headliners included Natasha Bedingfield performing everyone’s favs, including “Unwritten” as her finale. Sapphira Cristal, Max Rae & John Duff all showed off their vocal/dance chops too on the North Stage.
On Sunday, Bob the Drag Queen wowed us with a tight set of comedic wit and biting hip hop. Amber Riley stunned everyone with a live debut of her new cover of McArthur Park; special guest, pianist Micah McLaurin joined her on stage. Australian Alex Lahey rounded out the stage with an indie, pop-punk sound.
Sixteen Candles and Too Much Molly Band knocked our socks off at the South Stage Saturday. While Empress Of and Aya Ito brought the beats on Sunday, topping Peach Presents lineup of BIPOC artists.
CircuitMOM x DJ Alex Lo and DJ Avi Sic closed the Waveland Stage Saturday and Sunday respectively. Both sets were a spectacle of music, beats, and vibes!
Click below for photo galleries from the event and check back for more!
Senior Pride
On Sunday, the Center on Halsted hosted a new Senior Pride program on the 3rd floor for 55+ LGBTQ+. There were refreshments and a lively performance by the Lakeside Pride Strayhorns jazz ensemble.
photos: Kate Scott
Teen Pride Space
The Center on Halsted and Walgreens teamed up to provide a space for teens, families and allies at Broadway & Waveland just inside the East Gate to the fest. Over 600 young people visited the space over the weekend, enjoying youth drag performance, creative activities, a family space and refreshments.
Highlights included speaking appearances by Alderperson Lamont Robinson (4th Ward), Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward), and Alderperson Bennett Lawson (44th Ward).
Exhibitions
Chicago Pride Fest featured entertaining exhibitions by Chicago Spirit Brigade, Firebrand country western line dancing, Servin Fysh Dance Co, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.
photos: Del Nakamura
Proud Pet Parade
Miss Foozie’s 18th Annual Pride Fest Proud Pet Parade was a fun time for Chicago’s Proudest Pets!
Congrats to the winner of a $250 gift from Wrigleyville Veterinary Center! (below) This 3-legged cutie has the perfect drag name ‘Anita Legg’ and good taste in wigs.
- Additional prizes by:
- Lola & Bowie Store
- Pawsome Pet Pals – Dog Walking/Cat Visits
- A Dog’s Best Friend – Dog Walking/Grooming
Photos: gopride.com
2024 Sponsors
Thank you to the 2024 sponsors and partners who help make Chicago Pride Fest possible.
Visit our full sponsor listing for links to businesses and media who support the LGBTQ+ community.
