Heather Small (M People), Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Altar & JORDY Headline Chicago Pride Fest 2023

Heather Small (M People), Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Altar, JORDY, and Eureka O’Hara are among this year’s headliners for Chicago Pride Fest®, taking place June 17th and 18th in the city’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted community.

Upwards of 60,000 festival attendees gather each year to celebrate LGBTQ+ life, culture and community at Chicago Pride Fest.

Other artists on the Bud Light North Stage include Nick Osin, Shab, Ultra Naté, Ariana and the Rose, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Ultrabeat.

Chicago Pride Fest’s South Stage Saturday lineup showcases local favorites: Sixteen Candles, Too Much Molly, Hello Weekend, and more. Sunday programming by Peach Presents features BbyMutha, Cookiee Kawaii, The Vixen’s Black Girl Magic and others. Performance schedules below.

Additional attractions include the Waveland DJ Stage, a Youth Pride Space for teens, Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie, Firebrand country western dance and Servin’ Fysh dance company, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, 103.5 KISS-FM Rainbow Run, guest speakers, and over 150 merchandise and food vendors.

The Youth Pride Space debuted last year and returns for both days of Chicago Pride Fest 12-7pm at Broadway and Waveland (inside the festival). It is a dedicated safe space for LGBTQ+ teens and teen allies (age 12-18). Programming includes speakers, entertainment, activities, dance area, food and beverages, and counseling resources. Details forthcoming at northalsted.com/youth.

We come together in June to celebrate community and uplift each other in the struggle for equality and human rights…Outright attacks, especially on transgender and BIPOC members of our community, are ongoing.
Upwards of 60,000 festival attendees gather each year to celebrate LGBTQ+ life, culture and community at Chicago Pride Fest (June 17-18, 2023). The event is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance chamber of commerce and takes place the weekend before the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade (June 25th, organized independently).

Northalsted Vice-President and lead event organizer, Mark Liberson, is excited for Chicago Pride Fest’s 22nd anniversary, “We come together in June to celebrate community and uplift each other in the struggle for equality and human rights. Despite decades of progress, the need for Pride has not lessened, as outright attacks, especially on transgender and BIPOC members of our community, are ongoing.”

A $15 suggested donation at entry helps pay Chicago Pride Fest performers, event workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the creation and ongoing maintenance of the Chicago Pride Crosswalks: 14 rainbow paved neighborhood intersections make up the longest installation of its kind in the world, and the programming supported by Northalsted, including DEI training.

Chicago Pride Fest 2023 Schedule

Bud Light North Stage
Saturday, June 17, 2023

1:00pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
2:00pm – Eureka O’Hara
2:30pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
3:45pm – Servin’ Fysh Dance Co
4:00pm – Meet Me @ The Altar
5:00pm – Ultrabeat
6:45pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
8:00pm – Shab
8:30pm – Nick Osin
9:15pm – Heather Small (M People)

Sunday, June 18 2023

12:00pm – Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:00pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
2:00pm – Slayyyter
3:00pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
4:00pm – Ultra Nate
5:15pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
6:50pm – Pride Fest Drag Show
8:00pm – Ariana and the Rose
8:45pm – JORDY

South Stage

Saturday, June 17, 2023

1:00pm – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
1:45pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
2:30pm – Bev Rage & The Drinks
3:30pm – Firebrand
4:00pm – Hello Weekend
6:00pm – Too Much Molly Band
8:00pm – Sixteen Candles

Sunday, June 18 2023

12:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
1:00pm – Proud Pet Parade w/Miss Foozie, Awards
1:30pm – Lakeside Pride
Peach Presents:
TBD  – Bonita Appleblunt
TBD  – BbyMutha
TBD – AZN INVZN ft. Chess Knight+Supes Base
TBD – Cookiee Kawaii
TBD – C*nty Meme
TBD – MochaMocha2.0 Presents: The Body Confidence Queens
TBD – The Vixen Presents: Black Girl Magic

Waveland  Stage
Saturday, June 17, 2023

1:00pm – Barker
2:30pm – Miss Toto
4:00pm – Martin
5:30pm – Alexis Tucci
7:00pm – DJ Bryan
8:30pm – Ca$h Era
Host – Sasha Love

Sunday, June 18, 2023

11:00am – Radio Show
1:00pm – Janky
3:30pm – Chomper
5:00pm – Dom Brown
6:30pm – DJ Xtasy
8:00pm – DIOX

 

About the Northalsted Business Alliance
Founded in 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance represents more than 100 small businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway. The organization works to enhance economic vitality, foster a welcoming community, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and promote tourism through programs, services, and events including Chicago Pride Fest®, Northalsted Market Days®, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, and more. For information visit northalsted.com.

Chicago Pride Fest Info:
What: Chicago Pride Fest®, street festival est. 2001 with live entertainment on 3 stages, vending & food.
Where: Halsted St. from Addison to Grace St, Chicago IL
When: June 17-18, 2023:  Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-10pm
Why: A celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride & community in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood
Who: Northalsted Business Alliance
Admission: suggested $15 donation, all ages
Website: pridefestchicago.com
Contact: info@northalsted.com (773) 883-0500

Alaska Thunderf*ck, Dorian Electra, CupcakKe, Eurovision winner Netta, The Aces, and “Queen of the Universe” winner Grag Queen are among this year’s headliners for Chicago Pride Fest® 2022 taking place June 18 and 19 in the city’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted community.

Dates: Chicago Pride Fest is June 18-19, 2022

Alaska Thunderf*ck, Dorian Electra, Cupcakke & Netta Headline Chicago Pride Fest 2022

Chicago’s annual Pride festival at Halsted & Addison will also feature Inaya Day, Mila Jam, Madison Rose, Sixteen Candles, Boy Band Review, KIYOMI, Queen Explosion, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, and more. Three stages of live music and performers, Sunday “Peach Presents” produced stage, 150+ vendors, and the Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie, round out the weekend’s attractions.

The street fest’s attendance is upwards of 60,000 visitors and is organized by Northalsted Business Alliance, chamber of commerce. Northalsted Vice-President and lead event organizer, Mark Liberson, is thrilled for the return of Chicago’s June Pride events. “I’m excited that our community will gather again this year in June as we have historically, with heightened appreciation of togetherness and resilience in celebration of the rights we have secured and motivated to ensure that we retain them into the future.”

Chicago Pride Fest (June 18-19) takes place the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 26, organized independently by Proud Chicago).

A $15 suggested donation at entry helps pay Chicago Pride Fest performers, event workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks: 14 rainbow paved neighborhood intersections make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.

Chicago Pride Fest

What: Chicago Pride Fest®, street festival est. 2001
Where: Halsted St. from Addison to Grace St, Chicago IL
When: June 18-19 ,2022:  Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-10pm
Why: A celebration of community Pride in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood
Who: Northalsted Business Alliance & Chicago SSA#18
Admission: suggested $15 donation, all ages
Website: pridefestchicago.com
Contact: info@northalsted.com (773) 883-0500

About the Northalsted Business Alliance

Founded in 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance represents more than 100 businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway. The organization works to enhance economic vitality, foster a welcoming community, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and promote tourism through programs, services, and events including Chicago Pride Fest®, Northalsted Market Days®, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, and more. For information visit northalsted.com.

Chicago Pride Fest | COVID-19 | Testing & Vaccinations | Music Festival | Walk In Appointments

Northalsted is partnering with Northshore Clinical Labs to offer free COVID testing and vaccinations in advance of, and at next weekend’s Chicago Pride Fest.

Walk-in 12-6pm at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. starting Wednesday 9/24 through Sunday 10/3.

Northshore Clinical Labs is offering the testing 100% free, no insurance required, to maximize the number of tests available. For more info contact 773-570-6510 or customerservice@northshoreclinical.com.
Free Rapid testing will also be available at the Pride Fest main gates during the festival with results in under 15 minutes.

The Northshore Clinical Labs vaccination booth inside the festival will be offering the Pfizer vaccine. Second doses, testing, and vaccinations are available to the public at the NSC laboratory at 4751 N. Kedzie.
COVID-19 protocols that were in place for Northalsted Market Days will be repeated: attendees of Chicago Pride Fest should be fully vaccinated or wear a mask. Many establishments on Northalsted require proof of vaccination for entry or a recent negative test.

For full event details see pridefestchicago.com or follow us on Facebook @ChicagoPrideFest, Instagram @pridefestchicago, or Twitter @northalsted.

Chicago Pride Fest Adds Debbie Gibson, Jamila Woods, Katie Kadan, Nina Sky and More to the Lineup

Chicago Pride Fest®, now spanning 3 days from October 1-3, will be packed with even more live music and entertainment! Newly added headliners include: Debbie Gibson, Jamila Woods, Katie Kadan (photo by Vin Reed), Nina Sky & Mila Jam. The festival recently announced adding Sunday October 3, following the cancellation of the Chicago Pride Parade.
Newly added headliners include: Debbie Gibson, Jamila Woods, Katie Kadan, Nina Sky & Mila Jam.

Previously announced artists also appearing are: Mýa, Shangela, VINCINT, Crystal Waters, Kristine W, Brooke Eden and St. Panther.

The entertainment also includes local favorites such as: Black Girl Magic with The Vixen and other artists produced for Sunday by Peach Presents, Dancing Queen: ABBA Salute, Sixteen Candles, Boy Band Review w/special guest Toxic feat. Garek, Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, CATFIGHT, iPop, Bev Rage & the Drinks and MORE!

The Waveland Dance Stage is likewise loaded with Chicago’s proudest DJs and special guests. Full stage schedules and lineup details at pridefestchicago.com

COVID-19 protocols that were in place for Northalsted Market Days will be repeated: attendees of Chicago Pride Fest should be fully vaccinated or wear a mask. The majority of bar and restaurant establishments on Northalsted require proof of vaccination for entry (with a few requiring a recent negative test). Free COVID testing will be available at both the north and south gates prior to entry into the festival and both testing and vaccinations will be available from Northshore Clinical Labs prior to and at the festival. More information on testing and vaccination availability prior to the festival is available at northshoreclinical.com.

Northalsted Business Alliance Vice-President and festival organizer Mark Liberson is excited for the return of the festival.

“We’re grateful that vaccinations have enabled the return of events this year, allowing LGBTQ+ people and allies from all over the midwest and beyond a meaningful opportunity to celebrate life and community together.”

A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pay performers, festival workers, and funds community programs. Entry donations from previous festivals also helped to pay for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks: 14 rainbow paved intersections that make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.
About the Northalsted Business Alliance

Founded in 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance represents more than 100 businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway. The organization works to enhance economic vitality, foster a welcoming community, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and promote tourism through programs, services, and events including Chicago Pride Fest®, Northalsted Market Days®, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, and more. For information visit northalsted.com.
Chicago Pride Fest

What: Chicago Pride Fest®, street festival est. 2001
Where: Halsted St. from Addison to Grace St, Chicago IL
When: Oct 1-3,2021:  Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-10pm
Why: A celebration of pride in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood
Who: Northalsted Business Alliance & Chicago SSA#18
Admission: suggested $15 donation, all ages
Website: pridefestchicago.com
Contact: info@northalsted.com (773) 883-0500

Mýa, Shangela, VINCINT, Crystal Waters, Kristine W, Brooke Eden and St. Panther are among the headliners for Chicago Pride Fest® now taking place over 3 days, October 1-3, in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ landmark Northalsted/Lakeview district.

The lineup also includes Sixteen Candles, Boy Band Review w/special guest Toxic feat. Garek, Rod Tuffcurls, CATFIGHT and MORE! Schedule and full lineup details announced soon.

Previously announced for October 1st and 2nd, Chicago Pride Fest will now extend to Sunday October 3, taking the place of the now cancelled Chicago Pride Parade.

Echoing the COVID-19 protocols that were in place for Northalsted Market Days, attendees of Chicago Pride Fest will be encouraged to be fully vaccinated or be issued a mask to wear, indoor establishments in the festival area will be requiring proof of vaccination or recent negative test for entry, and free COVID testing / vaccinations will be offered before and at the festival.

“Northalsted celebrates Pride year-round. When the pandemic hit, it posed new challenges in doing so. Yet, we found ways to stay connected to each other and celebrated with Virtual Chicago Pride Fest. We’re more excited than ever that the vaccinations have enabled the return of outdoor events this year, that allow our community to celebrate together in person.”

A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pay performers, festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks: 14 rainbow paved intersections make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.

From chicago.gopride.com

Chicago Pride Fest 2019 is just three 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. Four stages deliver non-stop live performances featuring headliner and multi-platinum Grammy winner Leann Rimes, lighting up the stage with dance hits like “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”, “How Do I Live”, “Love is Love is Love” and more.

Pop diva Betty Who, Brazilian sensation Pabllo Vittar, Broadway vocalist Alex Newell, and dance music icons Ultra Naté and Inaya Day are also 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 Northalsted this summer.

Local favorites include Boy Band Review, Cat Fight, Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, and 16 Candles.

In addition to the entertainment, the two-day street festival includes over 100 food and drink vendors and merchants, DJs and dancing, drag shows and more.

Another fun-filled highlight of Pride Fest is the annual Pet Pride Parade with Miss Foozie, which starts at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.

And all-new this year, the debut of a singing contest for the Out at Wrigley national anthem performance.

Mya, Kim English and La Bouche among the acts for Chicago Pride Fest, June 16 – 17

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 Northalsted this June.

“No neighborhood puts on a better party than Northalsted,” 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.

Pride Fest Chicago® June 16-17, 2018 is one of many Chicago Pride Events in June. Even though June is no longer recognized by the White House as national Pride Month, the celebration will go on!

The Chicago Pride Parade is a Chicago tradition spanning more than four decades, but celebrations of gay pride have long since expanded beyond just the Northalsted parade. The big event on the last Sunday in June is now accompanied by Pride weekend festivities in alternative gayborhoods like Andersonville and Rogers Park. And LGBTQ-themed cultural offerings including theater, comedy shows and queer-friendly concerts dot the June calendar. We’ll keep adding to the list as dates firm up and new events are announced.

Crank up your favorite gay anthem and start planning out your Pride.