Chicago Pride Fest.
2021 Gay Pride Event in America’s first recognized LGBTQ community
The weekend before the 2021 Chicago Pride Parade, the Chicago Pride Fest starts the celebration! The Northalsted (aka Boystown) neighborhood, is America’s first recognized gay village and now a designated city landmark.
Also celebrate the 51st Chicago Pride Parade. Two of the biggest and longest running Pride Events are in Chicago!
The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary two-day street festival, historically held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June). With up to 100,000 expected to attend, join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
Stay tuned for the 2021 dates for this legendary annual festival on Halsted Street.
The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade with up to 100,000 expected to attend, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
The festival features live music by popular artists, 4 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/craft and merchant vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, Out At Wrigley National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsor booths, games, giveaways and more.
Virtual Chicago Pride Fest 2020
LGBTQ+ Live Streaming Event & Fundraiser
On June 20 and 21, from 7-9pm, the Northalsted Business Alliance brought Virtual Chicago Pride Fest® to the world, celebrating love, life and diversity of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
The streaming event featured a full line-up with entertainment, activism, greetings and raised over $8,000 to benefit LGBTQ+ communities.
General Information
01 Event Information
Admission: $10 Suggested Donation – All Ages
Location: Boystown on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Hours: 11am – 10pm, Date, Post Poned until 2021, please see Virtual Pride Fest 2020
Public Transportation: Trains – Addison Red, Belmont Red/Purple/Brown, Sheridan Red. Buses – 8, 22, 36, 77, 80, 146, 151, 152. CTA Trip Planner
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages. Clear plastic sealed bottled water is allowed.
02 Street Closure & Parking Information
(details subject to change) EVENT WEEKEND:
Halsted Street between Addison and Grace will close at 9:00 AM on Friday and will reopen on Monday, at 4:00 AM. Street closures will also impact Waveland between Halsted and Broadway, as well as Bradley Place.
Parking Restrictions
NO PARKING will be allowed from 8:00 AM Friday, through 4:00 AM Monday, on the following streets:
800-858 W. BRADLEY PL.
744-820 W. WAVELAND AVE.
732-847 W. GRACE ST.
3600-3768 N. HALSTED
Vehicles left on the street will be ticketed and towed at owner’s expense.
No access to Halsted Street surface parking lots or parking garages (this includes Halsted Flats)
beginning Friday at 11:59pm through Monday at 4:00am.
The Whole Foods parking lot will remain open for customers, with access on Waveland west of Halsted during regular operating hours.
03 Official Merchandise
Now Available! Official Chicago Pride Fest & Boystown Merchandise & T-Shirts. SHOP NOW.
04 Out At Wrigley Contests
In 2001, The Chicago Cubs featured the first gay day, Out at the Ballgame, now an annual event called Out at Wrigley. Event organizers Market to Market Chicago and Supergurl Images sponsored contests to sing the National Anthem and throw out the first pitch with additional prizes. There were two preliminary rounds prior to the semi-finals at Chicago Pride Fest (followed by the Finals at Northalsted Market Days). For more information please see the website outatwrigley.com
05 Pet Pride Parade
Sunday at 12:00pm starting from the North Stage. Register your proud pet starting at 11:30. Gift Card Prizes! Winners presentation at the stage at Addison Street at 1:00pm.
07 Lost and Found
08 Chicago Pride Parade Information
The Annual Chicago Pride Parade is a separately organized event the weekend after Chicago Pride Fest on the last Sunday in June, starting at noon. For parade information contact Timothy Frye (Parade Coordinator) at [email protected] or (773) 348-8243.
Parade Website: chicagopridecalendar.org
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