City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago
2025-07-05 08:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611
City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago is an intergenerational group exhibition that highlights Chicago’s essential, yet often underacknowledged, role in the story of queer art and activism. The exhibition examines this history from the mid-1980s, when activists radically mobilized in response to the US government’s disastrous handling of the AIDS crisis. In this moment of change, activists reclaimed the historically pejorative epithet “queer” as a liberatory term, encompassing all who purposefully deviate from heteronormative society. Drawn from the MCA’s collection and other local collections, City in a Garden follows this paradigm shift in LGBTQ+ history by bringing together work from over 30 artists and collectives working in Chicago from the 1980s to the present.
These artists address queerness through diverse media and methods: documenting clandestine queer spaces in photographs, creating sculptures that challenge normative depictions of gender and sexuality, and exploring queer intimacy through drawings, paintings, and videos. City in a Garden also features archival materials related to groups who innovatively combine artistic practices with their activism. The exhibition takes its title from Chicago’s official motto, Urbs in Horto, which translates to “city in a garden.” In the context of this presentation, this motto speaks to the exhibited artists’ and activists’ utopian visions of a metropolitan sanctuary for people of all races, genders, and sexualities. As queer people continue to fight for their lives and livelihoods under ongoing and renewed political threats, these visions remain as urgent today as ever.
City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago is curated by Jack Schneider, Assistant Curator, with Korina Hernandez, Curatorial Assistant.

A Midwinter Mixer 50+
2026-01-31 14:00 - 17:00 | Nobody’s Darling, 1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL, 60640
Before Sunset and Cookies & Conversations present A Midwinter Mixer, an afternoon celebrating elder community and camaraderie at Nobody’s Darling. Gather for a joyful afternoon of community and connection. The mixer is designed for the 50+ community.

Equality Illinois Gala 2026
2026-01-31 17:30 - 23:30 | Chicago Hilton, 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Equality Illinois is proud to welcome community members, supporters, and allies for an unforgettable evening of solidarity, joy, and collective power.
In addition to individual tickets, a limited number of sponsorship opportunities and table reservations remain available. Leadership support at this moment is deeply meaningful and helps ensure that Equality Illinois can continue protecting and advancing LGBTQ+ rights across Illinois.
By purchasing a table, becoming a sponsor, or placing an ad in the virtual adbook, supporters send a clear and urgent message: LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and the community stands united in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Together, we gather strong, united, and unapologetic in the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
Equality Illinois looks forward to welcoming everyone on January 31.
2026 Equality Illinois Annual Gala
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Hilton Chicago

Lakeside Pride Pops Ensemble Winter 2026 Concert
2026-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL, 60608
“Do You Hear the People Sing?”
The Lakeside Pride Pops Ensemble opens its concert season with “Do You Hear The People Sing?” — a reflection on the power of banding together for what is right. A mass protest turns into a revolution in “Les Misérables.” “Princess Mononoke” preaches nature over industrialization. The Jedi show us the light side of the Force in the “Star Wars Trilogy”. Join us on February 7 to see what other tales are in store.
Parking: Benito Juarez has two small lots to the North and East of the building off of W 21st and S Loomis St. The entrance door is located on the west side of 1445 W Cermak Rd.

Chicago Pride Hockey and BSA Open Skate
2026-02-21 15:00 - 18:00 | Blackhawks Ice Center, 1801 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60612
For more than 20 years, Chicago Pride Hockey (CPH) has made a welcoming space on the ice for LGBTQ+ folks with a passion for hockey. But for those new to Pride Hockey… This one’s for you!
Join CPH at Blackhawks Ice Center (formerly Fifth Third Arena) for a community open skate event February 21st from 2-5pm!
Skate with friends on the Blackhawk’s home turf AND raise funds for Brave Space Alliance, Chicago’s Black, trans founded LGBTQ+ center on the South Side of Chicago.
Your registration includes the cost of skate rental, but if you want to raise a little more, get yourself a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Heated Rivalry jersey or exclusive Chicago Blackhawks memorabilia!

World of Chocolate
2026-02-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Artifact Events, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613
AIDS Foundation Chicago invites you to explore delicious creations from chefs across Chicagoland at World of Chocolate. Support the HIV/AIDS community while you sample sweet treats, savory snacks, and libations featuring our main ingredient.
At this event, you can be the judge – vote for your favorite dishes alongside a panel of culinary experts and Chicago media personalities. In between bites and sips, enjoy entertainment from DJ Onwa, Haus of Paint, and donate to win prizes from our punchboard.
Gather with community for a joyful and indulgent experience that will power lifesaving HIV services across Chicagoland. Since its inception, World of Chocolate has raised over $7 million for people living with HIV.

HER: HRC Chicago Presents: 90s Dance Party
2026-03-07 19:00 - 23:00 | D.S. Tequila, 3352 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, 60657
Celebrate equality, community, and unapologetic joy at HER: HRC Presents — 90s Dance Party—a throwback night honoring women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Held during International Women’s Month, this event uplifts the power, resilience, and impact of women while celebrating queer culture and chosen family.
All proceeds benefit the Human Rights Campaign, supporting the fight for full equality for all.
21+ event. Valid government-issued ID required for entry.

Human First Gala 2026: Family Reunion
2026-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 | The Geraghty, 2520 S Hoyne Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60608, United States
Center on Halsted’s 2026 Human First Gala: Family Reunion celebrates individuals and organizations whose work has had a lasting impact on Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and allies. This year’s theme is about celebrating the families that make up our LGBTQ+ community, including our families of origin and our families of choice.
This year, the gala will honor the Frankie Knuckles Foundation in memory of Frankie Knuckles, Windy City Times’ Tracy Baim & Owen Keehnen, and Comcast for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and enduring contributions to our LGBTQ+ community.

Lesbian Visibility Week Happy Hour with Dorothy
2026-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Dorothy, 2500 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60622
Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week with the PRIDEChicago and Dorothy! We’re coming together to honor our community’s vibrant history while looking forward to the 55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
Come grab a drink, collect your 2026 parade button, and get your portrait taken at our “Free to Be Proud” photo pop-up.
Dorothy is 21+ and requires physical or mobile ID for all to enter.

Springfield Pridefest 2026
2026-05-16 12:00 - 22:00 | Downtown Springfield, Illinois, E Capitol Ave & S 5th St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701
Springfield Pride 2026 is back and bolder than ever. From show-stopping performances and delicious local eats to our incredible displays of talent, there’s a space for everyone to shine.
Enjoy a day of pure joy, community, and celebration.
Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at 5th & Allen and goes North to PrideFest at 5th & Capitol.
Ribbon Cutting is at Noon.
Live entertainment from 12:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Springfield Pridefest is Free.

Community Dialogue: Stories of Pride
2026-05-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, 60613
Join PRIDEChicago for a free community dialogue about LGBTQ+ Pride and parades, marches, and protests in partnership with The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project.
Held in connection with the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade, this public gathering fosters storytelling, reflection, and exchange across generations to cultivate community, connection, and pride.
The community dialogue will feature 4 storytellers from The Dialogue Project who will share key experiences with LGBTQ+ Pride Parades and the importance of being Free to be Proud! After these stories, we will break into small groups to dialogue and hear from one another.
All are welcome! RSVP to let us know you’re coming!
This free event will take place on Wednesday, May 27th, from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Hooper Leven Theater at the Center on Halsted (3rd floor).
Come early to mingle! Doors open at 5:00 pm.
(Artwork in the event banner made by participants of The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project.)

Waukegan Pride Parade and Festival 2026
2026-05-30 14:00 - 21:00 | Illinois
Celebrate Pride at the Waukegan Pride Parade beginning at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Center. The parade will continue to Waukegan Harbor, where the celebration will continue with the Festival from 3 to 9 p.m., featuring another year of entertainment, food, vendors and celebration.

Lakeside Pride Pops Ensemble Spring Concert
2026-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, 60637
Celebrate the transition into Pride Month with Chicago’s premier LGBTQ+ and ally music community as the Lakeside Pride Pops Ensemble presents its highly anticipated Spring 2026 Concert. Directed by drag sensation Manic Maxxie, the ensemble promises an evening packed with exceptional musicianship, high-energy flair, and theatrical surprises. Under the theme “What Was I Made For?”, the performance will explore identity, community, and cinematic soundscapes through a diverse repertoire of movie soundtracks, pop arrangements, and musical medleys.

Progress Pride Flag Raising in Daley Plaza
2026-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, 60602
Kick off Pride Month in the very heart of downtown Chicago! Gather at Daley Plaza for the annual Progress Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, a powerful tradition celebrating unity, visibility, and the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Hosted by local elected officials, Cook County leaders, and community advocates, this event features a brief speaking program that honors the radical history of Pride, confronts ongoing national challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, and reaffirms Chicago’s commitment as a safe sanctuary for all people.
Following the remarks, watch as the Progress Pride Flag—which centers LGBTQ+ communities of color and the transgender community—is officially hoisted to fly prominently in the plaza for the entire month of June. This outdoor event is free, open to the public, and a perfect opportunity to stand together in solidarity, resistance, and joy.

Annual Logan Square Progress Pride Flag Raising
2026-06-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Logan Square, 3150 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60647
Kick off Pride Month with the Logan Square community at the annual Progress Pride Flag Raising ceremony! Neighbors, local leaders, and advocates will gather on Monday, June 1, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM to celebrate love, diversity, and LGBTQ+ equality. Co-hosted by 35th Ward Alderman Anthony Quezada and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Fuentes, this community-centered event features guest speakers and the official raising of the Progress Pride flag, symbolizing unity and inclusivity in the neighborhood.
The event is entirely free and open to all ages. It will take place outdoors at the heart of the neighborhood, located at 3150 W. Logan Blvd. Come show your pride, connect with your neighbors, and help launch a vibrant month of celebration and advocacy in Chicago!

Pride Night: Brokeback Mountain at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
2026-06-02 18:00 - 22:00 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier), Chicago, IL, 60611
Kick off Pride Month with a powerful night of theater and community at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s special Pride Night performance of Brokeback Mountain on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. This exclusive, one-night-only event begins at 5:30 PM with a joyful, western-themed “CAMPfire” pre-show celebration on Navy Pier, complete with community connection, country-western music, a complimentary drink, and a festive splash of camp. The evening also doubles as a high-profile benefit, with proceeds supporting the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and its mission to honor the individuals and organizations that have shaped the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history.
Following the reception, step into the intimacy of the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater at 7:00 PM for the highly anticipated North American premiere of Brokeback Mountain. Adapted by Ashley Robinson from Annie Proulx’s masterpiece novella, this sweeping play chronicles the irresistible, hidden 20-year love story between Ennis Del Mar (Harrison Ball) and Jack Twist (Jack Cameron Kay) starting in the insular rural landscape of 1963 Wyoming. Interwoven with a soulful, original Country Western score performed live onstage by a compelling band, this production delivers an unforgettable, deeply moving theatrical experience.

Joliet Slammers Pride Night 2026
2026-06-03 18:30 - 21:30 | Duly Health and Care Field, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432
The Joliet Pride Network is teaming up with the Joliet Slammers for an epic night of baseball and community at the 4th annual Pride in the Ballpark! Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just here for the atmosphere, this is the night to show out and celebrate our beautiful LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Joliet.

Give It To Me Gay!
2026-06-04 20:30 - 22:30 | Judy’s Beat Lounge, 230 W North Ave 3rd floor, 60610
Get ready for a hilarious celebration of queer art, joy, and community with Give It To Me Gay! at The Second City Chicago. This high-energy variety show puts LGBTQIA+ voices front and center, serving up an unforgettable night of comedy, chaos, and creative expression. Whether you are looking to support local queer talent or just want to laugh the night away, this production carves out a brilliant, inclusive space where audiences can come together and let loose.
Every single performance brings something fresh to the stage, featuring a completely unique lineup of three guest LGBTQIA+ acts alongside a standout performance by the talented Give It To Me Gay resident ensemble. Spanning across multiple forms of comedy and live performance, it’s the perfect way to experience the vibrant pulse of Chicago’s queer comedy scene. Grab your tickets, bring your friends, and get ready for a night of unapologetic pride and full-volume hilarity!

Pride in Park Ridge 2026
2026-06-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Hodges Park, 101 Courtland Ave, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068
Pride in Park Ridge, an annual community-led LGBTQIA+ celebration organized and sponsored by several inclusive congregations, local organizations, and volunteers, unites the Park Ridge community with many other cities around the country that celebrate Pride Month.
Entertainment includes live music, line dancing, inflatables, face-painting and drag performance.
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 5, 2026 – 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
4:00 to 6:00 p.m. – Kids Zone
6:00 p.m. – Line Dancing
6:30 p.m. – Welcome & Proclamation
7:00 p.m. – Kiki Queens live-singing performance
DJ Entertainment plays throughout the evening when no live performances are scheduled.

Aurora Pride Flag Raising 2026
2026-06-05 16:30 - 17:00 | City of Aurora Government Building, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL, 60505
Celebrate the official start of Pride Month in the City of Lights! Join city leaders, Aurora Pride organizers, and the local community at One Aurora Plaza for the annual Aurora Pride Flag Raising ceremony. This cherished tradition brings together residents, advocates, and allies to honor the triumphs, resilience, and vibrant diversity of Aurora’s LGBTQ+ community.
As the Progress Pride flag is raised over downtown, enjoy inspiring messages from local leaders and community voices dedicated to keeping Aurora a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place to live, work, and thrive. This family-friendly, brief, and impactful ceremony serves as the official kickoff to a spectacular lineup of June festivities, leading up to the highly anticipated 7th Annual Aurora Pride Parade on Sunday, June 14.

2026 Quad Cities Pride Festival
2026-06-05 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-06-06 12:00 - 23:00 | Schwiebert Riverfront Park, Rock Island, IL, 61201
The Quad Cities Pride Festival is a two-day vibrant celebration of love, identity, and community, bringing together thousands each year to honor and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Filled with live entertainment, local vendors, and joyful connection, it stands as a proud symbol of unity and inclusion in the heart of the Quad Cities.

Gerber/Hart Pride Month Book Sale
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:30 | Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N Clark St, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL, 60626
Kick off Pride Month by browsing the Midwest’s largest circulating collection of gay and lesbian literature. The Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library & Archives is hosting its annual Pride Month Book Sale, offering an incredible selection of fiction, history, and rare queer titles with paperbacks at $3 and hardcovers at $4.50. It’s the perfect opportunity to update your summer reading list while supporting a vital community institution dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ history.

Downers Grove PrideFest 2026
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515
EQuality Downers Grove invites you to DG PrideFest 2025, a vibrant celebration of pride and community! Enjoy music, delicious treats from a food truck, kid’s activities, community booths, and so much more.
The community-wide event is free to attend. Come out and show your pride.

Indigiqueer Pride Pop-Up
2026-06-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Foursided Lakeview, 2958 N Clark, Chicago, IL, 60657
Come out and support the 2Spirit Indigenous and Native Hawaiian Queer Community! Foursided Card and Gift in Lakeview will be hosting a pop-up market with art donated from artists across the Indigiqueer community. Come shop the art, jewelry, and other goods created by local Indigenous artists!
All proceeds made from the sales will go towards offsetting the cost of the Native 2SLGBTQ+ community’s second ever float in the Chicago Pride Parade!

Elgin Pride Parade & Festival 2026
2026-06-06 11:00 - 17:00 | Festival Park, 132 S Grove Ave, Elgin, Illinois, 60120
Join Elgin Pride for the fourth annual free and family-friendly Elgin Pride Parade & Festival. Support a happy, safe Elgin for everyone.
The theme for the 2026 Elgin Pride Parade and Festival celebrates identity and visibility. In a world that often asks our community to blend in, we are encouraging everyone to “raise their flag” and celebrate their authentic selves. Bring the flag that makes you proud, strong, unique, loved, and unapologetically you.
Event date: June 6, 2026​
Parade starts: 11 AM
Festival starts: Directly after parade
Festival ends: 5 PM
Cost to enter: $0; this is a free event
Ages and vibe: All-ages, family-friendly, substance-free.

Rockford 2026 Pride Parade & Party
2026-06-06 11:00 - 23:00 | Downtown Rockford, 513 E State St, Rockford, Illinois, 61104
The 2026 Rockford Area Pride festivities are bringing an unforgettable day of visibility, high-energy entertainment, and inclusion to Downtown Rockford.
The day kicks off at 11:00 AM with the Rockford Area Pride Parade, filling East State Street with music, color, and community spirit as it moves from Charles Street down to Wyman Street. Immediately following the parade, the celebration moves to the Fran Kral Parking Lot (500 Block of E. State St.) for the annual Pride Alley Party from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Hosted by The Office Niteclub, the festival will host over 100 food, retail, and artisan vendors.
Enjoy a packed entertainment lineup including Drag Queen Bingo, multiple drag showcases, and a live big band dance party from 3 PM to 6 PM. Families can enjoy games, an inflatable slide, face painting, and snacks, while adults can keep the drinks flowing safely within the venue. Keep the party going late with the official indoor afterparty starting at 11:00 PM at The Office Niteclub. Admission to the daytime events is completely free and open to all ages!

Buffalo Grove Pride 2026
2026-06-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089
The 2026 Buffalo Grove Pride Fest is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring the theme “Shine with Pride: Illuminating Resilience”. The annual event, featuring 100 entries, 2,000 participants and a crowd of thousands, celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the northwest suburbs.
The parade will start at Buffalo Grove and Thompson Blvd, head South on Buffalo Grove Rd, and turn West on Deerfield Pkwy. The Pride Picnic at Mike Rylko Park will immediately follow.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Pinta Pride Project and the Buffalo Grove Park District.

3rd Annual Crystal Lake Pride Walk & Social
2026-06-07 11:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Crystal Lake, IL, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014
Lake Pride Walk & Social! This year marks an exciting milestone as Crystal Lake Pride officially steps out as its own independent non-profit organization, continuing its mission to break down stigmas, build lasting unity, and educate the community in a fun, family-friendly, and neighborhood-respectful environment.
Schedule of Events
11:00 AM – Kick-off Walk: Meet up at the intersection of Williams Street & Crystal Lake Avenue. Wear your most colorful apparel and bring your Pride flags! The celebratory community walk will head down the streets of downtown Crystal Lake, finishing up at the main festival area.
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM – The Pride Social: The festivities continue right after the walk at Brink Street Market (specifically the Pride Court in the Brink Street parking lot).
Social & Festival Highlights
Live Music & Entertainment: A fantastic lineup featuring local queer artists and musicians, including a performance by rapper JayLeigh. The evening culminates with high-energy tribute sets from Atomic (Blondie Tribute) and Moon Money (90s Pop Rock Tribute).
Vendor Market & Resources: Shop from local LGBTQ+-owned businesses, makers, and craft vendors. You can also connect with local non-profits and community resource booths handing out information, pins, and stickers.
Food & Drinks: Enjoy a dedicated food court featuring a variety of local food trucks alongside a beer tent.
Activities: Participate in a fun baggo (cornhole) tournament and other neighborhood-friendly games.
More Info: To sign up for the walk, register as a vendor, volunteer, or check out corporate sponsorship opportunities, visit their official website at crystallakepride.org.

Equality Illinois 2026 Pride Kick-Off Brunch
2026-06-07 11:30 - 13:30 | Venue West, 221 N Paulina, Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Kick off Pride Month with a purpose at the annual Equality Illinois Pride Kick-Off Brunch! Gathering over 300 community leaders, LGBTQ+ champions, and allies, this high-energy celebration honors those who fight daily to keep Illinois a pro-equality, pro-family state. It is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, enjoy a fantastic brunch, and help fuel the critical civil rights and public policy work needed to advance full equality and acceptance across Illinois.
This year’s event features a special celebration of the 2026 Community Pride Honorees: Aisha N. Davis, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, and Antonio King. Whether you are looking to network, show your support, or just celebrate LGBTQ+ joy where mimosas meet the movement, you won’t want to miss it.
