Legacy & Liberation II: United in the Fight
2025-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Gallery Guichard, 436 E 47th St, Chicago, IL, 60653
Howard Brown Health, in partnership with Life is Work and sponsored by Gilead, will host a healing and powerful World AIDS Day brunch rooted in community, health, and purpose.
The event will feature delicious food, live entertainment, discreet HIV testing, access to PrEP, and an engaging fireside chat with leaders from Howard Brown Health, AIDS United, NAESM, and Pride in the Pews.
Fireside Chat Hosted by Rev. Don Abrams, Pride in the Pew featuring:
• Dr. Travis Gayles (Howard Brown Health)
• Carl Baloney Jr. (AIDS United)
• R. Wayne Woodson (NAESM)
Live Entertainment by:
• Otis Mack
• Amalia Black
• Victoria LePaige
• Mikey Everything
• Dakota Monroe
Space is limited, all guests must have a confirmed RSVP to attend.

LoveFest with the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus
2025-12-07 12:00 - 20:00 | Bassline, 2239 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616
The Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus presents LoveFest, an invitation for the community to slow down, exhale, and recenter around pleasure. Inspired by Janet Jackson’s The Pleasure Principle, this year’s theme was created to evoke a soft, sexy, and intentional atmosphere designed specifically for the Black queer community.
LoveFest offers a full day of experiences that explore physical pleasure, sexual health, intentional cannabis use, conscious substance consumption, and curated cocktail workshops. The event underscores a powerful truth: pleasure is not a luxury — it is essential to the wellbeing of Black gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men in Chicago.

Holly Dolly Christmas with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Various Venues
Have a holly Dolly holiday with CGMC! Over 200 performers will light up the stage with rhinestones, twang, and high-energy dancing in a dazzling tribute to Dolly Parton. Get ready for big voices, joyful harmonies, and a heartwarming celebration that mixes holiday cheer with country sparkle.
Friday, December 5, 2025 at 8:00pm
Harris Theater for Music & Dance
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 8:00pm
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 3:00pm
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

Holiday Open House at COH
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, 60613
Center on Halsted invites guests, community members and supporters to join them for a festive evening. Take part in tours, and family activities. Enjoy caroling and toast to the end of a monumental year during this season of giving. There will be a cash bar and light snacks provided. To further support Center on Halsted’s mission, there will be a coat drive for guests to bring an item to donate at the Open House. Registration is free.

Holiday Meal and Celebration
2025-12-25 09:30 - 14:30 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, 60613
Join Center on Halsted to celebrate the holidays with a holiday meal and bingo sponsored by Jewel-Osco. Free. Open to all ages. Vegetarian and vegan meals by request.
9:30am: Coffee
11am: Doors open
12pm: Meal served
1:30pm: Bingo

New Year's Eve with the Legacy Project
2025-12-31 19:00 - 2026-01-01 02:00 | Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, 60657
Join The Legacy Project for a spectacular New Year’s Eve 2026 Celebration at Sidetrack. A portion of the proceeds benefit the award-winning Legacy Project’s ongoing work to expand Illinois’s new LGBTQ-Inclusive Curriculum Public School Curriculum.
Tickets include Party Favors, light bites from J&L Catering from 7-9pm, Sidetrack’s Chicago Drag Showcase from 8-10pm, and a Champagne Toast at Midnight!
Doors open at 7pm with special surprises for those who join early!
Doors Open at 7p
Must be 21+ with Valid ID
Coat Check $3

Outspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling 1/6
2026-01-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, 60657
Don’t miss OUTspoken LGBTQ+ Stories, Sidetrack’s monthly storytelling event celebrating uniquely personal stories from a cross-section of the LGBTQ+ community. OUTspoken is usually held on the first Tuesday of each month at Sidetrack.
Seating in Main/Cherry/North Bars begins at 6pm
Stories begin at 7pm
Typically there will be 6 storytellers and one intermission.

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.

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.

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.

Aurora Pride Parade 2026
2026-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Aurora, Aurora, Illinois, 60506
The Aurora Pride Parade returns to downtown Aurora, Illinois, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at noon, celebrating its seventh year as a vibrant showcase of love, equality, and diversity.
This family-friendly event features colorful floats, spirited performances, and a joyful sense of community, drawing thousands of attendees and participants from throughout the region.
The parade route begins at E. Benton Street and S. Broadway, travels up Broadway to Downer Place, and concludes at W. Downer Place and N. Middle Avenue.
Organized by Aurora Pride.

Chicago Pride Fest 2026
2026-06-20 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-21 11:00 - 22:00 | Northalsted Neighborhood, Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Chicago Pride Fest, the annual two-day street festival, is on June 20-21, 2026; 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.
Pride Fest features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performance, the Proud Pet Parade with prizes, dance exhibitions, 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 & community programs.
Location: Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Main Gate at Halsted & Addison, other gates (shorter lines): Halsted & Broadway/Grace, Halsted & Waveland, Broadway & Waveland

Proud to Run 2026
2026-06-27 08:00 - 11:00 | Montrose Beach, 601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60613
Proud to Run is a Chicago tradition that has celebrated the LGBTQ+ community through sport since 1982. Held the Saturday before the city’s Pride Parade, the event features a 5K run/walk and 10K run along the lakefront, welcoming over a thousand participants each year — from first-time walkers to competitive runners chasing personal bests. Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ nonprofits working in areas like health, housing, youth empowerment, advocacy, and the arts.

Chicago Pride Parade 2026
2026-06-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Northalsted Neighborhood, Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Get ready to celebrate love, equality, and community at the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade, one of the city’s most vibrant and iconic summer traditions! Taking place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, this legendary parade winds through the North Side neighborhoods of Uptown and Lakeview, bringing together hundreds of thousands of spectators, dazzling floats, marching bands, performers, and community organizations. This years theme is Free to Be Proud.
Now in its 55th year, the Chicago Pride Parade is the grand finale of Pride Month celebrations, showcasing the city’s unwavering spirit of inclusion and unity. Expect a joyful explosion of color, music, and pride as participants march in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time attendee, the Chicago Pride Parade promises an unforgettable day of celebration, connection, and pure Chicago energy.
Chicago Pride Parade FAQ & Map
Produced by PRIDEChicago.
