PRIDEChicago

Equality Illinois 2026 Pride Kick-Off Brunch
2026-06-07 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Pride Month Kick-off Celebration
2026-06-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois, 60657
Join us at Sidetrack on Sunday, June 7, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm for the official PRIDEChicago Pride Month Kick-off Celebration.
This isn’t just any happy hour—it’s your chance to meet the dedicated, all-volunteer team that works year-round to bring the iconic Chicago Pride Parade to life. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time marcher, come share in the energy that makes our community so vibrant.

Oak Park Pride Night Out
2026-06-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Oak Park, Marion St (between Lake St and North Blvd), Oak Park, IL, IL, 60302
The Village of Oak Park’s 4th Annual Pride Night / Pride Month Celebration, held in conjunction with Downtown Oak Park’s popular Thursday Night Out dine-around series. The event features outdoor dining al fresco, a special summer menu from local restaurants, and Drag Queens roaming the area in partnership with the OPRF Chamber of Commerce.

Give It To Me Gay!
2026-06-11 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-06-18 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-06-25 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!

Andersonville Midsommarfest 2026
2026-06-12 17:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-13 12:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-14 12:00 - 22:00 | Andersonville, Clark St. from Foster to Gregory, Chicago, Illinois, 60640
The Andersonville Midsommarfest returns to Chicago’s north side for its annual celebration of summer, Swedish heritage, and community spirit.
The 3-day festival takes place from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Friday, June 12 – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Summer kickoff, evening live music, and street food vendors opening.
Saturday, June 13 – 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Official Opening Ceremonies & Maypole Raising (11:00 AM), full multi-stage entertainment lineup, and family activities.
Sunday, June 14 – 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Final day of shopping, live music, dance performances, and local vendor markets.
There is a $10 suggested donation at the gate. Proceeds go directly to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and support a dozen local non-profits and schools.
Live Entertainment: Performances spanning four different stages all weekend long, featuring local bands, dance ensembles, drag performances, and a traditional ABBA tribute.
Swedish Traditions: Beyond the iconic Saturday morning Maypole dance, expect plenty of traditional Swedish food, drinks, and cultural showcases.
Artisans & Vendors: A curated street fair packed with local merchants, neighborhood eateries, non-profits, and independent makers (including a dedicated space highlighting up-and-coming LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and female-identified artists). Family & Community Activities: Dedicated kids’ programming areas, face painting, and interactive community activations.

Pride Night at Shedd Aquarium
2026-06-13 18:00 - 22:30 | Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605
Dive into the celebrations at the Shedd Aquarium’s dedicated Pride Night, an evening event running from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Guests can explore the historic aquatic galleries, experience hands-on animal touch encounters, and enjoy an ocean-themed drag show featuring spectacular local talent. The night concludes beautifully with a perfect, front-row view of the Navy Pier fireworks shimmering over Lake Michigan.

Woodstock PrideFest & Parade 2026
2026-06-14 11:00 - 17:00 | Woodstock Square Historic District, 123 E Van Buren St, Woodstock, Illinois, 60098
Celebrate love, diversity, and community at the annual Woodstock PrideFest on Sunday, June 14, 2026! Located in the heart of the Historic Woodstock Square, this vibrant, family-friendly celebration kicks off with a colorful parade at 11:00 AM, followed by a full afternoon of festivities running until 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to live entertainment, local food trucks, unique vendors, and inspiring community guest speakers. Whether you are marching in the parade or enjoying the lively atmosphere of the square, Woodstock PrideFest offers a welcoming space for everyone to come together in pride. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome!

Grayslake Pride Parade 2026
2026-06-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Historic Downtown Grayslake, Grayslake, IL, 60030
Celebrate love, diversity, and community at the 6th Annual Grayslake Pride Parade! Hosted by The Better Together Project, this family-friendly celebration kicks off on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM in historic Downtown Grayslake. Bring your friends, family, and brightest colors to line the streets from Hawley and Slusser to Center Street, where you’ll enjoy a lively procession and music from a local DJ. Admission is completely free, and everyone is welcome. Come out to show your support, connect with neighbors, and help us honor the beautiful diversity that makes our community so strong!

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.

Morton Grove Pride in the Park 2026
2026-06-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Harrer Park, 6250 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL, 60053
Come out and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community at Morton Grove’s family-friendly Pride in the Park! Held at the north end of Harrer Park, this free event features delicious local food vendors, information booths, and fun activities for the kids like face painting and balloon art. Enjoy live music from the talented Kelsey Montanez and dust off your boots for inclusive country line dancing lessons with the Second City Outlaws. No registration is needed, so grab your picnic blankets and join the fun!

Lake County PrideFest 2026
2026-06-20 09:00 - 20:00 | Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach, Illinois, 60073
The Lake County PrideFest returns for its annual summer celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from noon to 8:00 PM at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center. Touted as the largest and most highly anticipated LGBTQ+ celebration in the area, this family-friendly outdoor festival draws thousands of residents and allies together. Organized to celebrate LGBTQ+ life and culture while fostering a strong sense of community, the event asks for a suggested $10 donation at the door to directly support the critical advocacy, legal aid, and community-building efforts of the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County.
This year’s festival is packed with diverse entertainment and local flavor. The Main Stage will feature an eclectic lineup of live music, spanning from acoustic sets and local reggaeton by Mami Zaddy to alternative rock from Would You Kindly?, all culminating in the highly anticipated Lola Madison Drag Review. Beyond the music, attendees can explore a bustling marketplace filled with food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, and a dedicated resource fair. With plenty of games and activities to keep children entertained, the festival ensures an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant environment for visitors of all ages.

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

Elmhurst Family Pride Fest 2026
2026-06-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Rd, Elmhurst, IL, 60126
Join the community for the annual Elmhurst Family Pride Fest on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church (367 Spring Rd). Hosted by the Elmhurst Pride Collective, this free, outdoor, and all-ages celebration is queer-centered and family-friendly, shining a spotlight on local LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, artists, and allies.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this year’s patriotic theme is “America Is For Everyone.” Attendees can expect an afternoon packed with live music from local favorites like the School of Rock Elmhurst, a Pride color guard, tarot readings, delicious local food trucks, unique vendor booths, and interactive art projects.

5th Annual Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration
2026-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL, 60016
Celebrate love, identity, and togetherness in the heart of the northwest suburbs! The 5th Annual Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration returns for a vibrant, all-ages festival honoring the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Co-hosted by SPEAK Des Plaines and held this year at Trinity Lutheran Church, this free afternoon event brings the entire region together to inspire joy, strength, and local visibility.
Whether you’re visiting from near or far, there is something for everyone to enjoy from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Expect a packed lineup of games, crafts, free snacks, a family-friendly drag performance, and opportunities to connect with local support organizations. Come out, embrace who you are, and help foster a more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for all!

DeKalb Pride Fest 2026
2026-06-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Downtown DeKalb, DeKalb, IL, 60115
The DeKalb Pride Fest 2026 will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in downtown DeKalb at Van Buer Plaza and the Egyptian Theatre. This vibrant, free, and family-friendly community celebration connects the LGBTQIA+ community and allies across DeKalb County for an evening of pride, visibility, and joy.
Attendees can look forward to a massive resource and artisan fair featuring over 100 local businesses, nonprofits, and crafters, alongside live entertainment from NRG Music. There will also be plenty of food trucks on-site, including local favorites like Burritoville and Cousins Maine Lobster.

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.

Navy Pier Pride 2026
2026-06-27 12:00 - 17:00 | Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611
Celebrate diversity and community at Navy Pier Pride on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This free, full-day event at Chicago’s iconic lakefront attraction features a vibrant lineup of live music, dance, educational programming, and captivating performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists. Festivities will take place pier-wide, including events at Polk Bros Park, the Ferrara Candy Wave Wall Stage, and the Navy Pier Beer Garden. Perfect for all ages, it’s a wonderful way to honor the LGBTQ+ community and experience unforgettable entertainment and solidarity in the heart of the city.

Back Lot Bash Chicago
2026-06-27 16:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-28 16:00 - 22:30 | Cheetah Gym Parking Lot, 5248 N Clark, Chicago, Illinois, 60640
Operating as one of the best-attended Pride events in the country specifically dedicated to women, Back Lot Bash returns for another explosive weekend. This block-party-style music festival features an outdoor stage with an emphasis on female and non-binary artists, including a high-energy lineup of rock, pop, and live DJ sets. Capping off more than 20 years of community celebration, it remains an essential spot for music, community visibility, and pride.

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. 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.

Pride South Side: Love in Action Festival
2026-07-05 11:00 - 21:00 | DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center, 740 E. 56th Pl, Chicago, IL, 60637
Keep the celebration going and honor the beautiful diversity of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community at the annual Pride South Side Festival. Taking place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, this free, empowering event specifically uplifts and celebrates Black and Brown LGBTQ+ culture, art, and community. Hosted at the historic DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Washington Park, the “Love in Action” themed festival features incredible live music, drag and dance performances, local art showcases, a bustling vendor village, and vital community resource hubs. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the city’s Pride season with joy, advocacy, and authentic connection.
