Chicagoland has always played a prominent role in the Pride movement and queer history, and the Windy City comes alive in June to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting some of the biggest Pride events in the Midwest. Read on for a round-up of the Pride Month events you won’t want to miss.
#1. Aurora Pride Parade – June 9, 2024
The Aurora Pride Parade, which began in 2017, was the first in the Chicago suburbs. This popular event is now in its eighth year and is one of the state’s largest Pride parades. Floats begin their journey at noon, and this year’s theme is Prom! There is also a family-friendly afterparty with live music at Two Brothers Roundhouse. Tickets for the after-party can be purchased here; proceeds will support next year’s Pride parade.
#2 Get Lit: Gaymer Pride – June 11, 2024
LGBTQIA+ gamers can celebrate Pride together at Get Lit: Gaymer Pride, held at the American Writers Museum in The Loop. This event has a wide variety of activities for gamers of all levels to enjoy. Whether you want to challenge your friends in gamer trivia, make your own Dungeons & Dragons pride flag or receive a personalized LGBTQIA+ gamer-themed poem, there is plenty to keep you entertained. During the month of June, the museum is hosting Level Up: Writers & Gamers, a special exhibit that explores how Americans use role-playing and video games to define and respond to our culture.
#3. Chicago Pride Fest – June 22 & 23, 2024
Appropriately held in the Northalsted neighborhood, Chicago Pride Fest is the largest pride event in the Midwest. Though free, Pride Fest suggests a $15 donation from attendees to fund community projects and pay the performers and festival workers.
At Pride Fest, there are three stages with events going on all day long. Local musicians, drag performers, and big names like Natasha Bedingfield and Jojo Siwa will perform live – so get there early to snag a great spot. And if you’re attending on Sunday, bring your furry friend! The fun annual Proud Pet Parade starts at 12:30 p.m., and the best pets get prizes. There’s also a dedicated Teen Pride Space, located near the Waveland & Broadway entrance, where LGBTQ+ teens can enjoy performances, food & drinks, games and counseling support.
#4. Skokie Pride – June 23, 2024
Held at Oakton Park, the Skokie Pride event celebrates LGBTQIA+ families and individuals in a family-friendly atmosphere. There will be magicians, face painting, food trucks, and a community service fair.
Skokie also embraces its furry family members during Pride Month. Bring your pup in their rainbow finery for the Puppy Pride Parade! You can even make a wagon-sized float to parade them around. But don’t miss Drag Story Hour or show-tune karaoke.
#5. Navy Pier Pride – June 29, 2024
Navy Pier Pride is a free all-day Pride celebration at the pier, running from noon to 10 p.m. With incredible views of the city and Lake Michigan, you can’t beat the aesthetics of Navy Pier. This family-friendly event has live music, educational programs, and resources provided by LGBTQIA+ community partners. Pride is all over the pier, so don’t be afraid to explore.
#6. Back Lot Bash – June 28 – 30, 2024
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Back Lot Bash is a three-day event focused primarily on women in the LGBTQIA+ community. In the block party style, this unique celebration centers on the female experience. Live music and performances will be held throughout the weekend. This year’s event includes performances by Olivia & the Lovers, Leisha Hailey/Kate Moenning, and Siena Liggings.
#7. Chicago Pride Parade – June 30, 2024
A tradition over 50 years in the making, the Chicago Pride Parade is a tribute not only to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, but also to the entire city. Winding through Northalsted, this is one of the biggest Pride parades in the country and one of the largest neighborhood parades on Earth! If you want a spot along North Halsted, be sure to get there early. Otherwise, there is plenty of room elsewhere along the route.
#8. The Right to Pride – July 6, 2024
Just because June is over doesn’t mean the LGBTQIA+ fellowship has to be! The celebration will still be going at The DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, hosted by Pride South Side. Also known as Chicago Black Pride, this free event celebrates Pride Month within the Black and brown communities. In addition to shopping from local businesses, this event is also an opportunity to learn more about activism within the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
