Guide To Chicago Annual Gay Pride Parade
Chicago 43rd Annual Pride Parade
Chicago, IL
(773) 348-8243
www.chicagopridecalendar.org
Hours: June 24 – noon
Click here for parade route
One of the original cities to celebrate pride following the 1969 Stonewall Riots, Chicago promises no shortage of LGBT pride this year. The Chicago Pride Parade, which started as a march on June 27, 1970, features marching bands, dance teams, local businesses and supportive groups out to show their true colors. Last year's attendance hit more than 750,000, serving as the ultimate ending to June Pride Month in Chicago. This year's new line-up location at the corner of Broadway and Montrose kicks of the parade that will proceed south on Broadway, then south on Halsted, then east on Belmont, south on Broadway, east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.
Click here for full pride month schedule
Big Events
Chicago Pride Fest
North Halsted and West Waveland
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 584-6631
www.chicagoevents.com/
Hours: Fri, June 22 – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat, June 23 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this street festival takes place in the Boystown neighborhood. Coined as the first official party of summer, the Chicago Pride Fest celebrates LGBT community pride in a big way. Shop arts and crafts, local businesses and dine on delicious food. Catch a drag show or enjoy stage performers including Deborah Cox, Chicago RedLine and Inaya Day.
Pride DeConstructed: The 2012 Art Auction & Pride Kickoff Cocktail Party
Room & Board Chicago
55 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(773) 248-5200 ext. 303
Price:$65 advance/$80 at door
Hours: Thurs, June 21 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Spend the evening browsing the gallery for beautiful works of art to add to your collection. The ticket price includes unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and all proceeds benefit the Chicago House, a housing and supportive services organization that provides assistance to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Backlot Bash Chicago
5238 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
www.backlotbashchicago.com
Price: $35 three-day weekend discount pass (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)/$20 comedy kick off Thursday/$35 VIP/$15 Friday sunset concert
Hours: Fri, June 22 – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri, June 23 – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun, June 24 – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Located behind Cheetah Gym in Andersonville, Backlot Bash is the ultimate lesbian concert, and it lasts all weekend long. Live music performers include nationally well-known acts beloved in the LGBTQ community. This year's entertainment includes big names Chely Wright and Congress of Starlings as well as Chicago favorites Hairbanger's Ball.
Proud to Run
P.O. Box 13232
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 409-8991
www.proudtorun.org
Hours: Sat, June 23 – 8:04 a.m.; registration – 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Price: $35 preregistration/$40 race day registration
Presented by Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago, a running and walking club for the LGBT community and its friends, this 10K run and 5K run/walk is part of the Chicago Area Runners Association. Proud to Run celebrates LGBT pride and welcomes anyone. Proceeds collected from this race will help to benefit health and service organizations in the area. The 31st annual Proud to Run will step off on Simmonds Drive north of Montrose, three blocks east of Lake Shore Drive. Awards will be given to the top three finishers both male and female as well as the top finishing teams, male, female and coed.
Old Chicago Inn
3222 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-2278 or (773) 816-2465
www.oldchicagoinn.com
Price: from $135
Conveniently close to everything that's great about Chicago, from Wrigley field to the El, the Old Chicago Inn will be right by the action during pride. Enjoy continental breakfasts, a complimentary dinner at Trader Todd's and parking, which will be nearly impossible to find come time for pride's big events this weekend. If all of the action gets you a little worked up, take advantage of a free membership to #1 Gym two doors north.
Villa Toscana
3447 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 404-2643
www.villa-toscana.com
Price: from $99
Cheap, simple and super-accommodating, Villa Tuscana is also perfectly located for hard partiers at pride this year. Enjoy a continental breakfast on the sundeck, or just hit the town for booming nightlife nearby. These gorgeous European-style rooms promise a posh stay at a price that won't break the bank.
The Bar on Buena
910 W. Buena Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 525-8665
www.baronbuena.com
More of a sit-down option than Jakes, the Bar on Buena offers a little class and foodie favorites that reflect the area's diverse cultural offerings. Snag anything from seasonal sausage to Carolina-style pulled pork at this delectable dining location.
Jakes Pup In the Ruf
4401 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 728-1188
This quirky, delicious little diner is perfect for a quick, dirty bite. Snag a sandwich, a corn dog or just about any form of roasted chicken imaginable; this is definitely a stop for Pride's hard partiers who need a little recovery meal. Phenomenally cheap, this place boasts one of the best diner breakfasts around.
