Best Places For LGBT Arts And Culture In Chicago

Chicago offers a plethora of events and venues that explore and educate on the issues within the LGBT community. Also offered are places for people in the LGBT community to get together and interact with others who share the same interests, cares and concerns. In Chicago, you will find a large public that is working toward creating a more cohesive environment for persons in the LGBT community. Get out and learn or just have fun, but know that in Chicago, whatever your needs are, they will be met.

Downtown Bar & Lounge
440 N State St
Chicago IL 60654
(312) 464-1400
downtownbarandlounge.com

Looking for a night out on the town or just a place to hang out? Visit Downtown Bar & Lounge, Chicago's newest gay and lesbian hangout. Offered here is a relaxing environment with a fun and modern motif. You will find a great place to unwind after a long day of work and mingle with people who share common interests. Stop by a little later in the night to enjoy the party scene, with three bars, music and videos, Downtown Bar & Lounge is equipped to provide whatever experience you may be looking for. Check its website for times and prices.

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Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles
1333 W Devon Ave, Suite 105
Chicago, IL, 60660
(773) 381-6693
lakesidepride.cloudaccess.net

Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles offers the celebration of the LGBT community through musical expression. It is dedicated to efforts for promoting diversity and education through musical performances, various workshops and even non-musical events. Lakeside is committed to helping bring together a community of knowledgeable individuals who are given the opportunity to create something more positive. Check out the Freedom Marching Band, the SHHH…Out! Jazz Ensemble or any of the other featured ensembles.

About Face Theatre
1222 W Wilson Ave, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-8565
www.aboutfacetheatre.com

The About Face Theatre is recognized in Chicago's LGBT community, not only for its amazing plays and performances, but for its efforts to educate. The advancement of dialogue on gender and sexual identity is one of the main focuses. This theatre challenges not only the audience, but the performers to think outside of the box. Outside of the theatrical expressions, About Face offers three program structures that work toward that advancement; The Mainstage Season, New Works Program and Education Programs such as the About Face Youth Theatre which already reaches over 5,000 students and teachers every year. Whether you are looking for education or simply a little entertainment, drop by to show your support for the About Face Theatre.

Northalsted Business Alliance
3656 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 883-0500
www.northalsted.com

The Northalsted Business Alliance is dedicated to bringing the LGBT community together. Strong supporters of The Center on Halsted, Northalsted Business Alliance is currently working closely with the Chicago Police Department to help make residents feel safe and secure. It also offers the two most popular summer events in Chicago for the LGBT community. The Chicago Pride Fest, known as the first official party of summer (June 22-23), a two-day festival of arts and crafts, food and other vendors and Northalsted Market Days (August 11-12), a two-day street fair with 40 musical acts, unique foods and artistic displays. The Northalsted Business Alliance brings a lot to the table. Check out the website for performance lineups and more info on its efforts within the LGBT community.

Related: Best Handmade Crafts In Chicago

Check out CBS Local's Guide to Celebrating Chicago Pride

Jessica Cage is a freelance writer from Chicago. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.