Chicago Travel Professionals Guide - 2025
CELEBRATE CHICAGO PRIDE
2024-11-27 07:33:06
Explore the city’s welcoming Northalsted, Uptown, and Andersonville LGBTQ+ neighborhoods.
NORTHALSTED
The lively Northalsted neighborhood, formerly known as Boystown, is the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. Start your visit with a guided tour of The Legacy Walk, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ history museum, which honors queer heroes and notable events. Stop at Unabridged Bookstore to browse the impressive selection of LGBTQ+ literature, with handwritten staff recommendations. End the day with dinner and a drag show at the entertaining Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club.
UPTOWN
Everyone is welcome in the diverse Uptown neighborhood, home to historic nightlife and incredible global eateries. See a play focused on queer experiences at the PrideArts Center. Catch an evening or Sunday brunch performance at The Baton Show Lounge, an iconic Chicago drag venue for more than 50 years. Drink with the locals at lesbian bar Big Chicks and come back the next morning for breakfast on the patio at sister spot Tweet. Join fellow sun lovers at nearby Osterman Beach, where you can relax on the sand and take a cooling dip in Lake Michigan.
ANDERSONVILLE
Proud of its Swedish roots, Andersonville is home to one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Hear feminist author readings at Women & Children First, one of the city’s oldest indie bookstores. Play pub and board games, or visit for trivia or karaoke nights, at the friendly Meeting House Tavern. Toast the night with craft cocktails at Nobody’s Darling, a Black-owned queer lounge that was nominated for a James Beard Award.
CAN’T-MISS LGBTQ+ EVENTS
Chicago Pride Fest/Chicago Pride Parade (June) The massive, two-day Pride Fest is held the weekend before the colorful Pride Parade, which takes place on the last Sunday in June.
Midsommarfest (June) The Andersonville neighborhood kicks off summer with musical performances on the Pride Stage featuring drag, house, and disco, plus local foods and artisans.
Pride North (June) Held in the Rogers Park neighborhood, this annual block party features two stages hosting Chicago’s hottest DJs, drag acts, and more.
Pride South Side (July) Black and Brown queer Chicagoans are celebrated at this joyful Hyde Park event.
Northalsted Market Days (August) There’s loads of live music and dancing at one of the biggest street fests in the country.
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival (Mid-September – early October) Queer movies from around the world are screened during this autumn event.
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade (October) Cheer the wildly costumed revelers at Northalsted’s evening Halloween celebration.
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