In Chicago, Pride is more than just a month. The city celebrates LGBTQ+ culture all year long with film festivals, art exhibits, drag shows, theatrical events, and more. But June is truly a special time, when locals and visitors from around the world gather to celebrate the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history and community.
Here are just a few of the ways to celebrate Pride Month 2026 in Chicago, from our massive Pride Parade to welcoming neighborhood events.
Chicago Pride Festival and Parade
Chicago Pride Fest
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21
The 25th annual Chicago Pride Fest will take over the historic Northalsted community (the country’s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood) with a jam-packed weekend of drag shows, dancing, local vendors, live music, and more.
Chicago Pride Parade
Sunday, June 28
This annual parade, a Chicago tradition for 55 years, is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. The joyful procession celebrates advocacy, equality, and LGBTQ+ history and culture as it marches through several lakefront neighborhoods.
Chicago neighborhood Pride festivals
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14
Back for its 60th year, Midsommarfest showcases the quirky neighborhood’s Swedish roots and inclusive community.
Back Lot Bash Chicago
Sturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28
The block-party-style event, a staple for more than 20 years, includes a full weekend of music in Andersonville.
Pride South Side
Sunday, July 5
Keep the party going at Pride South Side, a colorful celebration of “Live in Action” at the DuSable Museum.
Museum nights and special events
Chicago White Sox Pride at the Park
Wednesday, June 10
Watch the Chicago White Sox face off against the Braves and receive a Pride-themed hat with your ticket.
Pride Night at the Shedd
Saturday, June 13
Head to Chicago’s iconic Shedd Aquarium for an evening of high-energy DJs and an ocean-themed drag showcase.
Pride Celebration at Wrigley Field
Monday, June 15
Enjoy local LGBTQ+-owned vendors, curated music and entertainment, fan activities, and more.
Pride Flotilla
Saturday, June 20
Get out on the water or watch from the beach as a parade of rainbow-covered boats float through Lake Michigan.
The Lesbian Social Club’s Pride Fest Takeover
Saturday, June 20
Join The Lesbian Social Club as they take over D.S. Tequila in Northalsted for 10 hours of non-stop partying, lesbian DJs, and Pride energy.
Ham-bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
Sunday, June 21
Have a gay old time at this drag bingo event, which supports the mission of local charity PrideArts Chicago.
Chicago Sky Pride Night
Wednesday, June 24
Cheer on the Chicago Sky as they take on the Portland Fire during this Pride Night showdown at Wintrust Arena.
Navy Pier Pride
Saturday, June 27
Get queer at the Pier during this free, full-day event showcasing live music, dance, and more performances from LGBTQIA+ groups.
LGBTQ+ arts, theatre, and more
Art of Pride at Hyde Park Art Center
Sunday, June 7
Enjoy a free afternoon of queer joy and artistic expression, with performances and workshops led by LGBTQ+ artists, performers, and makers.
Don’t Say Be Gay
June 10 and 24
The Bughouse Theater presents this high-energy sketch comedy show about the joys of queer life.
Give It To Me Gay: A Queer Variety Show
Thursdays through June 25
The Second City, Chicago’s legendary improv club, will celebrate queer joy with this special comedy show.
Queer as Folk Puppet Cabaret
Sunday, June 21
A unique showcase of puppetry and slam performances, hosted at the Color Club in Irving Park.
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Monday, June 29
This original show explore the lives of queer icons from different eras, hosted at The Den in Wicker Park.
Martin Wong: Chinatown USA
Now open through July 18
This exhibit at Wrightwood 659 features more than 100 paintings of visionary gay artist Martin Wong.
City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago
Now open through Aug. 16
Celebrate Pride Month at the Museum of Contemporary Art, with this exhibit highlighting Chicago’s role in queer art history.