Pride Month Special

DO Celebrate Pride MONTH IN CHICAGO

By Marissa Rainone

June 1st marks the start of Pride Month in Chicago! Show off your pride for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community this year by attending some vibrant events or shopping and eating at LGBTQ+ owned businesses.

EVENTS

Pride Night at Shedd Aquarium

Kick off Pride Month right at Shedd Aquarium. On June 1st, 6-10pm, enjoy incredible DJs, delicious food and drink, and an ocean-themed drag showcase. Each ticket–starting at $19.95–includes access to most of the aquarium’s exhibits.

Chicago Pride Fest

This legendary two-day street festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. Chicago Pride Fest features live music, food and drink, more than 150 art vendors, drag shows, pet parade, giveaways, and so much more. Admission is free but a $15 donation is suggested to help compensate performers and festival workers, plus fund community programs. Chicago Pride Parade

The highlight of the last weekend of June will be the 51st annual Chicago Pride Parade. The parade marks the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City, the catalyst of the Gay Rights Movement. Starting at Boystown and ending up in Lincoln Park, the parade highlights Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Celebrate LQBTQ+ Pride with millions of people and feel the love!

Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon

On June 5th, lace up your running shoes for the 40th annual Pride Race. The run raises funds to help health and service organizations in Chicago. Running and/or supporting this all-volunteer organized race is a significant way to show your pride in the LGBTQ+ community.

NIGHTLIFE FOOD

Queen!

Every Sunday night, make your way to Smart Bar to participate in one of the most fun and inclusive dance parties! Enjoy dancing to house music with all your friends and maybe meet some new friends while celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Big Chicks

During the day, it’s an adorable restaurant called Tweet, where you can find a delicious brunch menu. But at night, it becomes Big Chicks, a neighborhood bar with a small backyard patio, free Sunday barbeque, and on Friday and Saturday nights, a popular dance floor.

Sidetrack

Come get sidetracked at this multifaceted LGBTQ+ venue, which spans multiple rooms, a patio and a rooftop. Enjoy their exciting show tunes and comedy theme nights. Sidetrack is dedicated to creating a respectful, safe, and fun environment for all. Jennivee’s Bakery

Owned and operated by a transgender woman, this Boystown patissere opened in 2016. Jennivee’s is a charming, relaxed place for late-night gatherings over coffee and cake. The bakery is known for its specialty cakes, cakes by the slice, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and bars.

Revival Social Club

This American eatery in Edgewater offers delicious foods and specialty cocktails, while supporting great causes. Revival holds special dinners to help raise money for the arts and to fight AIDS in Chicago.

Wilde Bar and Restaurant

Opened in 2008, this Irish restaurant with an Oscar Wilde theme has been a trend-setter in Boystown. Warm, cozy Wilde’s offers an expansive menu of sandwiches, small plates, Irish entrees, and brunch, all enjoyed while surrounded by a library, fireplace, and literary quotes on the walls.

The Closet

Visit Lakeview’s first ever lesbian bar! Open since 1978, The Closet features decades of music videos, bloody marys, and a place where all in the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and welcome.