Pride Events Calendar

While June traditionally is brimming full of Pride Month events, the Coronavirus has caused changes and delays this year. Many events have been postponed or cancelled altogether. We have collected information on Pride events happening for the rest of June and beyond.

June 23

Virtual Reading: ‘Sweeter Voices Still’

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Women & Children First’s Crowdcast Channel

What: Every story about a kid from Iowa who steps off the bus in Manhattan, ready to "finally" live, is a story about a kid who was already living in Iowa. “Sweeter Voices Still” is a nonfiction collection about that kid, written by people like them. Edited by Ryan Schuessler and Kevin Whiteneir. More information at www.womenandchildrenfirst.com

June 24

Hoopla Music: Elton John

When: 6-7 p.m.

Where: Zoom

What: Starting with the sounds of the Rocket Man himself, Sir Elton Hercules John, learn how you can discover thousands of songs, movies and television shows with Hoopla, Chicago Public Library’s free streaming device. Register 24 hours ahead at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events

June 26

Book Talk: ‘The Great Believers’

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Where: Zoom

What: Chicago native Rebecca Makkai captures the AIDS crisis, from a Chicago art gallery in the 1980s to Paris today. The Pullman Branch library will lead the discussion on this book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, and winner of the Chicago Tribune’s Heartland Prize. More information from bsullivan@chipublib.org or 312.747.2033. Register 24 hours ahead at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events

June 26

Navy Pier Pride

Where: 600 E. Grand Ave.

When: 1-11:30 p.m.

What: Storytelling, music, dance across the Pier, live music in the Beer Garden. Featured performers include Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and Radio Gaga.

June 26 & 27

Pride North

Where: Right off the CTA Red Line Morse stop

When: Noon to 10 p.m. What: North Side neighborhood Pride party, featuring DJs and live entertainment. FREE.

June 26 & 27

Pride in the Park

When: 2-10 p.m. Sat, 3-10 p.m. Sun

Where: Butler Field, 377 E. Monroe, Grant Park

What: Headliners Chaka Khan, the 10-time Grammy winner and “Queen of Funk"; Gryffin, DJ Tiesto, Betty Who, Alyssa Edwards of Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Tracy Young, the first woman to win a Grammy for best remix; Derrick Carter, Black LGBTQ Chicago native; and more. 2-day General Admission $80+ fees age 15+; VIP $210+ fees age 21+. Those 11-14 must have a ticket and be accompanied by a ticketed adult; 10 and under admitted free with a ticketed adult. Please visit https://prideintheparkchicago.com for tickets and health requirements (including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within the previous 3 days.

June 30

Virtual Author Reading: ‘The Queens’ English’

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Women & Children First’s Crowdcast Channel

What: Do you know where “yaaaas queen!” comes from? How about the difference between a bear and a wolf? Author Chloe O. Davis, in conversation with Amanda Bruton, will enlighten you with her book, “The Queens’ English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases.” This anthology of 800+ terms is supported by full color illustrations and photography as well as examples for those who don’t quite know how to use “kiki,” “polysexual” or “transmasculine” in a sentence, as well as the importance of pronouns, gender identity, Stonewall and more. Information at www.womenandchildrenfirst.com

August 14

10 th Annual Highwood Pride Fest

Where: Downtown Highwood

When: Noon to bar closing

What: Rainbow flags are up in June, but Pride Fest family picnic, pub crawl and drag show benefitting Highland Park H.S. Spectrum Club and Haven Youth & Family Services are postponed until August 14 because of COVID.

September 23 - October 3

39 th Annual Reeling Film Festival

What: Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. Not only has Reeling become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans, it also attracts LGBTQ+ people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year. Learn more and buy tickets at reelingfilmfestival.org

September 24 - 26

Back Lot Bash

Where: 5238 N. Clark St.

What: Showcasing local and emerging musicians as well as established performers of different genres, Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality, and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in the community. It is also the best-attended Pride event dedicated to women. Details TBA.

Through September 12

TPAN Ride for Life Chicago

What: Choose your activity -- cycle 200 miles, walk 50 miles, run 100 – as part of “10,000 Together,” this year’s nationwide virtual challenge to support TPAN, which provides direct care and services for community members impacted by HIV, most of them low-income LGBTQ individuals and people of color. Choose any activity that is meaningful to you and, as the pandemic wanes, complete your part of the collective goal at your own pace this summer. There is no fundraising minimum and no cost to join. The finale will be a 100-mile cycling event on September 12. For more information and to sign up, please visit https://support.tpan. com

October 1 & 2

20 th Annual Chicago Pride Fest

Where: Northalsted, Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Streets.

When: Fri Oct. 1 4-10 p.m.; Sat Oct. 2 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

What: The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsor activations, games, giveaways and more. Performer lineup and vending information coming soon. $15 suggested donation.

October 3

51 st Annual Chicago Pride Parade

Where: Northalsted. Parade kicks off at Broadway and Montrose and heads south on Broadway to Halsted, turns east on Belmont, south on Broadway, and east on Diversey, ending at Sheridan.

When: Noon kick-off

What: The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. The Parade commemorates the marches at Stonewall with a famous 4-mile procession, traversing Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. The annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country. Crowds are not expected to change, even in the cooler October weather. Try to reserve a spot along the route as early as you can.

Maybe?

Chicago is a Drag Fest

City’s first-ever outdoor festival that showcases drag culture: TBD later this year.

See You Next Year!

Andersonville Midsommarfest

The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ communities, which Midsommarfest celebrates, along with its Swedish roots. Postponed to 2022.

Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon

Returning in 2022.

-Compiled by Suzanne Hanney & Dave Hamilton