This juxtaposition of older and younger might be interpreted as a show of unity in diversity, and several parade organizers claimed that the mood this year, rather than jubilation over marriage equality for all, was respect and unity.
At least the PrimeTimers got a mention on the special ABC local news coverage! I did find it rather unfortunate that the Chicago PrimeTimers (a gay male senior citizens club), which entry consisted of three elders holding a banner, was followed immediately by a bevy of young hot gay hockey players. As usual, PFLAG and the schools elicited enthusiastic cheers. It seemed at times the people marching and on floats had to do more to get the crowds cheering. A woman standing next to me wept.Īfter this profoundly moving start, the action began to pick up a bit, but I noticed less people standing by the beginning of the parade (where my friend and I were hanging about). In Chicago, the first entry was a memorial to the victims, with participants holding photos of them. The subdued and respectful adjectives fit, because the LGBTQ community is in mourning because of the horrific events at Orlando, and in tandem with many pride parades around the globe, the victims were honored. Looking for more? Check out Pride events in Chicago all year long.The lowdown from the Chicago Gay Pride Parade this year was “subdued” but “still colorful” or “festive” but “respectful.” Race along the lakefront for a great cause at the Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon! This 40th annual event has raised more than $600,000 for the local LGBTQ+ community. The Andersonville event is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women. The Back Lot Bash Chicago kicks off with a Pride Family Fest and follows with two days of a signature outdoor music festival. This event includes Storytime with Drag Queens, live performances, special film presentations, and a Queer the Pier” fashion and music show headlined by special guest CeCe Penistone.
When is the gay pride parade 2016 in chicago full#
This annual free event at iconic Navy Pier consists of a full day of family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. Previous year’s lineups have included Chaka Khan, Tiesto, GRYFFIN, Betty Who, and more. Pride in the Park donates a portion of ticket sales to The Center on Halsted and provides free tickets to ensure LGBTQ+ youth can celebrate their pride openly and safely. This two-day music fest celebrates equity, diversity, and good times in Grant Park each June. The fest features the Balmoral Pride Stage, which showcases local drag queens, cabaret performers, DJs, and more. The 56th annual Midsommarfest celebrates that heritage, along with the area’s Swedish roots. The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Photo by Adam Alexander PhotographyĮxplore more classic Chicago Pride events in June and year-round. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to any stop between Wellington and Wilson or the Brown Line ‘L’ train to the Diversey or Wellington stops. The procession features floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, a marching band, and more. The 52nd annual parade starts at Broadway and Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway then south on Halsted then east on Belmont then south on Broadway then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.
Traversing through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, the annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country. The Parade concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous four-mile procession held on the last Sunday of June.
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to the Addison stop. You’ll find Chicago Pride Fest on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace. Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three music stages featuring popular music headliners, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and more. This massive two-day pride celebratio n takes over Northalsted every June. Check out all the best Chicago Pride events in June and beyond. You’ll find the heart of the celebrations in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), the first official gay neighborhood in the country, but festivities take place all over the city. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and a massive parade.