Pride has come to symbolize several things: the long history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer dignity, the freedom of all people to meaningfully and proudly express their sexual and gender identities, and the commitment of LGBT people to combating oppression. Since 1972, the event has been held every year, Since its modest beginnings, Chicago Pride has grown to be one the largest and most well-known Pride events in the world. The following year, a “Gay-In” that took place on Jthat was the early progenitor of the current Pride Celebration. The annual Pride Celebration commemorates the rebellion of LGBT patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village in response to a routine police raid on June 27, 1969. And the Parade historically takes place during the final weekend in June of each year.
The Chicago Pride two-day Celebration takes place the weekend before the parade. If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade, look for your viewing spots near the beginning of the route along Broadway between Montrose Avenue and Sheridan Road or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway. The streets are lined 12 people deep as 750,000 people cheer the contingents on and enjoy the show, culture and experience! For the liveliest viewing spots head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. On Sunday the roar of the crowd heralds the start of the Pride Parade, a dazzling cavalcade of diversity. In the evening the revelers will pour into Boystown clubs and party into the wee hours of the night. Pride Fest (NYC Pride) - The LGBTQIA+ street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality is back. Stages of music, exhibitors, great food and drinks are available to enjoy. On Pride Frida and Saturday thousands will gather along Halsted for the two day festival.
The energy in the city peaks on Pride Weekend, which falls on the last weekend of June each year in commemoration of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Pride Month in June is the culmination of Chicago’s vibrant LGBT community.
The parade kicks off at noon on Sunday, June 26, 2016, at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown and ends near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. The parade takes place over a four-mile route on Sunday, June 26, 2016. 2016 Chicago Pride Festival and Parade Festival J– June 19, 2016Ĭhicago Pride parade route – View the map