Chicago Pride Fest

Chicago Pride Fest is a two-day street festival on Halsted Street in Northalsted, the city's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade. It features three stages of music, drag shows, a Youth Pride Space for teens, the Proud Pet Parade and more than 150 food and merchandise vendors. Entry is by suggested donation that supports performers, local nonprofits and neighborhood programs.

Chicago Pride Fest is produced by the Northalsted Business Alliance and reached its 25th year in 2026. It fills N. Halsted Street between Addison Street and Grace Street and runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, though severe weather can delay or cancel performances. Main gates are at Halsted and Addison, Halsted and Waveland, and Broadway and Waveland.

Along with the music stages and drag shows, the lineup has included dance exhibitions, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and guest speakers. The $20 suggested donation applies to all ages and helps pay performers and festival workers, supports local nonprofits, and funds neighborhood projects such as murals, art and upkeep of the 14 Chicago Pride Crosswalks on Halsted, which the alliance describes as the longest permanent installation of its kind. A VIP option with air-conditioned tents, private bars and lounge seating was introduced for the first time in 2026.

Bags are inspected at entry. Grills, coolers, outside alcohol and weapons of any kind, including pepper spray, are not allowed, and drinks bought inside cannot leave the festival area, though clear, sealed plastic water bottles are permitted. The festival is easy to reach on the CTA Red Line at Addison, the Red, Brown and Purple Lines at Belmont, several bus routes and rideshare. The same alliance also runs the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade in the neighborhood each October.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Chicago Pride Fest has included festival, youth events, pet parade, live music and drag.

Chicago Pride Fest was first held in 2000. Organizers reported more than 100,000 people in 2026.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 20-21, 2026. It usually falls weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade, in late June.