Gay chicago events
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: same-sex attracted and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of playfulness. Our gay and female homosexual bars have a minute bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and kingly shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own one-of-a-kind history and vibe.
Check out some of the leading gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s lgbtq+ nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest lgbtq+ bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live fun, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t reflect for a second that makes the pla
Pride Calendar
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City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, ILCity in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago is an intergenerational collective exhibition that highlights Chicago’s essential, yet often underacknowledged, role in the story of queer art and activism.
2025 Northalsted Market Days
Northalsted Neighborhood Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long, live song street festival celebrating society in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood.
Out In The Park 2025 at Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, ILOut In The Park at Six Flags Superb America, a private event to celebrate diversity, returns for its 14th year! This year a portion of the ticket sales benefits Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA).
Celebrate Pride month in Chicago
Chicago knows how to honor LGBTQ Pride! A majority of the Pride month events take place in the Northalsted neighborhood (commonly referred to as "Boystown"), the first official queer neighborhood in the nation, but celebrations - from street festivals, concerts, and parties to the annual pride - take place all over the city.
A fulfill list of events is below.
Chicago Pride Fest - June 21 & 22, 2025
Organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance (northalsted.com), the annual two-day pride festival takes over Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood every June. Each year, nearly 60,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood commonly referred to as "Boystown" to take part in the celebration that includes three music stages featuring famous music headliners, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and much more. ($20 suggested donation at the gate.)
Pride Fest Line-Up:
Pride in the Park Chicago - Not returning in 2025
Pride in the Park Chicago, one of th
LGBTQ+ Chicago events through the year
In Chicago, Pride doesn’t end in June. You’ll find a full calendar of gay, lesbian, transsexual, and queer events in every corner of the city throughout the year. Our city is residence to some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, from the iconic Pride Fest and Parade in June to one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ production festivals in the decline. Check out some of Chicago’s top inclusive events throughout the year.
Spring Gay events in Chicago
International Mr. Leather: This international conference and competition, held annually in Chicago each May since 1979, includes speakers, socials, themed dance parties, and a leather market.
Summer LGBTQ+ events in Chicago
Andersonville Midsommarfest: This diverse neighborhood hosts one of Chicago’s most beloved street festivals each June. Midsommarfest celebrates the area’s Swedish roots and LGBTQ+ community with food, entertainment, artisan vendors, and more.
Chicago Pride Fest: In the historic Northalsted neighborhood, Chicago’s Pride Fest in June is a massive two-day celebration with multiple music stages, kingly shows, DJs, dancing, an
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