Parade: Tips & FAQS
Thousands are expected to descend on Chicago's Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods for the annual Chicago Pride Parade, a culmination of the city's Pride Month festivities.
Planning to attend? Here's everything you need to know.
Route and Time: The parade starts at 12 Noon at the corner of Broadway and Montrose. The parade featuring 150 colorful entries will then travel the 21-block parade route south on Broadway; then south on Halsted; then east on Belmont; then south on Broadway; then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive.
There will be nine cross-over streets along the parade route: Montrose at Broadway; Irving Park Rd. at Broadway; Grace at Broadway; Addison at Halsted; Cornelia at Halsted; Roscoe at Halsted; Aldine at Halsted; Barry Ave. at Broadway; and Wellington Ave. at Broadway.
Best Viewing: The Belmont and Addison stations (and the surrounding area) tend to become the most crowded, so you are encouraged to consider watching the parade from the other parts of the route, including areas toward the start of the route—such as Broadway, south of Montrose—which are served by both the nearby Wilson and Sheridan stations on the Red Line.
What to Wear: Dress for the sun and summer heat! Be ready to sweat. And, don’t forget sunscreen.
Pets at Pride: Pets are allowed, but keep in mind the parade route is crowded and noisy. So if you have a nervous furry friend, it's probably best to leave them safe at home.
Alcohol and Security: Security will be tight again this year. Open container rules will continue to be strictly enforced, with 170 private security workers patrolling the parade and police on every corner. Penalties include, but are not limited to, $1000+ tickets being issued, and you could have to throw out your booze.
Street Closures: Some street closures will begin as early as 8 a.m. and parade route closures begin as early as 9:30 a.m., or as the crowd intensifies. The closures include Montrose, Irving Park and Wellington at Broadway and Addison, Grace and Roscoe at Halsted. Streets are expected to fully reopen by 8 p.m.
Transportation: Public transportation is highly recommended. Chicago's bus and train/rail system, the Chicago Transit Auhority (CTA) will be providing extra service and longer trains on the 'L', and several buses will be re-routed on parade day. Bicycles will not be permitted on CTA trains for most of the day, and strollers and carts must be folded before boarding all CTA buses and trains. Check the CTA's website for additional information.
The closest L stops are Wilson, Sheridan, Addison or Belmont on the Red Line and Southport, Belmont, Wellington, or Diversey on the Brown Line. Bus lines are 8, 22, 36, 80, or 152. The Belmont and Addison stations (and the surrounding area) tend to become the most crowded, so you are encouraged to consider watching the parade from the other parts of the route, including areas toward the start of the route—such as Broadway, south of Montrose—which are served by both the nearby Wilson and Sheridan stations on the Red Line.
Metra will provide extra trains on the BNSF, UP North, UP Northwest and UP West Lines. Other lines that operate on Sundays will offer extra seating capacity. To view the schedules, click here
Parking: There won't be much street parking available near the assembly or parade routes, so if you're driving be prepared to park outside of the immediate area. Watch for temporary no parking signs.
Weather: The parade goes on, rain or shine. Bring plenty of bottled water and sunscreen. Cooling busses will be available at Halsted, south of Belmont; Addison, west of Halsted; Belmont, east of Broadway; Wilton, north of Belmont; Buena, west of Broadway.
Emergency Assistance: If you need first aid, the Chicago Fire Department has first aid stations at 901 W. Addison St., 765 W. Roscoe St., 3165 N. Halsted St., 561 W. Surf St. and 802 W. Roscoe St. There will also be a public safety command center on Belmont Avenue between
Clark and Halsted.
Clark and Halsted.
Bathrooms: Portable restrooms will be stationed along both the parade line-up street and the parade route.
Accessibility: For seniors or those who need wheelchair accessible sites, head near 600 W. Diversey. It's towards the end of the parade route and typically is less crowded than other streets. Many arrive early to set up chairs and claim their spots. This area also has accessible bathrooms.
History: The parades commemorate the Stonewall rebellion that took place on June 28, 1969 when patrons of a New York City gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, fought back during a raid by police. At that time gay bars were frequently raided across the country. That night, bar patrons fought back and street demonstrations continued for several days. During that week gay liberation groups were formed, thus giving birth to the modern day LGBT rights movement. Pride Parades are staged in over 150 cities worldwide with more than 90 of them in the United States and at least 12 taking place on the last weekend of June each year. The annual Chicago Pride Parade is coordinated by PRIDEChicago.
Pride Fest: Tips & FAQS
Location: Chicago Pride Fest takes place in the Northalsted neighborhood (commonly called "Boystown") on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
Hours: Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23, 2024: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., 2023
Admission: $15 Suggested Donation – All Ages
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances.
Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages. Clear plastic sealed bottled water is allowed.
Parking: There won't be much street parking available in the area, so if you're driving be prepared to park outside of the immediate area. Watch for temporary no parking signs. No access to Halsted Street surface parking lots or parking garages (this includes Halsted Flats) beginning: 11:59 p.m. on Friday before the festival . Streets will reopen Monday after the festival at 11:00 a.m.
Pets at Pride Fest: Pets are allowed, but keep in mind the event is crowded and noisy. So if you have a nervous furry friend, it's probably best to leave them safe at home. You might consider the Proud Pet Parade with Miss Foozie, Sunday, June 23 at 12:00 p.m.
