Pride Month is underway, and Chicagoans are celebrating the city's thriving LGBTQ+ community. The main event will be the Chicago Pride Parade, themed "Free to Be Proud," which returns to the streets of Lakeview, but there are also a lot of other ways to celebrate Pride in Chicago.
From annual LGTBQ+ Pride events like Pride Fest to meet-ups at the best Chicago gay bars and drag brunches, you'll find plenty of avenues for honoring queer life throughout the city, both in June and throughout the rest of the year. Take a look through our guide to Chicago Pride 2026 and get ready to party.
When is the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade?
This year's Chicago Pride Parade will march through the streets of Chicago on Sunday, June 28.
What is the Chicago Pride Parade route?
The parade steps off at 11am, starting at West Sheridan and Broadway (viewing begins at Grace and Broadway), continuing south along Broadway, then Halsted, east along Belmont to Broadway, then south to Diversey. Check out the full route below.
Where can I watch the Chicago Pride Parade?
The procession will be viewable from anywhere along the route, but the busiest stretch is typically on Halsted between Belmont and Addison. For better sightlines, find a spot on Broadway south of Belmont.
Which streets will be closed for the Chicago Pride Parade?
No parking from 2am to 8pm on Sunday, June 28
- Both sides of Broadway from Irving Park to Waveland
- Both sides of Halsted from Sheridan to Waveland
- Both sides of Broadway from Melrose to Diversey
- Both sides of Diversey from Broadway 100ft west of Clark to Cannon Drive
- Both sides of Waveland from Halsted to Broadway
- Both sides of Racine from Wellington to Belmont
- Both sides of Grace from Pine Grove to Fremont
- West side of Wilton from Belmont to 3245 N Wilton
- South side of Cuyler from Clarendon to Broadway
- Both sides of Sheridan from Sheffield to Inner LSD
- Both sides of Clarendon from Broadway to Bittersweet
- West side of Clarendon from Bittersweet to Buena
- Both sides of Fremont from Irving Park to Sheridan
No parking from 2am to 9pm on Sunday, June 28
- Both sides of LSD West from Cannon Drive to Diversey
- Both sides of Cannon Drive from Diversey to Fullerton
- Both sides of Diversey from Sheridan to LSD
No parking from 2am Sunday, June 28 to 7am Monday, June 29
- Both sides of Halsted from Waveland to Wellington (and at the intersection, 200ft in each direction)
- Both sides of Belmont from 200ft east of Broadway to Racine
- Both sides of Sheffield from School to Wellington
- Both sides of Clark from Roscoe to Halsted
- Both sides of Roscoe from Clark to Elaine
- Both sides of Wellington from Sheffield to Halsted
- Both sides of Addison from Broadway to Sheffield
- Both sides of Aldine from Clark to the east alley of Halsted (720-759 W Aldine)
Where can I cross the Chicago Pride Parade route?
You will be able to safely cross the route at Irving Park Road and Halsted, Grace Street and Halsted, Addison and Halsted, Belmont and Halsted, and at Diversey.
Can I bring alcohol to the Chicago Pride Parade?
No. Open alcohol containers are prohibited, and police and additional security will be on-site. Fines for open alcohol containers can be up to $1,000 or more.
Who will be in the Chicago Pride Parade?
The march will feature 155 entrants from local communities, organizations, businesses and more. Expect to see celebratory floats, performance groups, marching bands and other revelers on foot. This year's grand marshals include journalist and historian Tracy Baim, civil rights leader Mona Noriega, philanthropist and community advocate Evette Cardona, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges, the state’s LGBTQ+ judges’ association.
Where should I park?
Street parking will be extremely limited, so your best bet is to take public transportation. The Sheridan and Addison Red Line stops are just a few blocks away, plus nearby bus stops and Divvy stations.
