Thousands of uniformed officers lined the route, supplemented by plainclothes officers in the crowd. New York police deployed roving counterterrorism units and used bomb-sniffing dogs, rooftop observation posts, police helicopters and thousands of officers to provide extra layers of security at Sunday's parade. Many participants said the tributes to the dead in Orlando didn't dampen the energy and fun associated with the pride parade. Above each photo were the words, "Never forget."ĭespite the somber start, parade-goers seemed as enthusiastic as ever once marchers and floats began moving, cheering and dancing along the route. In Chicago, 49 marchers at the head of the parade each held aloft a poster-sized photograph of a different Orlando victim as the procession wound through the city. They came two weeks after the nation's deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. New York's parade was one of several being held Sunday across the country, along with San Francisco, Chicago, Minneapolis and St. But then Orlando happened, and seeing so many of my friends shrink in fear made me realize that coming here was more important," said Hillman, wearing an anti-assault guns T-shirt. "For me, I wasn't going to ride because I have 17-month-old twins at home. Looking for more? Check out Pride events in Chicago all year long.The transgender New Yorker said he hadn't planned to come to the march. Race along the lakefront for a great cause at the Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon! This 40th annual event has raised more than $600,000 for the local LGBTQ+ community. The Andersonville event is one of the best-attended Pride events dedicated to women. The Back Lot Bash Chicago kicks off with a Pride Family Fest and follows with two days of a signature outdoor music festival. This event includes Storytime with Drag Queens, live performances, special film presentations, and a Queer the Pier” fashion and music show headlined by special guest CeCe Penistone.
WHEN IS THE GAY PRIDE PARADE 2016 IN CHICAGO FULL
This annual free event at iconic Navy Pier consists of a full day of family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. Previous year’s lineups have included Chaka Khan, Tiesto, GRYFFIN, Betty Who, and more. Pride in the Park donates a portion of ticket sales to The Center on Halsted and provides free tickets to ensure LGBTQ+ youth can celebrate their pride openly and safely. This two-day music fest celebrates equity, diversity, and good times in Grant Park each June. The fest features the Balmoral Pride Stage, which showcases local drag queens, cabaret performers, DJs, and more. The 56th annual Midsommarfest celebrates that heritage, along with the area’s Swedish roots. The Andersonville neighborhood is one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Photo by Adam Alexander PhotographyĮxplore more classic Chicago Pride events in June and year-round. You can also take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or Divvy, but keep in mind there will be road closures. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to any stop between Wellington and Wilson or the Brown Line ‘L’ train to the Diversey or Wellington stops. The procession features floats, decorated vehicles, performance groups, a marching band, and more. The 52nd annual parade starts at Broadway and Montrose, proceeds south on Broadway then south on Halsted then east on Belmont then south on Broadway then east on Diversey to Cannon Drive. Traversing through Northalsted, Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park, the annual event has grown into one of the largest parades in the country. The Parade concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous four-mile procession held on the last Sunday of June. The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the city. If you’re coming from downtown, take the Red Line ‘L’ train to the Addison stop. You’ll find Chicago Pride Fest on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace. Each year, more than 100,000 revelers flock to the historic gay neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including three music stages featuring popular music headliners, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food from local restaurants, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and more. This massive two-day pride celebratio n takes over Northalsted every June. Check out all the best Chicago Pride events in June and beyond. You’ll find the heart of the celebrations in Northalsted (also known as Boystown), the first official gay neighborhood in the country, but festivities take place all over the city. The annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city each June, with street fests, concerts, parties, and a massive parade.