CHICAGO, IL – The Northalsted neighborhood of Chicago is preparing to host the 24th Annual Chicago Pride Fest, a major event anchoring the city’s extensive Pride celebrations. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, 2025, the two-day street festival serves as a vibrant prelude to the much-anticipated Chicago Pride Parade.
The festival will transform a significant portion of the historic Northalsted area, encompassing Halsted Street from Addison Street in the north to Grace Street in the south. This iconic neighborhood, recognized as the nation’s first officially designated gay village, provides a fitting backdrop for the celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community.
Event Details
The 24th Annual Chicago Pride Fest is set for June 21-22, 2025. This timing places the event precisely one weekend before the main Chicago Pride Parade, which is scheduled for the following Sunday, June 29, 2025. The street festival format allows for an expansive setup featuring multiple stages, vendor booths, food and drink options, and community organization presencia throughout the closed-off section of Halsted Street.
The geographical scope of the festival is clearly defined: Halsted Street between Addison Street and Grace Street. This area is centrally located within Northalsted and easily accessible via public transportation, which is typically recommended for attendees due to expected crowds and street closures.
The Lineup: Headliners and Supporting Acts
A diverse and engaging musical lineup has been announced for the 2025 iteration of Chicago Pride Fest, featuring a mix of pop, R&B, electronic, and alternative artists.
The roster of headlining performers includes:
* Jesse McCartney
* Deborah Cox
* Aluna
* Confidence Man
* The Aces
These artists are expected to draw significant crowds to the festival’s main stages, delivering high-energy performances across the weekend.
In addition to the headliners, the festival will feature a variety of supporting acts and special performances designed to entertain diverse tastes. The announced artists include:
* Hayla
* Chrissy Chlapecka
* Snow Wife
* Black Girl Magic, hosted by The Vixen with special guest Shea Coulee´
* Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
* Too Much Molly Band
* Sixteen Candles
The inclusion of acts like Black Girl Magic, hosted by prominent drag performer The Vixen and featuring drag superstar Shea Coulee´, highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse talents within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Tribute bands like Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Sixteen Candles, alongside high-energy acts like Too Much Molly Band, ensure continuous entertainment across different stages and throughout both festival days.
Significance and Community Impact
Chicago Pride Fest holds deep significance within the city’s annual calendar. It is one of the largest neighborhood street festivals in Chicago and serves as a crucial kick-off event for the broader Pride season, which culminates in the globally recognized Chicago Pride Parade. The festival not only provides entertainment but also offers a platform for local businesses, artisans, and non-profit organizations to connect with the community and raise awareness for important causes.
Held in Northalsted, the festival reinforces the neighborhood’s historical and ongoing role as a safe haven and vibrant center for LGBTQ+ life and activism. The event attracts attendees from across Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond, contributing significantly to the local economy and fostering a spirit of unity, resilience, and celebration.
Planning for Attendance
As a street festival, the event is held outdoors, rain or shine, across the designated section of Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Streets. Attendees should plan accordingly, considering factors such as weather, hydration, and comfortable footwear. Specific details regarding entry (often a suggested donation at the gate) and accessibility will be made available closer to the event date through official channels.
Public transportation is strongly encouraged due to limited parking in the area. The location is well-served by CTA bus routes and the Red Line train (Addison or Belmont stations).
Looking Ahead to Pride Weekend
The 24th Annual Chicago Pride Fest on June 21-22, 2025, promises a dynamic weekend of music, entertainment, and community celebration, setting the stage for Chicago’s Pride Week. The festivities build anticipation for the city’s main procession, the Chicago Pride Parade, scheduled to step off the following Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The confirmation of the dates, location in the heart of Northalsted, and the diverse lineup featuring artists like Jesse McCartney, Deborah Cox, Aluna, Confidence Man, and The Aces, alongside many others, signals that the 24th edition is poised to be another memorable event in the rich history of Chicago Pride.
