CHICAGO (April 14, 2026) – The Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA) is thrilled to announce the 25th Anniversary of Chicago Pride Fest which will take place June 20-21, 2026, in the iconic Northalsted neighborhood. The NBA is getting the party started by announcing the upcoming headline talent, including: 2026 GRAMMY Award Winner Durand Bernarr, international rockstar G Flip, legendary remix artist + DJ Alex Chapman + Zoe Gitter Present: GAG, Pop Icon Willa Ford, and Brit Award & 2-time GRAMMY Award nominee MNEK.
Additional artists appearing at Chicago Pride Fest include viral hip hop duo Flyana Boss, Caroline Kingsbury, Nini Coco, current RuPaul’s Drag Race top three finalist, Miz Cracker, RuPaul Drag Race finalist all-star from season 5, Anthony Rapp from RENT, and Wic Whitney. This year will also see the return of the Chicago staple Black Girl Magic Hosted by The Vixen featuring special guests: RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly, & Heidi N Closet!
The two-day street festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. It is located on Halsted Street between Addison & Grace in Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ business district. (3600 N. Halsted St to 3800 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60613)
The festival runs 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily and features live music on three stages, Chicago’s finest drag artists, dance exhibitions, guest speakers, food, drinks, and over 150 art, merchandise, and service vendors.
New this year – take advantage of VIP areas with Air Conditioned Restroom Access, Private Bars and Covered Lounge Seating!
Returning this year, Pride Fest will have a dedicated Teen Pride Space for LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 12-18, located near the Waveland & Broadway entrance. The space is being created in cooperation with the Center on Halsted and will be open from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on both days, offering performances, food and drinks, DJ sessions, dancing, games, giveaways, counseling, and support resources. There will also be a designated area for parents/younger siblings to hang out in the Teen Pride Space.
Do not forget to celebrate pets, Pride style. Miss Foozie will host The 20th Annual MSUFCU Proud Pet Parade presented by Hollywood Feed, on Sunday, June 21, the furry friend fun starts at noon from the North Stage! Also, the Center on Halsted will host a lively and welcoming Senior Space for ages 55+, bringing energy, pride, and plenty of fun to the festivities!
“Chicago Pride Fest is a celebration of who we are and a reminder of why visibility still matters,” said Mark Liberson, Festival Chairperson. “While we honor the progress our community has fought for over the years, Pride remains as vital as ever. Across the country, we see a rise in legislation rooted in prejudice and harmful rhetoric, particularly impacting transgender individuals and BIPOC members of our community. This moment calls for unity, visibility, and continued advocacy, and Northalsted is proud to be the home of that spirit. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the festival.”
A $20 suggested donation for entry helps to pay performers, festival workers, and supports local non-profits and community programs.
For a daily itinerary, please visit https://northalsted.com/main-events/chicago-pride-fest/
About the Northalsted Business Alliance
Founded in 1980, the Northalsted Business Alliance represents one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ business districts including more than 100 small businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway. The organization works to enhance economic vitality, foster a welcoming community, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and promote tourism through programs, services, and events including Chicago Pride Fest®, Northalsted Market Days®, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, and more. For information visit northalsted.com.