Chicago
Historically, like many other cities, Chicago Pride events in the 1970s and 1980s were concentrated during a week called “Pride Week” but as local communities grew, so did the realization that the commemorative week needed to be expanded to a month in order to accommodate for the abundance of events. In the present day, the annual LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the Windy City every June with close to one hundred different social, cultural, and political events culminating in massive street fests, concerts, and a parade at the end of the month. Although festivities take place across different areas of the Chicago metro area, you’ll find the heart of the celebrations in the Northalsted area, commonly known as Boystown, the first official gay neighborhood in the country.
Pride Fest | Saturday, Jun 18, 2022 - Sunday, Jun 19, 2022
The weekend before the parade, the Pride Fest returns to Halsted Street, America’s first recognized Gay Village, for 2 days of love-filled celebrations highlighting diversity, equality, and the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. This giant pride celebration takes over the city every June with more than 100,000 people taking part in the festivities each year. (Festivities) include three music stages featuring (popular headliners), local food vendors, drag shows, DJs, dancing, and more!
Pride in the Park | Saturday, Jun 25, 2022 - Sunday, Jun 26, 2022
Celebrate diversity and good times in Grant Park at this two-day music fest. 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 year’s lineup includes Chaka Khan, Tiesto, GRYFFIN, Betty Who, and more.
Pride Parade | Sunday, Jun 26, 2022
The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ events in the windy city. One of the largest parades in the country, this pride-filled procession concludes the city’s month-long celebrations with a famous 4-mile march held on the last Sunday of June.
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Photo Credit: Grace DuVal
Where to Stay in Chicago:
If you want to stay close to all the action, look for a property in the heart of downtown that’s nearby lively bars and restaurants. One that meets all of those requirements is the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, located in the electric Chicago Loop surrounded by the theater district, this hotel is the perfect place to call home during Pride. On top of that, this hotel offers spectacular views of the Chicago River and a luxurious spa with all the amenities you could ever need to relax and recharge after a wild night (or two).
NYC
New York Pride is the world’s largest LGBTQ celebration. The annual June event commemorates the Stonewall riots which are credited with launching the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Because New York City is where so much of it began, the pride parade here is unlike anywhere else. This year the theme is Unapologetically Us and is expected to bring millions together to celebrate and advocate for equality.
Pride Island | Jun 24, 2022
Accompanied by many other talented musical acts, pop sensation Kim Petras will be headlining the closing night of Pride Island, the 3-day musical festival experience of Pride Weekend. The first fully in-person Pride Island in 3 years will also move to a new location with the announcement of Play Lawn at Governors Island as this year’s Pride Island venue.
The Rally | Jun 24, 2022
Hoping to bring the community together to advocate for change, the return of the Pride Rally comes at a time when conversation, education, and activism are needed more than ever. The first Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park and followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city.
The March & PrideFest | Jun 26, 2022
First held in 1970, the NYC Pride March has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect. Just a few blocks away from the Pride March, PrideFest is an annual LGBTQ+ street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, and experiences for a day of fun festivities in the name of equality.
Photo Credit: Hunter Abrams
Where to Stay in NYC:
With millions of people descending on the city for Pride, figuring out where to stay may seem like a major feat. Staypineapple New York, known for its fun, unique approach to hospitality, and the award-winning Archer Hotel are both centrally located in buzzy Midtown Manhattan and great options for those who want to stay in the thick of all the commotion. For something a little more lowkey, check out the Moxy Hotel in the heart of Chelsea. If you’re looking for activities outside of the traditional Pride festivities, the property is just a stroll away from a multitude of famed attractions including Madison Square Park, Chelsea Market, and Chelsea Piers. Also in Chelsea, INNSIDE New York NoMad is a modern hotel that offers convenient access to the city's major tourist attractions including the Empire State Building, Broadway, and so much more!
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