On April 12th, Chicago’s Pride Fest revealed the 2022 concert lineup for its two-day event in mid-June, which will take place one week before the city’s iconic Pride Parade comes back after two cancellations due to COVID.
Since March 2022, Public Events Started Coming Back Into the City
Since statewide COVID-19 hospitalization rates were declining faster than any other time in the pandemic, Illinois could lift the statewide indoor mask requirement on February 28th, 2022, which meant that starting March, all plans for summer and fall festivals could become reality.
After we found out we will have a Saint Patrick’s parade this year, the Chicago Bulls announced March 11th the launch of an inaugural street event, Bulls Fest, which is going to take place on the United Center campus over Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 3-4). The two-day festival will feature a 3v3 basketball tournament, live music, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities, and food and drink.
The festival will primarily take place along Madison Street between Wood Street and Damen Avenue and feature food and drink from Chicago’s famous bar and restaurant scene. Fans can also expect live music and entertainment from well-known and local performers, as well as appearances from the Bucket Boys, Bulls DJs, Incredibulls, Luvabulls, and of course, Benny the Bull. Attendees will also enjoy skills and dunk showcases on the main courts throughout the festival weekend.
Three Stages of Live Music and Djs, Food, Drinks and More
Mid April, it was Pride Fest’s turn to get a certain date and a lineup which will include performances from Alaska Thunderf*ck, Dorian Electra, Netta, The Aces and Mila Jam, among others, according to organizers.
The summer festival, which is set to take place June 18-19, will feature three stages of live music and DJs; food and drinks; crafts and vendors; a pet parade; games and giveaways.
Although it is not a condition, a $15 donation for performers and festival workers is suggested at the entrance. Organizers added that public donations have previously funded the Chicago Pride Crosswalks, which are 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019. Organizers have also announced they encourage the people attending to be fully vaccinated against COVID, in order to ensure everyone’s safety. After all, it was the pandemic which prevented the last two Chicago Pride parades from taking place.
Bad Weather Cut Short the 2019 Event, and COVID Stopped the Next Two
Last year, the 2021 parade was rescheduled to the fall to make way for COVID vaccines and LGBTQI+ History Month. Then the fall celebration was canceled as the COVID pandemic raged on. “We don’t feel, though, that we can do it safely for everyone in the parade and the people watching,” said 2021 parade organizer Tim Frye in a statement. “We must cancel the parade for the second year.” Before that, the 2020 parade had been canceled for the first time in the event’s history. In 2019, severe weather cut short the celebrations.
In 2022, officials will be “closely watching” the pandemic developments in the next two months to then decide whether any COVID restrictions should be put in place. Further information is expected to be released in the coming months if the situation evolves differently than expected.
“There is a saying ‘Third Times A Charm,'” Frye wrote. “We have already scheduled the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade for Sunday, June 26, 2022. We’re going to believe that saying. We’re going to believe that in June 2022 we are living in a far safer world than now. We intend to have the best, most joyous, fabulous, memorable Pride Parade ever. Count on it!”
Chicago Pride – More Than a Half Century of History
Chicago Pride Fest, presented by the Northalsted Business Alliance, returns Saturday, June 18 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday, June 19 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.). The iconic Chicago Pride Parade is Sunday, June 26, beginning at noon. Pride in the Park in Chicago’s Grant Park is Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26.
The 51st annual Chicago Pride Parade marches through the city’s Boystown neighborhood with the annual parade steps off at noon on Sunday, June 26, at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood. The parade makes (map) its way through the north side of the city, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Pride Month in June highlights Chicago’s vibrant LGBT community.
The roar of the crowd heralds the start of the Pride Parade, a dazzling cavalcade of diversity. The streets are lined 30 – 40 people deep in spots as over 1 million people cheer the contingents on and enjoy the show, culture and experience! For the liveliest viewing spots head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade, look for your viewing spots north of Irving Park Road, along Broadway or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway.
Commemoration of the Stonewall Riots
On Pride Weekend, which traditionally falls on the last weekend of June each year, the festivities peak to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. The annual parade marks the uprising, outside New York’s landmark Stonewall Inn, which began the Gay Rights Movement. During Chicago Pride Fest the weekend prior, stages of music, exhibitors, great food and drinks will be available to enjoy. In the evening the revelers will pour into Boystown clubs and party into the wee hours of the night.
