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JoJo Siwa will headline Chicago Pride festival

A group of cheerful people celebrating at a pride event, with one man wearing a black "Chicago" t-shirt with a rainbow emblem, and another shirtless with a harness and sunglasses, holding a drink.

Chicago Pride Fest 2024 is preparing to roll out the carpet for its annual two-day festival celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and community. This year’s event is all set for June 22 and 23, from 11 am to 10 pm. It will be a fantastic affair with top-tier entertainers and performers ready to rock the stage in the heart of the city’s Northalsted neighborhood (formerly known as Boystown).

The festival expects to draw in over 100,000 attendees from around the country, making it one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Midwest.

Day one highlights

The festivities begin on Saturday, June 22, with gay pop icon JoJo Siwa leading the charge. Based on her Miami Pride turnout, the “Karma” singer is expected to draw a massive crowd with her vibrant performances.

Also performing on Saturday is the British pop sensation and LGBTQ+ ally, Natasha Bedingfield. Known for her hits “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine,” Bedingfield should bring fun and upbeat energy to every performance.

Throughout the day, attendees will also be treated to performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 runner-up, Sapphira Cristal, and the infectious rhythms of Kaleena Zanders. A blend of local and national acts, including John Duff, Alex Lo, Sixteen Candles, and CIRCUITMOM, are set to keep the vibes high throughout the day.

Day two highlights

Transitioning into Sunday, June 23, the Chicago Pride Fest 2024 will feature Bob The Drag Queen, a renowned figure in the drag community, known for his sharp wit and crowd-pleasing performances. Accompanying him is the incredibly talented Amber Riley, an actress and singer celebrated for her show-stopping voice and empowering stage presence.

The second day’s lineup includes notables like Max Rae and Alex Lahey, alongside the internationally-influenced sounds of Aya Ito. With a blend of indie rock, pop, and electronic music, this day will surely be an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Chicago Pride Fest location

Chicago Pride Fest will take place on the storied streets of the Northalsted neighborhood, on Halsted Street between Addison Street and Grace Street. The festival will feature live music and performances mentioned above across three stages, a Youth Pride Space, Chicago drag performances, a Proud Pet Parade, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers, and 150+ food and merchandise vendors.

Attending the Chicago Pride Fest goes beyond just enjoying concerts; it’s an opportunity to support the local LGBTQ+ community with a suggested $15 donation that can truly make a difference.

Full event lineup and poster

Below is the full event lineup for Chicago Pride Fest 2024:

An image promoting Chicago Pride Fest 2024, featuring a bright blue sky with fireworks and rainbow designs. The top reads "CHICAGO PRIDE FEST" in bold, colorful letters. Below, dates and performer names are listed in white text, with "June 22 - Saturday" followed by artists like JoJo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield, and others. "June 23 - Sunday" lists Bob The Drag Queen, Amber Riley, among additional acts.

Don’t miss other Pride events by visiting our Pride Finder. While you’re at it, also subscribe to the GayCities newsletter for the latest updates on LGBTQ+ events and travel year-round.

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