Chicago Gay Pride Parade in Brief:
Chicago's Gay Pride Parade draws hundreds of thousands of spectators of all types of sexual orientation looking to celebrate, have a good time, and just be themselves.
Where:
The parade steps off at Broadway Avenue and Montrose Street (1000 W./4400 N.) and proceeds south on Broadway to Halsted Street, continuing south on Halsted to Belmont Avenue, then east, ending at Diversey Avenue and Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park.
View location on Google Maps
View location on Google Maps
When:
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Time:
The parade steps off at 10 a.m.
Admission:
FREE!
Getting to the Parade by Public Transportation:
CTA Red Line to Sheridan, Belmont or Addison, walk east to parade route.
Chicago Gay Pride Parade Parking:
There are very few pay parking garages/lots in the area, and street parking is the only viable option. But street parking in the neighborhoods along the parade route is scarce even on a normal weekend so public transportation or taxi cab is strongly encouraged, and drive only if that's the last option -- but be prepared to do some long walking from your parking spot.
About the Chicago Gay Pride Parade:
The Chicago Gay Pride Parade, first held in 1970, is the culmination of June Pride Month, commemorating and celebrating LGBT culture with a series of various cultural, social, athletic and political events. The parade takes place each year the last Sunday in June and is attended by hundreds of thousands of spectators. The Pride Parade starts on the city's North Side and continues south through the East Lake View neighborhood, colloquially known as "Boys Town," and ends with a large gathering in Chicago's Lincoln Park.
The parade features over 200 colorful floats, many with elaborate designs and filled with people in various states of dress from ornate costumes to the skimpiest of clothes leaving little to the imagination. The parade is flamboyant and joyful, but there is an "anything goes" mentality and those with delicate sensibilities should probably take a pass.
Many view the parade as an excuse to party hard, and the various bars along the parade route have special events and keep the party going long after the final parade participant marches by.
The sun seems to shine high, hot and bright each year at the Pride Parade, and with the massive crowds be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The parade features over 200 colorful floats, many with elaborate designs and filled with people in various states of dress from ornate costumes to the skimpiest of clothes leaving little to the imagination. The parade is flamboyant and joyful, but there is an "anything goes" mentality and those with delicate sensibilities should probably take a pass.
Many view the parade as an excuse to party hard, and the various bars along the parade route have special events and keep the party going long after the final parade participant marches by.
The sun seems to shine high, hot and bright each year at the Pride Parade, and with the massive crowds be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.