Neighborhood News – Take PRIDE in Lincoln Square,  Lincoln Park, Streeterville, Logan Square, Northalsted

It’s here! It’s finally here! Pride Month in Chicago goes out with a flourish, with neighborhood events, festivals, festivities, and after a Covid-related hiatus, the return of Chicago’s Pride Parade!

Farmer’s Market Pride For a pre-Friday lift, the Lincoln Square Evening Farmer’s Market, on Lincoln and Leland Avenues from 3pm-7pm, is a treat just waiting to happen. Adjacent to CTA Brown Line – Western ‘L’ Station, the market connects local farmers, artisans, and food purveyors to the Northside of Chicago. Thursday marketers include Aleka’s Kitchen, Edgewater Candles, Fons Empanadas, and Joe’s Blues. For a complete list of Thursday vendors, click here.

Pride at the Zoo On Thursday, June 23, Pride Weekend gets underway at Lincoln Park Zoo, North Cannon Drive and West Fullerton, at 6:30pm for Adults Night Out: Pride Party! This 18+ event is a chance to explore Lincoln Park Zoo after the gates close. In recognition of Pride Month, this evening features Drag Queen Bingo, a DJ featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, animal chats from the Lincoln Park Zoo team, and free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel. Cash bars and plenty of food for purchase! Tickets are $40 per person, and can be found by clicking here.

Take pride in Theater! A newmusical comedy is premiering at Navy Pier’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Avenue, through Sunday, July 24. ItCameFromOuterSpace was adapted from the ‘50s cult classic sci-fi film! The story goes, according to the website, “Amateur astronomer John Putnam encounters an alien spaceship in the desert and becomes the laughingstock of his small town—until the extraterrestrial visitors make their presence known and he must convince the gathering mob that they have come in peace. A clever musical score and creative physical humor puts a new spin on Ray Bradbury’s flying saucer tale, examining society’s fear of outsiders as it simultaneously embraces the wonder of what lies just beyond the stars.” Tickets are $50-60, and can be purchased by clicking here 

Take pride in Art (and Music!) While not officially a Pride event, The Logan Square Arts Festival returns to 3150 W. Logan Boulevard (‘The Square’) after a two-year hiatus Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26. The festival features, according to the website, two stages of live music, food, drinks, and a renewed focus oon”creating a one-of-kind experience in one of the most iconic green spaces in Chicago,” celebrating the diversity and vitality of  neighborhood. Hours are Friday, 5pm -10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon-10pm. For more information, click here.

Navy Pier PrideCome to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, from 12pm– 11:30pm for a day-long, family-friendly celebration of storytelling, music, dance,  diversity, inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners and more. Free. For more information, click here.

More Pride in Music C’mon over to Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Drive on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 1pm-10pm for Pride In The Park, and groove along to the pulsating beat of the annual outdoor music festival featuring LGBTQ+ performers, artists, and vendors! Headliners include the Chainsmokers, Swedish DJ Alesso, Daya, Rebecca Black, and so many more! Tickets are $75-$210; Free for kids 10 years old and under, with a paying adult. For tickets, click here.

Movies in the ParkHead to Logan Square’s Unity Park, 2636 N. Kimball Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, at 8:30pm (dusk) for a free showing of Disney’s Oscar-winning Encanto. More moviesthroughoutthecity’s beautiful parks! For a complete list of Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park, click here 

The 51st annual Chicago Pride Parade marches through the city’s Northalsted (Boystown) neighborhood starting at noon on Sunday, June 26, at Montrose Avenue and Broadway. The parade features a rainbow of lively, colorful characters, as well as musicians, area businesses, politicians, and lots of floats! The parade marches south, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Free. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago