Lakeview East Guide to Pride 2026
June is the most colorful month of the year- it’s Pride Month! Lakeview East is home to the most LGBTQ+ businesses in Chicago, and we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community 365 days, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In our Guide to Pride, meet the LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the neighborhood, and check out all Pride Related events happening!
On Sunday, June 28th, look out for the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce float in the Chicago Pride Parade! The 55th Annual Chicago Pride Parade will march proudly through Lakeview, kicking off at 11 am. The parade is the grand finale of Pride Month celebrations, showcasing the city’s unwavering spirit of inclusion and unity. Expect a joyful explosion of color, music, and pride as participants march in support of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time attendee, the Chicago Pride Parade promises an unforgettable day of celebration, connection, and pure Chicago energy.
We would not be able to participate in the Pride Parade if it wasn’t for our incredible generous sponsors! A huge thank you for your support, and for not just sponsoring our float, but walking with us at the parade!
VIP SPONSORS: Ancient Grounds Coffee Co, Mariano’s, JCLicht, Benjamin Moore PRISM, Circle K
PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: Best Western Hawthorne Terrace, Byline Bank
SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORS: btone Fitness, Pilot Project Brewing, Foursided, Metro, smartBar, Ingmar James Salon
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses
ARCH Counseling Center 1300 W Belmont Ave: ARCH is an integrated Person-Centered Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care center. They believe a holistic approach to mental health that honors the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
Ann Sather Restaurant 3415 N Broadway: In his early 20s, Thomas Tunney bought Lake View’s venerable Ann Sather Restaurant in 1981, expanded it, and has made it into a virtual community center for lesbian and gay Chicagoans and older adults. Still standing strong 43 years later, Ann Sather’s is a Chicago staple with three locations, two of which are in Lakeview East!
Big Gay Sal’s Pizza 3445 N Halsted: Big Gay Sal’s Pizza where every slice is crafted with love and served with pride. This minority- and LGBTQ+-owned pizzeria is more than just a place to eat—it’s a vibrant community hub where inclusivity and acceptance are always on the menu. Big Gay Sal’s celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of identity or orientation. Known for quality ingredients, exceptional service, and a strong sense of community, Big Gay Sal’s offers more than just pizza—it offers a flavorful experience rooted in empowerment, pride, and belonging.
Buzzed by ZEA- Salon & Bar 3707 N Halsted: Buzzed by ZEA is one of the only places you can get your hair professionally done, and then sit at a bar and have a crafted cocktail after. They embrace their unique dual identity as a vibrant full service hair salon and a chic cocktail bar!
CRAM Fashion 3331 N Broadway: CRAM is a proud LGBTQ+ owned store! Since 2009, CRAM Fashion has been Chicago’s number one men’s boutique in Chicago and a destination store for thousands who visit the city each and every year. The bar is open all day, but at night once the salon closes, they transform into a late-night cocktail lounge.
Defined Training 3834 N Broadway: Providing lifestyle-driven fitness for over 14 years, we are a strength training community in the Lakeview neighborhood. They pride themselves on offering a space where people can train together and inspire each other through capability-driven fitness.
El Taco Cart 3207 N Halsted: What began as a taco cart that sat outside the bustling Northalsted bars, turned into a permanent location in the heart of Northalsted. This late night Mexican spot will satisfy your munchies with tacos, burritos, tamales, elote, horchata, y mas.
El Bar 3209 N Halsted: Brand new in 2026, El Bar invites you to come party, dance, and shake your worries away. With premium cocktails, go go dancers, and drag shows, El Bar is a fabulous and fun addition to the neighborhood!
Foursided 2958 N Clark: Shop local LGBTQ+ owned with us this Pride month! Not only is Foursided LGBTQ+ owned and operated, but their merchandise is also stocked with work from Queer artists and creatives. Stop by for gifts, pride gear, and so much more!
Ingmar James 3325 N Broadway: Ingmar James is traditional yet current, upscale yet unpretentious, professional yet laid-back. They aspire to both meanings of the word “salon”: a place for beauty and also a place for friends to meet, relax, and discuss the day’s events. The talented team is full of hair perfectionists! Book an appointment and pamper yourself at this LGBTQ+ owned salon!
Jennivee’s Bakery 2925 N Halsted: Jennivee’s Bakery sells some of the best cupcakes and cakes in Chicago! Owned by Jenne Vailoces, a proud Filipino trans woman, Jennivee’s is open late so you can get your sweet tooth craving in anytime of day!
Lark 3441 N Halsted: Located in Chicago’s vibrant Lakeview North neighborhood, Lark is the go-to destination for wood-fired pizza, handcrafted burgers, and unforgettable brunch experiences — from weekend family meals to late-night bites and bottomless drag brunches.
The Legacy Project 3656 N Halsted: The award-winning Legacy Project is a Chicago-based cultural and educational non-profit dedicated to researching and promoting the contributions Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people have made to world history and culture. It is driven by a core of historians, biographers, educators, youth advocates, social activists, and community and business leaders who share a commitment to ending the redaction of LGBTQ contributions from shared human history.
Level Sporting Club 3343 N Clark: Opening in May 2026, Level Sporting Club is a Chicago sports bar leveling the playing field through it’s dedication on showcasing women’s sports, paired with elevated bar food crafted by a bib gourmand-recognized chef!
Men’s Room 3343 N Halsted: Men’s Room Chicago offers fetish gear, leather harnesses, handcuffs, underwear, sex toys, and more! They also have a full-operating barbershop in the shop, with a team of trained professionals.
Newport Theater 956 W Newport Ave: The Newport Theater is Chicago’s home for fringe theater! Hosting dozens of events every week, and also classes, explore the art of fringe theater at this eccentric neighborhood institution!
Omi Cafe 3135 N Broadway: Omi is a cozy haven in the heart of Chicago, where Japanese inspiration meets exceptional quality. Our commitment to excellence shines through in every cup.
Pure Green Juice Bar Lakeview 3333 N Broadway: Pure Green is a juice and smoothie bar serving organic and sustainable goods! Stop by for a fresh pressed juice, acai bowl, outmeal bowl, or fresh smoothie.
Richard Dayhoff Online: Richard Dayhoff is a local clothing designer, who sells high-end male underwear. In the world of high-fashion apparel, the name Richard Dayhoff is synonymous with elegant simplicity.
Sugar Daddy 3243 N Broadway: Sugar Daddy is serving up ALL the rainbows this Pride month! Get rainbow cupcakes, cake slices, and get pride flag and trans flag cookies! “The Daddies will stand with our LGBTQIA+ community, always and forever.”
SWAY Cannabis Dispensary 3340 N Halsted: SWAY is the first queer and BIPOC-owned dispensary brand in Illinois and a continuation of a long history of our communities fighting for cannabis equity. Just opened in 2024, SWAY into your new favorite dispensary!
The Closet 3325 N Halsted: Having been open since 1978, this tiny, unpretentious lesbian & gay bar features dancing, games & karaoke! Open till 4 am every day (and till 5 am on Saturdays) The Closet keeps the party going on Broadway.
Unabridged Bookstore 3251 N Broadway: Unabridged is known for its dedicated and knowledgeable staff and the staff’s hand-written personal recommendations. Unabridged has an unparalleled sale book section, and an award-winning children’s section, an extensive travel room, and offers a great selection of fiction and poetry. For 45 years, Unabridged Bookstore has also been Chicago’s premier go-to-bookstore for LGBTQ literature. Voted “Best Bookstore in Chicago 2015” by Chicago Magazine, Unabridged remains an iconic institution in the Lakeview neighborhood.
Businesses Donating to LGBTQ+ Support Centers
Mordecai Benefitting Center on Halsted
For its June Cocktails for a Cause partnership, Mordecai is teaming up with Center on Halsted. Throughout the month, a portion of proceeds from the featured cocktails will support Center on Halsted’s mission to provide vital housing, mental health services, and community programming that uplift and empower Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
The featured cocktails are:
- Pride of the Team // a tropical blend of silver cachaça, aged cachaça, coconut, coffee, and lime.
- Center Field (spirit-free) // a bright, fruit-forward mix of Seedlip Grove, strawberry shrub, grapefruit, and agave.
Graystone Tavern Benefitting Center on Halsted
Throughout June, every $7 Sun Cruiser helps support Center on Halsted, with Boston Beer Company and Graystone Tavern donating a combined $2 per can sold! Sip for a good cause.
Cesar’s Killer Margaritas Benefitting Howard Brown Health
For the month of June, Cesar’s Killer Margaritas will be featuring their Pride-Rita – a blend of strawberry, lime, mango, and blue curacao, that guarantees a party for your taste buds and also supports a great cause.
$1 from every Pride-Rita sold will be donated to Howard Brown Health, an organization rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, providing affirming healthcare and mobilizing for social justice as agents of change for individual well-being and community empowerment.
Shop the Rainbow
Foursided
Foursided has TONS of Pride swag for both you and your home! From flags, to books, pins, cards, candles, and more, Foursided is proudly gay 365 days a year. Come browse what they have!
Pride Events June 1-7
Queer Matchmaking Event
Wednesday, June 3rd, 6 pm to 8 pm
Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville
Kick off Pride Month by finding your Perfect Pour. Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville is hosting a Queer Matchmaking Event AND sake tasting!
Register Here
Psycho Bingo: Out & Proud Edition
Wednesday, June 3rd, 8 pm to 10 pm
Replay Lincoln Park
Join Replay on Wednesday, June 3rd for a special Pride-themed edition of Psycho Bingo hosted by @big_mama_says and @kevrokken. Guests are encouraged to show off their best Pride-inspired outfits for a chance to win a special prize, while competing for a $100 cash grand prize. The night will feature outrageous games, high-energy entertainment, and nonstop fun as Replay kicks off Pride Month in style. The event is 21+, free to play, and has no cover charge.
The Best Worst Drag Padge
Thursday, June 4th 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
The Newport Theater
Join hosts Korra Nation and BJ Silly for a one of a kind drag pageant and celebrate the best of the worst Chicago Drag has to offer. The Best Worst Drag Padge is a celebration of the majesty of bad drag in a one night competition. Through unconventional twists on common pageant prompts each of our contestants will be tasked with presenting their very own Bad Drag package that showcases who they are while also embracing the unserious, over the top, and silly, Chucklehead Brand.
Get Tickets Here
Third Space Live: One Night, One Stage Variety Show
Friday, June 5th
Third Space, 716 W Addison St
Third Space Live is a one-night-only variety show featuring local performers, community voices, and unexpected moments—all brought together on one stage. Expect short sets, quick transitions, and a night that keeps moving, with something new around every corner.
6pm – The First Set VIP Reception (6:00pm) and Variety Show (7:30pm) – VIP ticket Required
7:30pm – Variety Show (7:00pm Doors Open / 7:30pm Show)
From ukuleles to choir to comedy to storytelling, the evening blends a range of voices and styles into one shared experience. Hosted by Moth storyteller Archy Jamjun, the night unfolds in one of Lakeview’s most beloved historic spaces. Stay after for a reception and silent auction with neighbors, friends, and the Third Space community.
Get Tickets Here
Indigiqueer Pride Pop Up
Donate Here
Pride Events June 8-14
Trans Ice Cream Social
Join Chicagoland’s Trans community on Monday, June 8th as they socialize on Center on Halsted’s beautiful rooftop with views including the Chicago skyline. Celebrate Pride Month, meet new friends, and enjoy complimentary ice cream! This event is all ages. Dairy free ice cream will be available.
Defined Pride Circuit
Raks Geek: Pride Edition
Experience nerd delight with cosplay and wonder in an intimate speakeasy. We’re celebrating Pride with tributes to fandoms from Star Wars to Marvel, Doctor Who to Nintendo with pole artists, burlesque performers, bellydancers, and circus artists who have performed around the world. Get tickets now before it sells out!
Get Tickets Here
Drag Race All Stars Watch Party with Bunnies
Friday, June 12th from at 7 pm
Lakeviews bunny haven hopes you’ll join them for RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party with their adorable fluffy bunnies!! The show starts at 7pm, so please arrive a few minutes early to get something to eat, grab a seat, then all hail the queens!
Bring a friend and meet a few new! BYOB in a spill-proof container, please. They will provide some yummy snacks, including vegan options.
PRIDE Arts & Crafts
Saturday, June 13th from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Come celebrate the creativity of the season in our Arts & Crafts classes!
We’ll explore a variety of mixed media materials to create colorful projects that reflect growth, renewal, and the joy of the season. This class offers a relaxed, supportive space to experiment, play, and express yourself through art in a welcoming creative circle.
Runner’s High Pride Run
Saturday, June 13th, Meetup at 9 am
Runners High Chi is celebrating Pride with their 2nd Annual Runners High Pride Run at SWAY, Chicago’s first queer- and BIPOC-owned dispensary. The event honors the LGBTQ+ community and recognizes the vital role the gay rights movement played in paving the way for compassionate cannabis laws and reform. Participants will gather at 9 a.m. for check-in and a warm-up before embarking on either a four-mile run or a two-mile walk to the lakefront. Along the route, attendees will stop at the Chicago AIDS Garden, where they will learn about the garden’s historical significance and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly people of color. Following the run and educational presentation, the group will return to EveryBody’s Sway for snacks, refreshments, and information about local advocacy organizations serving Chicago’s queer community. Guests can also enjoy product samples and giveaways from LGBTQIA+-owned brands, including Sway’s new collaboration with Laganja Estranja and Kush Queen, as well as Isle Noire. In addition, the event will feature a clothing drive benefiting Brown Elephant, with proceeds supporting Howard Brown Health and its ongoing advocacy and healthcare services for the LGBTQIA+ community. The celebration serves as an opportunity to honor a historic movement while bringing the community together in a meaningful and active way.
Pride Events June 15-21
Cubs Pride Night
Wrigley Field
Monday, June 15th at 7:05 pm
The Chicago Cubs are hosting their annual Pride Night on June 15th this year, as the Cubs take on the Colorado Rockies! Fans can expect LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses at Gallagher Way, Special entertainment to spotlight and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and a special-edition Cubs Pride jersey fans can get when they purchase a ticket to the game through the Pride Celebration Special Ticket Offer. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will benefit the Center on Halsted.
LGBTQ+ Mixer
Cuddle Bunny Lakeview
Wednesday, June 17th from 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Join Cuddle Bunny for a flirty and fun community-building mixer!
Things will kick off kick with some light-hearted icebreakers to make finding new friends and ~flirtations~ fun and effortless. An hour of chillin’ with sweet bunnies will be part of the mix. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Register here!
Pride Fest
Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21
Chicago Pride Fest is an annual two-day street festival! The 25th annual Chicago Pride Fest is a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture and community in Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood.
Chicago Pride Fest features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performances, the Proud Pet Parade (Sunday, 12pm) dance exhibitions, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers and over 150 food and merchandise vendors.
More Info Here
Pride Fest at Sidetrack
Saturday, June 20 1 pm
Sidetrack Chicago
Celebrate Pride Fest at Sidetrack Chicago! Doors open Saturday, June 20, at 1pm, for a day of fun in the sun on The Rooftop and a fabulous FREE Meet & Greet with Real Housewife & The Traitors superstar Candiace Dillard Bassett courtesy of our friends at Q Care Plus from 2-5pm!
Slay to Drag Performances and get on stage to win fun prizes SaturGay afternoon with Boy J & Veronica Pop from 3-6pm. And don’t miss a special appearance by Candiace after the Meet & Greet.
No cover for Pride Fest. Sidetrack Fast Pass for Pride Fest Weekend are available to purchase on Sidetracks website.
Fast Passes Here
BOOTS: Pride Edition
Saturday, June 20 at 10 pm
Metro and smartBar, all building party
Dim Lights • Hard Music • Hot Hosts. BOOTS is taking over the entire Metro building! Tickets are $25 – $30 in advance, and $30 the day of. Doors are at 10 pm, and the show goes until 5 am Sunday morning!
Get tickets here
PRIDE Paint Party
Saturday, June 20th from 7 to 9 pm
Shine Bright in Life
Paint Party is a playful, no-pressure night to unwind, explore, and have fun with paint. Each session features a monthly theme and gentle guidance to help you experiment with the elements of design: line, shape, pattern, color, texture, movement, and dimension. All experience levels are welcome—truly. This isn’t structured like a paint-and-sip. It’s pure paint-and-play. You are welcome to follow the monthly directive, bring something you are working on, or paint whatever you’d like.
All materials provided. Bring yourself (and maybe a friend) for a relaxing, fun, and creatively refreshing night out.
Get tickets here
PRIDE WEEKEND QUEEN!
Sunday, June 21 at 9pm
Metro and Smartbar, all building party
Come on down to the historic Metro for an all building QUEEN! party, Pride edition! Tickets are $30 – $35 in advance, and are $35 at the door. Doors are at 9 pm, and this event is 21+.
Get Tickets Here
Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons: A Pride-Themed Roleplaying Experience
Sunday, June 21
Shine Bright in Life
Join us for a one-of-a-kind therapeutic roleplaying experience led by Therapeutic Game Master Joan Krejci, owner of Hitpoint Healing. Through collaborative storytelling, fantasy adventures, creativity, and guided reflection, participants will explore connection, communication, empowerment, and self-expression in a safe and inclusive environment.
This Pride-themed event centers around “The Lover’s Festival,” a magical forest celebration honoring all forms of love, identity, and belonging. Each session offers a unique roleplaying experience designed for varying comfort and experience levels — from beginner-friendly games to deeper therapeutic adventures for experienced players. No prior experience is required for beginner sessions. Dice, character sheets, and materials will be provided.
Pride Events June 22-27
Get Tickets Here
50% Off All Drinks at Wake N Bacon
Friday June 26th – Sunday June 28th
Wake N Bacon
Wake N Bacon is celebrating Pride weekend with 50% off ALL DRINKS ALL WEEKEND! Pair your mimosa, espresso martini, or chai latte with a delicious breakfast burrito, French toast, or one of the other dozen dishes Wake N Bacon specializes in.
Saturday, June 27, 1 pm
Multiple Venues, all on Halsted
Get ready to Tour the Rainbow in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood! 
The ultimate PRIDE bar crawl, kicking off at 1pm at Sidetrack, then bop your way through Northalsted’s most iconic spots for an afternoon of drinks, dancing, and celebration.
Your $20 ticket supports the Northalsted Business Alliance and includes a commemorative t-shirt + exclusive Pride swag!
Stops include: Progress • Hydrate • Sidetrack • Buzzed by Zea • North End • Big Gay Sal’s Pizza • Lark • Splash • Replay • Lucky Horseshoe
Get Tickets Here
Saturday June 27th from 11 am to 5 pm
Gallagher Way
Celebrate Pride with the entire family during OUT at Gallagher Way on Saturday, June 27th, from 11 am-5 pm. An afternoon dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ pride through live entertainment and community connection, OUT will feature crafts, kids’ karaoke, lawn games, and live performances from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and Rock and Roll Playhouse featuring music from Chappell Roan. No tickets necessary, just show up!
Saturday June 27th, doors at 6 pm, show at 7 pm
Gallagher Way
Keep the Pride weekend celebrations going with a special performance by BERTHA: Grateful Drag next to historic Wrigley Field and experience Grateful Dead music like never before! Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and now available for purchase.
Get Tickets Here
Pride Parade Day Events, Sunday June 28th
Pride Parade QUEEN!
Metro & smartBar All Building Party
9 pm
Hosted by Chicago’s very own Lucy Stoole and Nico. Special guest host Detox! Tickets are $25-$30 in advance, and $30 at the door.
Get Tickets Here
Bottomless Brunch
Lark
10 am to 12:30 pm
Watch the legendary Chicago Pride Parade at Lark! Select brunch menu, bottomless drinks, and enjoy a great location in the middle of the parade route. Plus, relax on the giant backyard patio during the parade! Event from 10am-1pm, Bottomless drinks from 10am-12:30pm.
Includes select menu choices
The window is a shared standing area for all attendees to enjoy.
Parade live-feed projected on all TV’s inside and on the patio
In and out privileges during the parade.
Drinks include: Mimosa, Bellini’s, Bloody Mary, Sangria, Nutrl Vodka Seltzers. For non alcoholic options, they have bottomless mocktails.
