In just a few days, the Chicago 49th Annual Pride Parade will bring more than one million people to the North Side of the city for a day-long celebration that revolves around a colorful procession. Even if you've attended the parade before, the details of the day might be a little hazy. No need to worry—we've assembled everything you need to know about the Pride Parade in one place, so that you can focus on making the most of the weekend.
When is the Chicago 49th Annual Pride Parade?
Sunday, June 24. The procession steps off at noon from Broadway and Montrose, but attendees will be lining the parade route long before the first float passes by.
Where does the Pride Parade take place?
The parade begins at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown, makes its way south on Broadway, then continues south on Halsted through Boystown. Once the procession reaches Belmont Avenue, it heads east, then south on Broadway and east on Diversey before ending at Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park. The most crowded stretch of the route is typically along Halsted, so head north or south on the route if you prefer less densely populated parade viewing. You can check out a full map of the route (with designated parade crossing points marked) below.
Courtesy CTA
Can I drink at the Pride Parade?
While you'll probably see revelers passing around bottles along the route, consuming alcoholic beverages on the sidewalk during the Pride Parade is illegal and could land you with a $1,000 ticket (and, yes, there are plenty of police and security officers enforcing the rules). If you don't mind braving the crowds, you can snag a beverage at a Boystown bar, but you might be better off doing your drinking at a bar near (but not too near) the Chicago Pride Parade route.
What should I bring to the Pride Parade?
The high temperature on Sunday will be a relatively mild 77 degrees, but you should still bring water and sun screen to ensure that you stay hydrated and make it through the afternoon without getting a gnarly sunburn (the parade can stretch on for as long as five hours).
Who will I see in the Pride Parade?
Openly gay professional boxer and former Olympic athlete Orlando Cruz will serve as the Chicago Pride Parade's grand marshall. You can also expect to see a long list of politicians marching through the streets to drum up support ahead of the Illinois general election in November (not to mention the mayoral contenders hoping to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel next February). Plus, 150 businesses and organizations will join the parade on floats, buses and cars (you'll find a complete list here).
For even more information about the parade, street closures and public transit options, visit the Chicago Pride website.