Overview Chicago Pride Fest is a two-day street festival celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community in Northalsted, Chicago's landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood, returning for its 25th annual edition on June 20-21, 2026. The festival stretches along Halsted Street from Addison to Grace and lands the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade on June 28. Entry runs on a $15 suggested donation that helps pay performers and festival workers and supports local nonprofits and community programs. On site Three stages run non-stop local, regional and national entertainment across both days, alongside the best of Chicago drag performance, dance exhibitions, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and guest speakers. A Youth Pride Space gives teens their own programming, and the Proud Pet Parade awards prizes to participants. More than 150 food and merchandise vendors line the festival footprint. Audience The festival draws the Northalsted LGBTQ+ community and allies from across Chicago. Per the Community Marketing Survey and Harris Interactive, 78% of LGBTQ+ consumers prefer to buy from companies that advertise directly to them and 81% are more likely to purchase from companies that are community-friendly. Talent and Influencers Past performers include ALUNA, The Aces, Jesse McCartney, Deborah Cox, Confidence Man, Snow Wife, Hello Weekend, Cobra B, Doggpound, DJ Ca$h Era and Sixteen Candles. The 2026 lineup has not yet been announced. Track record Now in its 25th year, the festival funds community programs including the Chicago Pride Crosswalks, 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of its kind in the world. It receives extensive coverage from local TV, radio and digital media outlets and is promoted through dedicated e-blasts to an opt-in database of more than 70,000. Brand presence Brand presence spans the three stages, the vendor and activation footprint along Halsted Street, and the festival's owned promotional channels, including the 70,000-plus opt-in e-blast database and local media coverage. Sponsorship carries a direct community-benefit story, since festival proceeds pay performers and workers and fund neighborhood programs.