Close
Menu

Pride Festivals in Illinois

Mark your calendar for this summer’s celebrations of love and equality!

Home You are in… Travel Illinois » Pride Festivals in Illinois

Across the state of Illinois, LGBTQ+ Pride Festivals and parades will take place that celebrate equality and inclusiveness. From Chicago’s popular event to first-year festivals like Woodstock’s, there is a place for you to partake in the Pride party.

Woodstock PrideFest (June 7-9)

Head to Woodstock for their first ever Pride Festival! On the agenda is a parade, live music, entertainment, food and drinks, local vendors and much more. Located in Woodstock Square, this fest is an entire weekend of fun; an all-ages drag show will take place at Mixin Mingle on June 7, with a GLOW Party will follow at D.C. Cobbs. June 8 will offer Brunchology: Queen Hosted Brunch at Mixin Mingle, Everybody Belongs Storytime at Read Between the Lynes, and Rockstock, a free concert hosted by Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

Metro East Pride Fest (June 8)

Belleville’s Annual Metro East Pride Fest is located in downtown Belleville and boasts a variety of booths that include food and drink, retail, and services as well as live music, performances, and contests.

Pride Fest Mokena (June 8)

Held in Yunker Park in Mokena, the 2nd Annual Pride Fest Mokena 2019 will boast live musical performances, dancing, art, food and drinks, and more. With a mission to bring visibility and belonging to the community, Pride Fest Mokena is building off of last year’s event success and is working with the newly formed not-for-profit, Instill Pride to produce this year’s event.

Aurora Pride Festival and Parade (June 8-9)

On June 9, Aurora will host his 2nd Annual Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Aurora. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be Nancy Mullen of Youth Outlook, the first not-for-profit organization serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary youth that increases visibility and understanding of LGBT youth issues. During the weekend, experience OUTspoken, the award-winning LGBTQ+ storytelling group, and a panel discussion that will highlight the first 50 years of the LGBTQ+ movement. The after party will be held at Two Brothers Roundhouse so you don’t want to miss out on craft beer with fellow celebrants.

Chicago Pride Festival (June 22-23)

One of the country’s biggest Pride Festivals, the 19th Annual Chicago Pride Fest will be held in the iconic Boystown neighborhood on June 22-23, leading up to the annual Pride Parade on June 30. The festival features live music by popular artists on four stages, food and drinks, 100+ arts and crafts vendors, dancing and DJs, drag shows, a pet parade, sponsor booths, and even an Out at Wrigley National Anthem Singing Contest. This year’s musical performers include Leann Rimes, Catfight, DJ Vlad, and Pabllo Vittar.

River City Pride Festival 2019 (August 3)

Peoria’s Glen Oak Amphitheatre is home to River City Pride Festival 2019. Musical performances, a drag show, numerous vendors, and more will be featured. With a mission to provide venues and opportunities for individual and community growth, empowering youth, and more, River City Pride Festival is the perfect spot in Central Illinois to celebrate equality.

By Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred

LGBTQ Festivals & Fairs
Related Reads:

Can't-Miss Illinois Winter Events

Can't-Miss Illinois Winter Events
in Family Fun,  Arts & Culture,  Chicago

Get out this winter and enjoy family-friendly events throughout Illinois, includ...

The Century-Old Lawn Party That Still Rocks

The Century-Old Lawn Party That Still Rocks
in Arts & Culture,  Activities,  Family Fun,  Outdoors

What to expect, where to sit, and what to bring to Ravinia, a legendary music ve...

Hometown Pride: Chicago's LGBTQ Leaders on Their Favorite Summer Activities

Hometown Pride: Chicago's LGBTQ Leaders on Their Favorite Summer Activities
in Arts & Culture,  Local Experts,  Chicago

We asked leaders in Chicago’s LGBTQ community about their favorite things to do ...

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season.

Order a Copy

Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map.

Order Print Version
Grab a Digital Copy

Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas around Illinois.

View it Online Download PDF

Send me Enjoy Illinois Magazine

Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.

Order a Copy!
The Official Website of the Illinois Office of Tourism
  • Choose Chicago
  • Great Lakes USA
  • Visit The USA

Download Acrobat Reader

© 2020 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Ratings provided by TripAdvisor