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Pride Festivals in Illinois

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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 Northalsted 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
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