2018 Chicago Pride Guide

The Definitive Guide to 2018 Chicago Pride

Looking for ways to celebrate the LGBTQ community in the Windy City but running out of steam? We've got recommendations for the best events of the weekend, whether you're looking for drama, gourmet cuisine, networking, or to drink and dance the night away.

The Infinite Wrench: 30 Queer Plays In 60 Straight Minutes at The Neo-Futurarium

Need to impress your Alan Ginsberg obsessed crush with an experimental and socially conscious date night? Hit up this unapologetically queer performance that gives as much as it gets. Hosted by The Neo-Futurist theater group, the show slays gender roles, celebrates deviance, and embraces the troop's surrealist aesthetic. Meanwhile, proceeds will go to Brave Space Alliance, the LGBT center on the South Side.

Get a seat for Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 7:30 p.m

Queer Summer Solstice at Berlin Night Club.

This spiritual event, hosted by gender non-conforming writer, educator, and performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon, will feature queer artists of color at Chicago's critically acclaimed, pan-cultural, late nite dance club. Come to the punk turned bohemian venue for a haven where art meets experimentation. The solstice, which will rage until 4 am, is being hosted by A Queer Pride, a collective that provides platforms to underrepresented members of the LGBTQ community.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 10 p.m.

Big Gay Ice Cream Pop-Up At Nico Osteria

Instead of counting calories, have some calories that count towards LGBTQ business owners. The Thompson Chicago hotel posh Italian seafood spot is hosting an especially gay and gourmet dish. For Pride week, Chef Leigh Omilinsky will be serving Bourbon Peach Cobbler with Big Gay Ice cream, the brand created by partners Bryan Petroff and Douglas Quint.

Grab a scoop throughout Pride Week.

Professionals Do Pride Happy Hour at Sidetrack Video Bar

Unable to turn off your inner hustler, even though it's Pride? Wear your best business casual to Professionals Do Pride Happy Hour at Sidetrack Video Bar. The event offers the chance to network with major brands like Google, PepsiCo, Ernst & Young, Glassdoor, Goldman Sachs, and Tyson. Plus, you can achieve your dreams while helping others; all proceeds go to Care2Prevent at the University of Chicago, which provides HIV prevention to underserved communities on the South Side.

Network on Friday, June 22 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Proud To Run Chicago

If a Pride march is too slow for you, check out this LGBTQ-centered marathon. The 10K run or - if you're too tired from celebrating the night before - 5K walk is a staple of Chicago Pride. Proud To Run has been raising money for the queer community since 1982. Last year, the event hosted 2,000 runners who raised $65,000 for Local LGBTQ nonprofits like Care2Prevent, Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative and Test Positive Aware Network.

The sprint starts on Saturday, June 23, 2018. The 10K run launches at 8:04 a.m. while 5K run/walk begins at 8:24 a.m.

Whiskey, Wine, & Women at The Annex @ Reza's Restaurant

Looking for a great setting to wine and unwind after the pride parade? This celebration of queer women allows guests to taste an array of fine whiskeys, wines, and craft beers served with Mediterranean delicacies. Come by to see lesbian singer-songwriter Bridget Lyons performing live, followed by DJ All The Way Kay & DJ ZEL.

Drink up on June 22, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.

Tapped for the Very First Time at Athenaeum Theater

If you want to avoid fist pumping at a club, get in touch with your vintage obsession with this celebration of tap dancing and queer culture. The event, which will include live music from JC Brooks Band and the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, features tappers in diva-inspired dance numbers. Host Mattrick Swayze and the Chicago Tap Theatre will dance the night away to arrangements of the greats, including Cher, Chaka Khan, and Bette Midler.

Catch the performance on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. or an encore on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 7:30 p.m.