Chicago Has Pride This Weekend
It's hot in the heartland as Chicago celebrates Gay Pride this weekend. Though the parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 24, there are plenty of options for fun all weekend long.
The Northalsted Area Merchants Association will be jamming on Saturday, June 23, with its fifth annual GLBT Community celebration, including food an drink, a parade (of pets, that is), dance music served up by DJs, and live music on two stages, including Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, Naked Boys Singing, Shamelessboyz, Devin and the Straights, and Kathy "Sister" Sledge. It's a cheap date at a $5 donation; the fun starts at 11 a.m. on Halstead Street.
GLBT running and walking club Frontrunners/Frontwalkers hosts its annual lakefront Pride run; the entry fee is $28, with registration at 7:30 and the race commencing at just after 8 at Montrose Harbor.
The 11th Annual Dyke March sets out from Trumbull elementary Parking Lot at 1:30 (following a 12:30 gathering) and is open to all; a free gathering packed with music, drag, and spoken-word follows.
The evening stays lively with a "singles Show" of one-hit wonders as performed by drag artistes at the Empty Bottle, at 1035 N. Western Avenue. for $10 you not only see the boys and girls in drag, you also laugh along with comedian Jessica Halem, and throw down the dance moves at the after-show party.
Sunday features the main event--the Pride parade--at noon, but also offers a post-parade bash at Berlin Nightclub, with the Outdanced/Estrojam party kicking off at 4 p.m. (cover: $10).