Celebrating Pride Month 2026
Happy Pride Month 48th Ward! From the Stonewall riots of 1969 which were led by Black Trans women, to the legalization of gay marriage in 2015, to everything else in between and beyond, Pride has been a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a protest against anyone who would have us keep our true colors hidden.
Now more than ever, it's important that we come together in community and solidarity in the face of an federal administration that is actively dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion. They would like to see decades of LGBTQIA+ progress undone; we will continue working to see it protected and carried forward for future generations. As the first queer Filipina to serve on the Chicago City Council, I'm honored to celebrate Pride 2026 with you as your alderwoman. I look forward to continuing our work to protect and uplift our most vulnerable neighbors.
Read on for ways to get involved this month; Thank you to the many organizations that have come together to offer Pride education and engagement opportunities!
Yours in Community,
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
Pride Parade Traffic Information
The Chicago Pride Parade is schedueld for Sunday, June 28 in Northalsted. While the parade does not travel through the 48th Ward, it may impact some of our local buses! Review the transit map above and visit the official pride site for full details.
Celebrate Pride with Chicago Public Libraries
Chicago Public Library is thrilled to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month through events, book recommendations, exhibits, and more that honor all aspects of queer life, history and culture. Be a part of this Pride Month by attending a Drag Story Time, watching an LGBTQIA+ movie screening or picking up one of the beautiful coloring pages available at every branch.Click hereto view all events, programs, and book recommendations, or see a list of 48th Ward events below.
Friday, June 5 - Pride Story Time
Monday, June 8 - Screening of Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Monday, June 15 - Screening of Cruising (1980)
Tuesday, June 16 - Pride Trivia
Celebrate Pride with the Chicago Park District
This June, the Chicago Park District is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Join them at an upcoming event to listen, learn, uplift, and come together in advocacy.
Kids Pride with Newstory Chicago
When: Saturday, June 27 from 11am-3pm
Where: 1307 W Granville
Regsiter online.
n a world that often feels unsafe because it seeks to squeeze us into narrow expectations around identities we would like to create a space where our children feel safe to celebrate who they are. A space where our community finds a common purpose in surrounding the vulnerable so they can flourish.
From the Seats of Power: Exploring LGBTQ+ history through Chicago’s City Council
When: Tuesday, June 23 from 3:30-5pm
Where: Sidetrack (3349 N Halsted)
Register online.
The Office of the City Clerk is hosting “From the Seats of Power: Exploring LGBTQ+ history through Chicago’s City Council,” highlighting LGBTQ+ history through the lens of Chicago’s local government in honor of Pride Month. The event will feature moments from the newly digitized Chicago City Council Audio Archive, a collection of recordings spanning from the 1970s to the 2010s.
For this special conversation, City Clerk Anna Valencia and Dario Durham of 77 Flavors of Chicago will be moderating a conversation featuring former Alderman Tom Tunney; Tracy Baim, Executive Director of Press Forward Chicago and co-founder of Windy City Times; and Anna DeShawn, CEO of E3 Radio and co-founder and CEO of The Qube. The program will also include opening remarks from longtime Chicago LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate and Sidetrack co-owner Art Johnston.
Join us at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 3:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Space is limited, and admission will only be allowed with an RSVP.
Save your spot and register today. We look forward to seeing you!
Northside Beach Bash
When: Saturday, June 20 from 2-6pm
Where: Ostermna Beach (5800 N DLSD)
RSVP online.
Neighbors of Edgewater and Uptown (NEU) is throwing a Beach Pride Bash on June 20, from 2-6pm! NEU has partnered up with Strong Towns Chicago and Lakeview Urbanists to make this social an inclusive event for all of our urbanist Northside neighbors.
6311 Arts Pride Exhibition
When: Saturday, June 13 from 2-6pm
Where: 6311 N Clark
No RSVP required
This art exhibition will feature painting, photography and collage by Chicago-area artists exploring Pride in all its forms — joyful and celebratory, deeply personal, politically engaged, and unapologetically visible. Be Seen, Be Proud highlights the diversity and creative energy of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community while creating space for reflection, connection, and dialogue during Pride Month.
Vivent Health + TPAN Advocacy Town Hall
Join community members, public health professionals, elected officials, and more for a town hall to discuss the impact of health funding cuts and policy changes, then stay for light refreshments and fellowship. On Friday, join neighbors for a candlelight vigil for people impacted by these policy changes at 7:30pm at the AIDS Garden (3003 N Lakefront Trail).
Peirce Pride Parade
Thanks to the entire Peirce Elementary community for inviting us to kick-off Pride Month with them in style! These incredible students marched with signs showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and reminding us that everyone is deserving of our respect, regardless of their identity. Thanks to the students, teachers, faculty, and parents, who came together for this celebration!
