Celebrate the city’s diversity with this festive fete saluting the area’s gay and lesbian community. There are events scheduled throughout the weekend, anchored by main events Pride Fest on Saturday and the parade on Sunday.
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST K
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; $5 donation benefits the Northalsted Area Merchants Association. Halsted Street and Waveland Avenue; 773-868-3010. Launch into the weekend with a daylong party that features food, beverages, a pet parade, deejay tunes, and entertainment and live music on two stages. Acts scheduled to perform include Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Kimi Hayes, Gay Shakespeare and the Sister Sledge Show.
BACK LOT BASH
3-10 p.m. Sat.; $10-$15 (21+). Behind Cheetah Gym, 5238 N. Clark St.; 773-368-6225. Yet another way to party alfresco, this time for the adult set only. Admission includes entertainment by DJ Dave and live music by Cat Fight. Food and beer available for purchase.
GAY AND LESBIAN PRIDE PARADE
Noon Sun.; free. Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue; 773-348-8243. Throw a little sass and some rainbows in the mix, and you have a boisterous parade that’s serious about fun. The procession starts at Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue before heading north to Broadway, then south on Broadway to Diversey Parkway, and then east to Cannon Drive.
GIRL BLAST
2-10 p.m. Sun.; $12, partial proceeds benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ann Sather parking lot, 929 W. Belmont Ave.; 312-493-7123. Ladies looking for a post-parade party should head for this “big ol’ dance party with burgers and beer” that also features DJ Beth spinning Top 40, Latin and house.
