Rainbows and glitter are in the air, DJs have all the divas cued up, and now all you have to do is find something fabulous to wear!! We’re days away from thousands ascending on the heart of East Lakeview’s iconic Boystown neighborhood for the 43rd Annual Gay Pride Parade. Don’t have your pride plans completely together? We’ve got you covered, here are some events WCRX thinks will make your pride 2012 one to remember, or not.
If you’ve spent any time out and about in the GLBT scene in Chicago then you’ve probably caught DJ All The Way Kay assassinating dance floors across the city. She’s starting off her week at The Leg Room for Glow with Pride Kick-Off Event and we think you should too!
Legs aching from a night full dancing? Then Thursday nights Backlot Bash Comedy Night will help you laugh off the pain with national acts Fortune Feimster and Bridget McManus along with local talent Ever Mainard. Catch the hilarious ladies at Mayne Stage Theater 6/21 8pm.!
Seasoned veterans know Stardust always brings the heat! Don’t worry new kids they play nice and Thursday is no different. Stardust and Chicago Outfit are joining forces to pack the house at Berlin Nightclub with a line-up that will make even the coolest hipsters come off the wall and dance! Chicago’s favorite dance floor messiah DJ Zebo will be on hand with Rene Romaro, Cadence Weapon plus STV SLV of Hood Internet. If that’s not enough headliner Nicky Da B will be teaching everyone just what “expressing yourself” means, and i’m not talking Madonna! Stardust fun starts 6/21 at 10pm and goes until 4am.
Friday brings the chance for you to hop aboard the Chicago Reader’s Annual Pride Cruise taking off from Navy Pier. Gawk! at our lovely Chicago skyline on a wind-powered Tall Ship. Dress up? You better! Last year’s Pride Cruise saw the likes of pirates, captains, sailors, skippers, and its fair share of nautical ware. But this year we’ve added an extra hour, so get ready for the booziest, wildest boat party of your dreams!
Performances by Big Dipper, DJs Swaguerilla and All the Way Kay
If boats and water aren’t your thing no worries, Chicago Pride Fest, hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance ,is a crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcasing an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
Friday night, pop sensation JoJo takes the stage at 7pm followed by DJ sets from Chicago House pioneers and residents of the legendary SmartBar Michael Serafini and Derrick Carter.
Saturday brings Chicago Dyke March organized by the Chicago Dyke March Collective. This all volunteer event is a mix of seasoned activists and community organizers and newbies interested in just celebrating. Collective members come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, experiences, professions, educational levels, gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. The March has taken place in Pilsen and Andersonville neighborhoods . This year Argyle/Uptown neighborhood will be home to the march gathering around 3pm and marching by 4:30pm. The march starts and stop at Margate Park; Located at Marine Drive and Argyle.
Make sure you eat your Wheaties at brunch because Sunday is the BIG day. After 750,000 people showed up to last year’s festivities, some changes had to be made to prevent overcrowding at the L stops and along Boystown’s famous Halsted street. A new parade route kicks off at noon on Sunday at the corner of Montrose and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood, ending at Sheridan and Diversey.
Also, a serious crackdown of public drinking will be enforced. Police will be issuing tickets and or arresting those caught with open containers …..BE SAFE OUT THERE!
After the floats are gone no need to cry the party keeps going along Halsted street and beyond! You want a little fun off the boystown beaten path? Look no further than Cuna Lounge 1113 W. Belmont. Dollhouse (Fridays) and Juicy (Fridays) are teaming up for SUNDAY Official After Pride Party with so much spice you’ll feel like you just drank straight from the Sriracha bottle!
Finally, if the thought of rubbing against 750,000+ people has you a little on edge then hop a cab or the red line up to Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood for Pride North celebration at The Glenwood .
Whether you take our party advice or not remember party respectively and safely and enjoy the Chicago Pride celebrations this week!
