Early Morning, April 4 (or actually July) Gay guys sing out in the Chicagoland Sky Equal at last, it took all our lives But they could not take our Pride! In the name of love Parade in the name of love Being in Chicago for the Pride Parade was a real experience. It messes with traffic and messes with homophobic people of which there are plenty - especially in the rich suburbs of Chicagoland but I'll tell you what. This is one of the best Pride festivals and parades that you'll ever see. Some of the cops were making questionable statements about some of the people marching, which wasn't much fun to listen to. The whole area of town where they March is a very LGBTQ-friendly area to begin with and one of the coolest parts of town. It's a place where I hang out a lot anyway when I'm in Chicago. The third great city of the US makes a real effort and the buildings downtown are adorned with the rainbow flags and even though the already awful traffic of the weekend is made more awful, it's well worth coming in and checking it out for yourself. We loved every second. I didn't like that all the gay clubs around here closed really early or were not even open on the night of the parade and as I said, some of the cops that were hanging around after the parade was over were making unfortunate remarks and being a little bit stereotypical. BOSE is pretty stereo typical too. But in a good way. read more

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June is nothing without Pride! I love celebrating and enjoying the marvelous performers. I have heard always wanted to explore Chicago's Pride festivities. I am glad I had the opportunity to check out the festival the week before the parade and concert. I enjoyed seeing all the people celebrating with joy and supporting local LGBTQA+ artists. There were great performers in 3 different stages at each side of the street. The festival was free with a $15 donation option. One can enter and exit as pleased as long as they kepy the sticker we receive upon entering. This was a family friendly event, so it was great to see families and little ones enjoying the festivities. The only draw backs were that the festival was a bit overcrowded and wished there were room to walk around and chances to sit and relax. We couldn't find many places and at times saw individuals with physical disabilities struggle getting around the crowd. Overall, It was a fun event to explore. I look forward to next year's festivities and catching the parade! read more

We went to the Fest but not the parade. It was CRAZY hot, but they had some cool giveaways, (much love to Bai) good food and 16 Candles was awesome! My sister and I had some good vodka drinks and sat in the Center on Halsted to share our entrees. One hot weather tip: leave a bottle of water in the freezer for a few hours before you head out and let it thaw slowly while you walk around. You can't 'gulp' it but at least it wont get warm too quickly! read more

Chicago Pridefest & Parade - Festivals Near Me

Impressive, impressive, impressive. Although I see the criticism with the commercialization of the parade -- the dedication to diversity and inclusion is also very impressive. The parade is enormous and well run -- although in some years tends to get a little long (but impressively, people somehow still have energy after hours). Everyone from the local bars to TV stations to sports teams to community groups are involved in the parade, with impressive, colorful floats and strong messages about equality. If you're attending the parade, make sure you head down early as the crowds are massive and it's difficult to get a good spot if you aren't waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes before the parade starts. Also make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water. read more

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Feeling very lucky to be able to celebrate Pride here in Chicago- one of the greatest and gay friendliest cities in the States. The feeling of Pride is one not to underestimate. There is an energy that is unmatched when attending a Pride celebration; a feeling of being open to be yourself around others in a time for reflecting and celebrating. This year, we stand in solidarity with our Orlando Family after the devastating attack to our community. When you attend Pride, you will see just how strong our community can be. You've got food vendors. Drinks. Drag Queens. Bears. Twinks. Everyone in between (and outside). The community is fearless, and I love Pride for being able to bring everyone together no matter their background. Remember, Pride was not created just so straight girls can enjoy themselves. It is not here simply for us to show how great of a party our community can throw either. It really is for us to celebrate and advocate for a community that has experienced decades of oppression, and for us to join together in a safe and inclusive space. I can't wait to join in again in celebration soon during Market Days. Until then, be safe, enjoy yourself, and experience some of the greatest people you will ever meet at Pride. #LoveWins read more

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Chicago's annual Pridefest is an incredible event and a valuable resource to the LGBT community! We've been a few times over the years and always had a great time, shopped the stalls, ate too much food and enjoyed the shows but today's fest was the best. Loved everything about it except the 95 degree heat. Easily accessible via the El. Pride parade is next weekend. That's too crowded for me any more but other than the massive massive crowds in recent years we've also really enjoyed the annual parade. But you do have to arrive early and I wouldn't bring kids under 12 only because the area is seriously so intensely crowded you might get separated just trying to make your way into the area. read more

Chicago Pridefest & Parade - Festivals Near Me

It was way more fun this year than the first time I went a decade ago. Crowd control and police enforcement seem much more efficient! The parade was a blast. There was a great energy, it was a beautiful day for it. I don't know what experience people had that they recommend it for people 21+ - where we were, there were a lot of calm, peaceful families. Maybe if you're closer to the middle of the parade route, it's an issue or something. But we were at the end of the route, and it was all chill. Wear sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Come early to get a good spot. read more

Reposted after someone felt this review was too gay... Well it's now public knowledge that after these seven years of being an absolutely nobody but an Elite Yelper, I'm full on OUT and PROUD to have reached 1,000 total Yelp reviews!! Hooray! That's a good enough reason to have another coming out party! Well I have decided that it'll just have to wait until the Chicago Pride Parade, because we all know that there is no party like Pride. With the summer kicking in and the heat picking up, I felt like my 1,000th review should be a damn good one, from a long-winded, chatty gay boy. Chicago is one of the most queer and gay-friendly cities in the US of A. Heck, it's clearly the brightest winner among the entire Midwest. Gays escape from below the Mason-Dixon Line in the South, West of the Mississippi River, North of US-94 at Madison, and East of Lake Michigan's shores to come to Chicago. Who can say they have a GAYborhood like Boystown, or heck, even a collar of gay-friendly neighborhoods taking over the north-side of the city including Lakeview, Uptown, Andersonville, and slowly Rogers Park. We're slowly taking over... Yet, although gays are present all year round, they seem to somewhat hibernate in the winter, and bloom like daisies on that first 70 degree day of Spring to come out to play. Still, nothing, and I mean NOTHING is like that one day of the year in Chicago: Pride! All the colors and their values of the rainbow flag are exposed and fully represented: Pink = Sexuality, Red = Life; Orange = Healing (from a tough history and future of the AIDS epidemic and GLBT rights); Yellow = Sun (more sun than you can believe); Green = Nature (including hippies and fairies); Blue = Art; Indigo = Harmony; Violet = Spirit (Amen!). I must mention that clothes come off; speedos, leather, and undies come out; sparkly body oil is rubbed on, hard; sparkles and bedazzling up the wazoo appears; alcohol is sneaked in (who would have known this was once a dry city with now more bars per capita than any other city in the world?!); and all races, cultures, genders, and sexualities put their differences aside and unite as one out of love. Just as Honey Boo Boo says, "Everyone's got a little gay in them!" Yes, we love to categorize, it's in our nature as humans, yet everyone fits in! With this said, you'll be quick to realize that every gay possible will pop out of the woodwork: queer / gay / lesbian / trans-folk / top / bottom / power-bottom / versatile / twink / bear / cub / pup / otter / wolves / bull / circuit boy / chaser / frat boy / sandwich / gym rat / gym bunny / dyke / lipstick / fairy / hippy / leather daddy / furry / hankies / watersportsman / chub / nelly / androgynous folk / asexuals / log-cabin republican gays / hasbian / yestergay / fruit fly / fag hag / fag stag / advocates... There's some gay lingo and labels to learn before you go. Since kicking off in the historic year of 1969, over 200 different organizations show their pride: GLBTQ organizations and foundations, restaurants, beer and merchandise companies, universities, news and radio stations, cultural, sports, hobby, dance, cheerleading, political, and music groups, gay/straight/ally crews, bars and bathhouses, and Yelp (of course)! A few tips for the newbies: -It always happens on the last Sunday in June. -Take public transportation (but avoid the Belmont stop chaos). -The more color, the better. No matter what, you'll always be topped *no pun intended*. -Get loaded with sunscreen, no matter what anyone says. It kicks off at Noon, the hottest and brightest hours and one of the hottest months of the year! -Be thoughtful about where you stick stickers on your body (tan lines people!). -Drink plenty of fluids. And I mean water, not alcohol (at least to start). -Eat before your festivities or you may show up a fool in magazines and on news channels across the city (unless that's your goal...). -Take off the following day from work because you may be hoarse. -Go early to scope out your spot and guard it with your life. When traveling, go with the flow. Check out the parade route ahead of time and know where you can cross the street to avoid congestion. Half a million people show up each year so be smart! -It is kid-friendly, but NOT baby or dog-friendly (too much foot traffic for that). Heck, kids see worse stuff on TV and the Internet. I just recommend escaping from the area after the parade is over since it's a complete drunk fest. There is nothing quite as humbling as seeing a kid wearing an HRC shirt being pushed in a stroller by gay parents waving a rainbow flag. While the parade will always remain controversial since the Stonewall Riots, it is one day to not be missed and one day I truly feel proud to be a Chicagoan! Now kick back, relax, kiss a couple random folks and take it all in because we are making "Her-story" (as said by RuPaul)! End. read more

Such an amazing experience! I've always attended as an audience member, but this year I actually had the pleasure of walking in the parade. I got to wear the balloons...what, what!!! From this perspective, I haven't witnessed any shenanigans. The crowds seemed peaceful and under control. I mean, I don't know what it was like among the masses, but from where I was walking, it was just a big ole love fest. If you've never been, do yourself a favor and go! It's the mardi gras of Chicago! read more

Mary's tips for getting the most out of the Pride parade: 1) Reapply, reapply, reapply your sunscreen 2) Carefully consider the placement of any stickers or appliques on your body. 3) Wear comfy shoes; if they're cute and comfy even better because you'll likely be standing and/or dancing through most of the parade. 4) Go bigger, bolder, brighter, and bedazzled! More is more. 5) Stay hydrated, it's hot out there and no one wants you passing out and holding up the festivities. 6) Rest your voice because you'll be hooting, hollering and screaming through the whole parade. 7) Go with the flow. I should've heeded my own advice with respect to rule numbers 1 and 2! I managed to walk away from the Yelp Parade Bus with 2 sunburnt shoulders, a burnt forehead, and burnt back. To top it off I have a spot in the shape of a big, round Yelp sticker on one arm and a lovely little sunburn heart on the other! The parade is such a fun time, definitely a 'must do' (gay or not) if you're a Pride Parade virgin. read more

So they want you to pay $10 to walk in to the festival and then rip you off by charging you $18 for two 12 oz cans of beer. The music was mediocre with bands playing the same music that they've been playing for the last 10 years. The only good thing about it was the food read more

"The gays throw the best parties." With those words back in 2000, I was enticed to my first Pride Parade. I was new to the city and in the neighborhood anyway (living at Lake Shore and Melrose) so I just had to see if the claim was true. And it was. Nine years and seven parades later (sometimes Sunday mornings are not conducive to waking up early), in 2009 it came full circle and I marched in my first parade on the Yelp float. Now having seen the parade from both sides, I can still say it's the best party of the year every summer. Yeah, the word "parade" is a misnomer. Pride is a giant street celebration except the entertainment comes to you (and isn't that better). In a matter of minutes, standing in one spot along Halsted or Broadway, the spectator can go from informative (I first learned about Barack Obama during his Senate run at Pride) to celebratory (the Brazilian dancers are a sight to behold) to downright wild (the various gay club floats are a cacophony of top 40 remixes, house music, and suggestive grinding) to solemn (remembering those lost in a mobile wake) to agitated (any political or law group that tangentially cares about GLBT issues is there). And there is not really a cap on how much of a party people are allowed to have in the crowd. As long as something doesn't violate criminal statutes (besides public intoxication and open container laws which are turned a blind eye to) it's anything goes. Colorful costumes, public almost nudity, silly dancing, and even old men in thongs (does that warrant a deduction in stars, probably not) abound. The crowd is a much a part of the Parade and a sight to be seen as the floats. There is the slight problem that with everyone wanting to join the party, the parade can take hours (and only the die-hard revelers can usually take that). And sometimes the crowds get so thick that overheating can be a problem. But who can blame everyone for wanting to be in or watch the parade? The Prideful do throw the best parties! read more

Chicago Pridefest & Parade - Behind the scenes on Halsted, it's still a party. - Festivals Near Me

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Where were all the naked people?!? Come on gays, San Francisco is laughing at our tameness! Aside from the well-covered parade attendees and performers, the show is great : ) And the star this year, STANLEY CUP! And the traded Sopel. Great energy, great support, hot people : ) read more

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Went for Pride Weekend (6/22) to see a band perform, it's a helluva time! The only issue I have is the fact that the concert area is SO crowded. I'm not saying that the crowd was anything but fun loving and cool, it's just the massive thrall of people made getting from point A to B a trial in patience and body contortion. Also, the bathroom areas sinks are devoid of water... no fun having a handful of soap and no water :( Other than that it's a lot of fun. I unfortunately did not make the actual parade, but I'll definitely make it a plan to go next year 'round. read more

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I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but I found Chicago Pride to be a bit disappointing. I've been to a total of six now... Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Baltimore, and now Chicago. Chicago was the least exciting. The parade was a bit standard, the crowd was a bit annoying, it was really dirty. I don't know, just didn't feel it the way I've felt other prides. I'm glad to have experienced it, and had a good time, but something about the energy was just not as chill as other cities I've experienced. read more

I can't think of a better way to celebrate tolerance, acceptance, love, and diversity than PRIDE. I love seeing various local groups and organizations show their support and love for our LGBTQ community. Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning, Ally.. having the community come together is amazing! I'm so thankful to share in the experience. This year there were over 130 floats, and the parade lasted almost exactly 2 hours. Attendees - from my experience as a spectator the last few years - are generally respectful and pretty friendly to one another. IMO, that's pretty awesome given there are people crammed up near barricades trying to get the best view or freebies. I also saw MULTIPLE parade marchers hand out bottles of water to CPD. Very classy gesture! The city has porta-potties set up at multiple locations, and Streets and Sanitation crews start the clean-up immediately afterwards. Go to PRIDE. Celebrate love, acceptance, diversity, and tolerance...and smile, dance, and cheer while doing it! read more

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**** Chicago Pride 2008 **** Only one of the best parades the city has every year. Nasty mean people not allowed. Sure to surprise you, entice you, and expand your mind....or at least give you plenty to talk about for awhile. Started in 1969 (ha!) the parade has only increased in sponsors and floats but also in attendance from 35K in 1985 to 450k in 2008. This year the floats didn't disappoint nor did the costumes. Woman in pasties to men in thongs, it was just one big party as always. Got to meet some great people along the way while trying to make it through the mass crowds to meet with my friends. Lot's of drinking and I pretty sure I smelled some weed. The rain only added to the excitement. I did feel just a little bad for the women who chose to wear white that day and were really self conscious, I was like whoo who cool me off cause I am hot right now...just kidding I didn't say that. What I truly love about this parade is that there are no people judging you (well at least not to your face) and everybody takes care of everybody. I have gay family members and friends which I love like everybody else and it is nice to live in a city that not only accepts peoples choices but throws one big party to honor those choices!!! Can't wait till next year Chicago!! read more

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Great parade!!! Peaceful and joyous! Lots of diversity and happiness. I had a great time. Only saw one naked guy, shuffling in his shackles and chains, but later he came back without shackles, wearing a diaper and rainbow Speedo combo. Lots of cigar, marijuana and cigarette smoke, none of which I appreciated breathing, but otherwise no problems. No ugly drunks present. Yay Chicago!!! read more

If you've never gone, you just have to. I've watched dozens and walked in the parade this year. No other celebration comes close to the energy and excitement of pride. Whatever your sexual orientation, this is a great way to join in and celebrate acceptance and self-expression with your community. read more

Chicago Pridefest & Parade - Walking through the pride parade! - Festivals Near Me

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Each year is different. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Drunk or slightly buzzed. Each year has its ups and downs. However things you can count on each year: 1. Crazy amounts of people clogging up and down Halsted and Broadway mainly between Belmont and Irving Park Road. 2. Lots of men and women wearing very little and leaving very little to the imagination. 3. Lots of drinking. A lot... like insane amounts. And it is everywhere. 4. A lot of people coming together to celebrate diversity, sexual and racial harmony. And to party like they aren't going to work tomorrow. Oh wait.. most of them aren't. Though I do hear Six Flags Great America is pretty popular the next day. It doesn't matter who you sleep with, who you like, what skin color you are, where you come from, where you are now, where you are going, how big one body part is, (oh wait it does matter to some). This is a day where it can be said, "Be honest to yourself, love yourself and each other and for one day and make it full of fun, harmonious and loving attitudes." To those who hate, for one weekend, keep your mouth shut, put your hate aside and look at everyone as honest human beings who celebrate a day to be themselves. Just give them one weekend... then go for a week.... then a month... then a year... who knows you may give them a lifetime of something everyone should get: equality. read more

Everybody's gay on Gay Day! Which means that everybody's free to 1) overindulge, 2) play the fool, 3) dance to Gloria Gaynor (even her name says "gay"), 4) show some skin, including the naughty parts, and 5) be fabulous! There was a little or a lot of all of that on the Yelp Pride Bus, which may not have been the best place to see the Parade, but was the best place to see hotness of all genders, ages, colors and sizes. Everybody scream wooooo! When I heard about the barricades this year, I thought it was overkill, but I bet it took at least half an hour off the parade, just by keeping the press of bodies out oft he street. And there were still plenty of opportunities to see hot cops. Show us your nightstick! read more

I've been in the parade (representing Oak Park) and have watched it from the sidelines. It is CAH-RAY-ZEE and I love it. People really get into this parade. I myself have thought about my outfit days and weeks in advance. It's an event and it's wonderful. Everyone is happy and friendly and accepting. I've often told people that it's my favorite holiday. Getting to the parade can be an adventure. It's easiest to arrive early using the CTA train. Getting to the parade close to the starting time is nearly impossible. You will watch jam-packed trains pass you by because there is no room for an additional body. Forget about driving because the streets are closed and parking is impossible. This year we found that riding our bikes along Lake Shore path was the best way to get to the parade (because we left 15 minutes before the parade start). It's also CRUCIAL to plan you transportation so that you arrive on the correct side of the street (the side where you want to be). We arrived on the wrong side of the street and had to squeeze through the crowd (it took over an hour to move only a few blocks) and eventually cross at Roscoe and Halsted. I've been asked if I think the parade is appropriate for children. I think it depends on the adults responsible for those children. On the one hand, it could be a great opportunity to discuss some important topics and to expose the kiddos to new ideas. If the adults aren't ready to have those conversations, then it might be a good idea to leave the kids at home. The reason for the three stars is not because I don't love the parade. I do!!! It's just that I don't like crowds. This year we got pushed and squeezed through the crowd in such an aggressive manner that I understood how folks could get trampled to death. It can also be really challenging to see anything if you're not up front. Lastly, it's much better to experience the parade with a little alcohol. This year I was sober and it's WAAAAY more fun with a good buzz. read more

Best party in the city. Hanging out with friends and celebrating equality. It's amazing how many people attended the parade. It shows that those that stood up during the Stonewall Riots didn't do it in vain. We have a long way to go for equal rights, but we're definitely on the right path. I love Chicago Pride Parade. read more

The Pride Parade isn't like it was a couple of decades back. Plain and simple. It used to be fun and campy, a celebration of the real community. Lots of singing, balloons, just plain fun and festive. A real blast! Today, it's an unorganized, monotonous political infomercial that's boring. Highly seasoned with some grievance to air or somebody did me wrong thing! Celebrate who you are not who you want to be. read more

Only in america, can a straight man go to a gay pride parade and get hit on by lesbians. USA! USA! USA! read more

As a former Boystown resident, I've done the Pride Parade many times. But nothing tops actually being IN the Pride Parade. Atop a double decker tour bus. With curly pigtails. And cherry red lipstick. Not forgetting the Yelp shirts and Mardi Gras beads. Oh yes. Pride Parade. Yelp Float Style. Nudity? Check. Hot weather? Check. Crazy Crowd? Check. Making out with gay men? Check. Oh my. read more

Chicago Pridefest & Parade - The crowd was bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S! - Festivals Near Me

Five stars despite the rain and the delays, or perhaps I should say, because of the rain and the delays! Usually, this thing runs like a well oiled machine, but due to rain and an accident along the route, it ran well over it's usual 2 1/2 hours. Despite the dismal conditions, Chicago's GLBT community marched on, loud and proud, proving once again that Chicago has one of the best GLBT communities anywhere! BTW, we took my very sheltered 13 year old sister in law from Connecticut for her first ever Pride parade and she had the time of her life. She even went on at length about how wrong it is for the US to discriminate against the GLBT community concerning marriage, the military, etc. She loved the floats, she loved the crowd, she loved it all and was right with me when I said we owed it to the folks that were marching to stay through the torrential downpours and delays. Bonus points as she got her first live view of a naked penis when a fellow on one of the last floats decided to "treat" those of us who had stayed to a money shot. She thought it was awesome, phew. The icing on the cake was Kellie K.'s fantastic les-b-q afterwards - our Kelly had a great time and hung out with Liz M.'s youngest watching the adults act like 12 year olds with both astonishment and pleasure. It was, perhaps, the most enlightening day in her very young life. I hope her parents don't find out. They are trying to raise her to be a good Catholic and I'm trying my damnedest to counter act her catechism classes. :) read more

As a fruit fly, I am obligated every year to attend with my friend, John S. This year was a crisis considering my attendance here, I believe, is directly tied to England's loss in the World Cup. I didn't watch Wayne Rooney and he threw the game (I just know it). Despite this, the parade really lacked from previous years. The multitude of hot naked men was limited. That was replaced by politicians and their lackeys (no one wants to see those people naked). The floats were "meh" at best. The best excitement was the hot half naked guy coming out of his balcony to take a glimpse at the parade. Oh yeah and the window meat fest at Mini Bar was great eye candy as well. Yummy! And where in the hell were the wooden paddle sticks passed out from years passed? I need my free spanking equipment. I'm hoping this year was just a fluke and that Pride is not turning into the lost South Side Irish Parade with the high amount of drunken suburban kids running around and acting like asses. read more

This year took the cake. Last year I was just another spectator but.... Not this year boys! This year I was on a float! Wearing Yelp red and wearing it proud. I had such a blast screaming and yelling for Pride. What was I thinking all those other years, this is the way to go! Next year, I'm getting on the float with the half-naked men... oh wait, thats all of them! read more

Oh Pride Parade, you never cease to amaze me. This was my 4th year, and it was definitely not my last. I went with about 10 people, and we met up with a few more along the way. You may have seen me - by Halsted & Addison with the blue wig. And big knockers. I'm not sure which got me more attention. A little rain will never stop me! I was soaking wet and pretty much cold by the end of the parade, but that didn't bother me a bit. This is once a year. And the highlight of my year, for the most part. GO! I'm serious! Gay, straight, lesbian, bi, tall, short, skinny, fat....it doesn't matter. Seriously. All that matters is you are showing your Pride and dancing and screaming and trying to scramble over everyone to get those damn coveted beads. Damn beads. read more

It's difficult to give a star rating to this incredible event that is steeped in history. There are so many individual components-- the crowds, the entries, the organizers, the police, etc. The most important aspect of the parade is that it happens, and it just happens that Chicago has one of the absolute largest in the world. It's a testament to our city's commitment to acceptance (not "tolerance") of all people that this event exists. From its earliest stages when there were no floats to today's parades filled with crazy and incredible entries, Pride Parade reminds us of a very important event that occurred over 40 years ago at Stonewall Inn in New York City. And even if folks who visit don't know what that is, the important thing is that they're seeing gay people all over the place and might come to an understanding that we're not monsters, but people looking to live a happy life, unfettered by hate or discrimination. All of that said, this parade is insane. Darn near 500,000 people show up for it each year, and the crowds are brutal-- and drunk. It's not a festival for the faint of heart-- if being around huge crowds, you shouldn't go. If being around drunk people offends you, you shouldn't go. Don't complain if you know this is already you-- just make it easy on yourself and find a nice house party to attend instead. You'll be much happier. As an activist, I enjoy marching in the parade. This year was my second go of it, and I marched the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. It was an amazing experience to be there, but this year I was a little worried about the crowds. I saw many instances of folks climbing over the barricades to walk or dance or be crazy on the actual parade route. Folks may not realize this, but that is very, very dangerous for them and the marchers in the parade. What bugged me were all the parade marshals who simply watched this happen and did nothing about it. Next year, they must tackle this issue, or there will be more injuries and damage as the crowd sizes continue to grow. In the end, if you're intelligent you understand that having pride in who you are has nothing to do with a parade-- it's how you live your life. This day is always something amazing to celebrate, but I really encourage folks to use the other 364 days to stand up for themselves, their friends, and their family members. In this, the only life we will ever have, it is essential that we stand up for equality NOW. Preach, girl. read more

So needless to say I have attended may a pride parades, but something was different this year. They energy was amazing. From the minute I stepped onto the Yelp bus I knew we were all going to be in for a treat. Oh boy, did it happen. I have never seen so many people uniting for a common cause and having the absolute times of their lives. Not to mention my own. Thanks to all the wonderful Yelpers who made this event so successful. Hopefully this will become a yearly tradition. See you next year!! read more

I went to this parade yesterday and a lot of what I read from other yelpers holds very true still. A fun event that I would recommend to anyone 21+. A few tips from my experience: Bring water and sunscreen. Get there an hour early The parade was almost entirely family friendly, but the crowd less so. I probably wouldn't bring young children to this event. Unless somewhere along the route there is less drinking and pot smoking. This will be an all day event due to early arrival,late parade start,minor gaps between parade floats and the delays in public transit after the parade. Plan around that. read more

We sizzled. It rocked. This was my first time to be in the parade and not just watching. Belmont was a crowd that looked like it stretched all the way to the Red Line. My block did us proud with people sitting on top of port-o-potties and a bus (where did that come from?) So much fun. They did a good job with the barricades. No one rushing the parade anywhere - they did good this year. The fact that it didn't take us 4 hours to get through the whole thing still floors me! Yelp pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/silnak/sets/72157620701389460/ What a fabulous day!! read more

Well, this is the 45th annual Pride Parade and I have seen over 35 of them. Back "in the day" it was a small affair that was absent of politicians and big business. My God, it has grown!!!! Over 3 hours with everyone from Quinn to United Airlines and everything in between. Best party in town...every year!!! read more

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When people have such a strong hatred towards homosexuality I often wonder why? Is it because we can dress better? Are we generally better looking? Do we have more sex than they do? After the pride parade I finally understood, Its because we can throw a party like no one else. The hatred is just pure jealousy, because this parade is fantastic! This was my first year going and Ill be going every year from now on, because its an absolute crazy time. From the skimpy outfits, to the delicious eye candy there's not a thing you want to miss during the parade. The parade lasted about 4 hours, but went by in a flash. And for the people who don't think there should be one, I have an idea for you. Why don't you go chest bump somebody and pop in Madden 08' to prove how cool you are because its about equality and diversity you idiot, get with it. read more

Best Parade in this city. Hand down or in your pants or up your skirt. But in this review I will not talk about the amazing life colors, the talent, the love, the history, the ideals and just the plain'o good fun that goes along with it...for that you must attend the festivities yourself. However, I just want to say F*CK YOU to all the religious or non-religious haters! I was walking down the street today around noon as I heard a guy on his cell phone behind me say "Be careful, there's some religious anti-gay demonstrations going on" well, wholah, I looked across the street at that moment to see a group of people walking with posters stating "You're going to HELL" "Gay=Hell" and a loud speaker with some guy preaching. I wanted to run across the street and bash his head in and scream STOP IT. The absolute wrong reaction to a hate crime...of course. But I am an honest person, and I am telling you my first mental reaction. Although it pains me to do so. My second thoughts were: "How could you?" Did you miss the lecture on religion? How stupid can you be to confuse religion with homosexuality? Why do YOU care about them? Care about yourself, first. You are the one who is lost, not these beautiful people. Third thought... Oh, my heart goes out to the pain and torture homosexuals have to deal with...what they have been through. Ok, I am done with my rampage....Happy Pride! Stay strong and colorful! read more

What a fun day. On this day, it matters not what your sexual orientation might be, all are made to feel welcome and, if you can't have a fun day downtown on this day, there's something wrong with you. For the best time, don't just come for the parade and head home. Stick around, hit the bars and the restaurants because after the parade is done, the party is just getting started! It's a "must do" on my calendar every year now! read more

Ahhh hahahahah....so much fun! I was the one standing along the parade route on a chair, drink in hand, waving at every float that passed by. This was the first time I actually saw the parade (I've been many times before for the parties before and after)... It was a great time and I must admit the Yelp bus was awesome and huge! The only thing I did not enjoy about the parade were the new barricades that were up. They prohibited my friends from crossing the street even though the parade hadn't even started. I was fortunate to get around that by pleading with the security to let me cross, but it was still it was a pain. Chicago+Pride+Parade=Best time ever!! read more

Born straight and refuse to hate! I love Pride. Its like one of the best fests. Everyone is happy, laughing, loving, etc. This almost never happens. Maybe its because half of the crowd is on drugs...I dont care! Its fun! The parade always cracks me up. I just love seeing the great floats and the crazy people getting, well CRAZY! If you havent been, GO! read more