Rainbow crosswalk in Boystown, Chicago

Things to do in Chicago for Pride Day

By Stuart Bak

The Chicago Pride Parade is one of the most highly attended festivals of its kind on the planet, pulling in something like a million revelers every year. No surprise really, given Chicago is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the States, its Northalsted neighborhood (aka Boystown) a vibrant community hub that was the first in the country to be officially recognized as a gay village. The city’s colorful month-long June Pride party is, as you might expect, a fairly flamboyant affair, taking in karaoke nights, drag brunches, art shows, skate parties, marching bands, club nights and much more. Raise your rainbow flag and read on for our guide to some of the best things to do in Chicago during Pride month.

Spend the Day in Boystown

The Legacy Walk in Boystown, Chicago

There’s no better way to familiarize yourself with Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history and culture than with a visit to the Legacy Walk in Boystown. Take a stroll along the North Halsted Street Corridor between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street, where this unique open-air museum takes the form of 35-or-so steel ‘rainbow pylons’. Each standing 25 feet tall, the pylons act as monuments to those legends who helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement in Chicago and beyond, with bronze plaques commemorating individuals including James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, Harvey Milk, Oscar Wilde, Jose Sarria and Freddie Mercury, plus pivotal events like the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

Brunch of eggs, avocado and a cocktail

Afterwards, make time to check out some of the neighborhood’s other beloved LGBTQ+ hotspots, including the Center on Halsted, a community hub that’s home to the Hoover-Leppen Theater and Billie Jean King Recreation Hall among other facilities. Head up to the roof for tip-top neighborhood views that become yet more colorful during Pride month, thanks to the increased proliferation of rainbow flags and bunting that decorate the streets below.

Hungry? You’re in luck. Boystown also happens to be home to some of the best brunch spots in town. Hit up local institution Drew’s on Halsted for eggs every which way accompanied by breakfast martinis and live DJs. Or mosey on over to the smart, literary Wilde Bar & Restaurant, named after guess who?

Of course, the LGBTQ+ nightlife in this lively enclave is just about as good as it gets, running the gamut from karaoke parties to dive bars, drag nights and hedonistic all-night dance parties. Try Sidetrack, The Closet, Roscoe's, Hydrate and the Kit Kat Lounge for some of the very best.

LGBTQ+ Art & Culture

Temporary rainbow loveheart tattoo on a Pride attendee's arm

There’s plenty more going across Chicago through the month of June. Check press listings for comedy, cabaret and drag performances hosted by the likes of Boystown stalwarts the Newport Theater, Dorothy and the Whiskey Girl Tavern. 

Many of the city’s largest cultural institutions also run LGBTQ-themed programs and exhibitions during Pride month. For example, the Field Museum, one of the biggest and best natural history museums in the world, hosts an annual drag pageant as well as events around the role of sex and gender in the natural world. 

The Ferris wheel at Chicago's Navy Pier

Meanwhile, the American Writers Museum runs readings, workshops and tours spotlighting the work of LGBTQ+ authors whose writings are exhibited here, including the likes of James Baldwin, Maurice Sendak and Susan Sontag. There are events for kids at Chicago Public Library branches including Logan Square and South Shore, with drag and rainbow story times to keep the little ‘uns entertained, and an annual party down at Navy Pier, which is usually held the day before the Pride march. It’s an all-day event that features live music, marching bands, DJs and more, and is conveniently close to all those seaside fairground rides for a spot of old-school fun and relaxation between bouts of dancing!

General admission to a number of these attractions (plus many more tours and activities around Chicago) are included with a Go Chicago pass. You could save up to 50% on entry to the likes of Navy Pier, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, 360 Chicago and more. Note that additional tickets may be required for entry to some Pride-themed events.

Find out more about the Go Chicago pass and get yours here.

The Pride Parade and Festival

Revelers at a live outdoor concert

As the climax of Chicago’s Pride month approaches, all attention turns towards Chicago Pride Fest and the annual parade. The Parade takes place on the last Sunday of June with Pride Fest traditionally falling on the Friday and Saturday of the same weekend (or sometimes the weekend before). Pride Fest gets the party started in earnest with two days of live performances across three stages, everything from international pop stars to the very best of Chicago’s DJ and drag scenes. Add to that 150+ food and beverage vendors and you have all the ingredients you require for a top shindig. The festival takes place on Halsted Street, from Addison to Grace St, and is free to enter, though there’s a suggested $15 donation to help pay performers and festival workers, as well as supporting local community programs. Big-name stars to grace the stages here include M People’s Heather Small, Natasha Bedingfeld, Chaka Khan, and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.

Find out more about this year’s Pride Fest, including the entertainment line-up, here.

Pride Parade participants marching beneath a huge rainbow flag

The main event takes place on the last Sunday of the month, and draws the biggest crowds of the month. The Chicago Pride Parade sets off from around Sheridan and Broadway at 11AM, painting a rainbow across Northalsted as it weaves its way along and around Halsted to Lincoln Park – a distance of over six kilometers. Nab your spot to watch as dozens of flamboyant floats, revelers in outlandish costumes and live performers cruise past, complete with marching bands, stilt walkers, drag kings and queens, and more. The area surrounding Belmont and Addison stations tends to get the most busy, so arrive early if you want a decent view, or bodyswerve it altogether if claustrophobic crowds ain’t your thang. Rest assured there are plenty less densely packed locations: you’ll find for example that you have a little more breathing space towards the start of the route, and on its east side.

Find about more about this year’s Chicago Pride Parade here.

Save on Chicago’s Most Popular Attractions

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out some of Chicago’s top tours, activities and attractions while you’re in town. You could save up to 50% with a Go Chicago pass. Find out more and choose yours here.

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Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago
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Things to do in Chicago in the Morning

Morning is a fine time to check out the Windy City’s most popular attractions – including the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Field Museum and Navy Pier – before the crowds arrive, and to enjoy the Magnificent Mile’s luxury stores and the city’s pot-pourri of architectural style when the streets are at their least busy. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Chicago in the morning…
Stuart Bak
Male lion at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
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Lincoln Park Zoo vs. Brookfield Zoo Comparison of Chicago Zoos

Love animals? Well, of course you do! After all, you’re not some sort of monster, right? Right? Why else would you have landed up on a blog comparing two of Chicago’s best animal attractions? Unless, of course, you’re planning some sort of Madagascar-style breakout. In which case, there’s nothing to see here. Move along, you’ve come to the wrong place. For the rest of you – lovers of adorable aardvarks, cute crocs and bewitching bears – we have exactly what you’re looking for. Take a walk on the wild side with us as we take a look at what to expect from Chicago’s Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos… Lincoln Park Zoo Name. This one’s fairly self-explanatory: it’s named after the President-referencing Chicago park in which it’s located, a huge tract of parkland on the shores of Lake Michigan that’s also home to a nature museum, a history museum and a conservatory. Age. Lincoln Park Zoo was established in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in North America. What to expect at Lincoln Park Zoo. At the risk of stating the obvious, Lincoln Park Zoo is perhaps best known for its animals. Many animals. Big animals. Little animals. Hairy animals. Scaly animals. Animals of all stripes, in other words. We’re talking over 1,000 critters across 200 species, including critically endangered eastern black rhinoceroses, dangerously cute American black bears, lovable two-tailed sloths, ultra-rare Jamaican iguanas, and a chimp named Optimus Prime, to name just a few. Lincoln Park zoo is also an accredited arboretum, boasting 850 plant species, including the only perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection in the United States. There are multiple exhibits to explore and regular activities like penguin-feeding, polar bear care and giraffe training. Best of all, it's free. That’s right: entry to Lincoln Park Zoo costs nothing. It’s free, it’s gratis, and it won’t cost you a dime! Getting in. Opening hours are generally 10AM-5PM with late opening until 7PM on weekends. The zoo is open 365 days a year and… entry is always freeee! More info here. Vital Statistics Size. A relatively diminutive 35 acres. Number of animals. Around 1,100 animals representing 200 species. Number of exhibits. There are around 15 exhibits, including an Arctic tundra for the polar bears, a macaque forest, a seal pool, a reptile enclosure and a petting zoo. Places to eat and drink. Four. Annual visitors. Around 3.4 million. Why Choose Lincoln Park Zoo? It's centrally located, just 20 minutes north of downtown. Its relatively small size means you can combine a trip here with other nearby attractions – among them the beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory and North Avenue Beach. Penguin feeding! Giraffe training! Cute miniature train! Endangered species carousel! It’s one of few places on the planet you can encounter critically endangered eastern black rhinoceroses and the stately Jamaican iguana, believed to be extinct in the wild. Did we mention it’s FREE? Brookfield Zoo Name. Brookfield Zoo Chicago (to give it its full Sunday name) is also known as the Chicago Zoological Park. Or just plain Brookfield Zoo to its friends. Age. Brookfield Zoo is officially a nonagenarian: it first opened its gates on July 1, 1934. What to expect at Brookfield Zoo. One thing’s for sure: you’ll do a lot more walking at Brookfield, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Located out in the ‘burbs west of the city, this huge expanse of parkland is home to thousands of animals, from cute and cuddly koalas to showboating frilled lizards, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, and colorful butterflies. Say g’day to wombats, kangas, kookaburras and other Antipodean animals in the Australia zone, get up close to endangered black rhinos at the pachyderm exhibit and ogle Day-Glo pythons and poison frogs in the reptile enclosure. The zoo also has several fairground-style rides including a Ferris wheel, a hand-carved menagerie carousel, and virtual reality wildlife experiences. You can also rest weary legs aboard the motor safari and enjoy various up close encounters with animals (playtime with the macaws, shark-feeding and so on). Extra charges apply for all rides and animal encounters. Getting in. The zoo is open 9.3AM to 6PM daily. You can buy tickets for general admission, plus parking, special events and rides, here. Vital Statistics Size. At a whopping 235 acres, it’s somewhat larger than Lincoln Park Zoo.  Number of animals. Unsurprisingly, a space this size also houses more critters. About three times the number, in fact, at 3,500 animals and more than 500 species.  Number of exhibits. Eighteen zones, including wolves in the woods, a seasonal butterfly enclosure, a rainforest where clouded leopards are stars of the show, and a penguin pool. Places to eat and drink. Twelve: everything from burgers and tacos to gourmet popcorn and snow cones. Annual visitors. Around 2.2 million. Why Choose Brookfield Zoo? Despite its suburban location, Brookfield Zoo is a fairly easy 20-30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. With more than 3,500 critters to meet, plus rides, add-on experiences and more, there’s plenty to keep kids and grown-ups entertained here for a whole day – or longer! Cute koalas! Beautiful butterflies! Immersive virtual reality wildlife experiences! A Ferris wheel! Multiple restaurants and snack bars mean even the most bear-like appetites can be satisfied with ease. Save on Chicago Tours, Activities and Attractions Did you know you can save up to 50% on dozens of bucket-list Chicago tours, activities and attractions with a pass from Go City? Well, now you do! Choose from an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass depending on your sightseeing style and unlock access to the 360 Chicago observation deck, Navy Pier Ferris wheel and rides, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and many more. Find out more about the Explorer and All-Inclusive options and bag your Go Chicago pass here!
Stuart Bak
Museum of Science and Industry
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Museum of Science and Industry Vs The Field Museum Comparison

Chicago’s embarrassment of cultural riches includes such venerable institutions as the Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, and home and studio of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and Field Museum are two of the biggest, brightest and best such attractions in town. Between them this pair of cultural giants chart the entire history of this planet we call Earth, from weather systems and animal evolution to ancient Egyptian burial rites and the space race. But which should you visit when on vacation in the Windy City? We take a closer look at the Museum of Science and Industry vs the Field Museum, covering must-see highlights, best times to visit and how long you’ll need for each. Griffin Museum of Science+Industry: The Lowdown Vital Statistics: The Griffin Museum of Science+Industry (or MSI) is perched on a reflecting lagoon in Chicago’s Jackson Park, and housed inside the former Palace of Fine Arts, built for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and opened as a science museum in 1933. Inside, a collection of some 2,000 pieces celebrate the very best of human endeavor, ingenuity and achievement across 75 cavernous halls. The museum has plenty of pulling power, welcoming more than a million visitors every year, thanks to its hands-on exhibits, major touring exhibitions and epic five-story wraparound theater. The MSI in Brief: Anyone with even a passing interest in the technological progress of the human species through the ages will find much to enjoy at the MSI. Here’s where you can ogle the world’s first stainless steel diesel-powered train, get down and dirty in a full-size replica coal mine, step aboard a captured WWII German U-boat and poke around in a 13-foot interactive 3D heart. And that’s just for starters: there are also simulated storms, lunar capsules, a toy-making lab and a huge domed cinema showing immersive films that highlight the very best of the human race. And more! When to visit: Regular opening hours are 9.30AM–4PM daily, with extended hours during summer and school holidays. The museum is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. There’s at least a day’s worth of entertainment here, but four hours is enough to tick off the big-ticket exhibits. Avoid school holidays and summer if you don’t like crowds, as these are – perhaps unsurprisingly – the most popular times for families to visit. Visit the official MSI website for up-to-date information on opening hours and exhibitions. Field Museum: The Lowdown Vital Statistics: The Field Museum can be found on Chicago’s Museum Campus, a few miles north along the shore of Lake Michigan, neighboring the excellent Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. This epic natural history museum was largely conceived around exhibits acquired from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and first opened its rather impressive doors back in 1894. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength, amassing a collection of around 40 million objects, specimens and artifacts, charting 4.5 billion years and drawing in over a million history-hungry visitors each year. The Field Museum in Brief: This one is a naturalist’s nirvana: nearly 500,000 square feet of preserved dinosaur skeletons, meteorite fragments, Ancient Egyptian mummies, animal dioramas, Incan and Aztec artifacts, intricate totem poles, and more magnificent historical artifacts than you can shake a giant T-Rex femur at. Fun fact: the phrase “the customer is always right” is attributed to Marshall Field, the 19th-century department store magnate who gave the museum its name and was its original benefactor. When to visit: The Field Museum is open daily from 9AM–5PM, with final admission at 4PM. It’s closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. You could very easily spend a whole day or more exploring the collections here, but four hours should give you a decent overview of the highlights. Arrive for opening time to secure the most elbow room – the museum tends to be busiest from late morning until mid-afternoon. Get the latest exhibition information and further details on opening hours at the official Field Museum website. Field Museum or MSI: Which Should I Visit? These are two of the biggest, best and most family-friendly museums in Chicago, so we’d really recommend visiting both if you have time. Go Chicago attraction passes mean you don’t have to pick favorites either, as both the Field Museum and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry are included, alongside other Chicago must-sees like the Skydeck, Navy Pier Ferris wheel, Children’s Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. Find out more and choose your perfect Chicago attraction pass here. Museum of Science and Industry Highlights Must-see highlights of the permanent collection at the MSI include: The Pioneer Zephyr: the world’s first streamlined, stainless steel, diesel-powered train; a gleaming vision of the future of rail travel from way back in 1934. The Henry Crown Space Center: here’s where you’ll find all things intergalactic, including the Apollo 8 spacecraft, a lunar module, and Chicago’s largest immersive domed movie theater. Wartime wonders: fans of militaria can ogle the captured German submarine; there are also several US Navy warship models and fighter jet simulators. Science Storms: physics and chemistry collide in this fascinating multi-level exhibit, which features a Tesla coil, a tsunami tank, and Foucault’s pendulum. You’ll also get the chance to control a 40-foot-tall tornado. Coal Mine: ride the train through this full-scale mine replica, containing original 1930s equipment. Field Museum Highlights Don’t miss these wow permanent exhibits at the Field Museum: Animal Halls. The Field Museum is home to some of the most realistic animal dioramas on the planet. Case in point: Carl Akeley’s ‘Four Seasons’, depicting wild white-tailed deer across the seasons, is a veritable work of art. Also don’t miss: the fearsome man-eating lions of Tsavo and the polar bear protecting her cubs. Inside Ancient Egypt. Decipher 5,000-year-old hieroglyphs, worship at the shrine of the cat goddess Bastet and come face to face with ancient mummified people and animals inside an authentic Egyptian burial chamber. Roarsome Dinosaurs. Grab the selfie of a lifetime with Sue, one of the most complete T-Rex skeletons on the planet, and meet her plant-eating pal Máximo, an absolute monster at 122 feet long and 28 feet tall! A dino-mic duo indeed. Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Chicago Save money on Chicago attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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