Three stages deliver non-stop live performances featuring headliner and multi-platinum Grammy winner Leann Rimes, lighting up the stage with dance hits like “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”, “How Do I Live”, “Love is Love is Love” and more.
“By far, the LGBTQ community is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” Rimes told Billboard in 2017. “I am so thankful for all the love my LGBTQ fans have shown me. I hope they feel it coming back from me full circle.”
Pride Fest kicks off Saturday with Brazilian sensation Pabllo Vittar, Midwestern pop-folk artist Jaimie Wilson, Broadway vocalist Alex Newell, and dance music icons Ultra Naté and Inaya Day.
Sunday features performances by Australia-born, Michigan-bred pop icon Betty Who, singer/songwriter Leland, Adam Barta, and Rimes.
The two-day festival includes a mix of national acts and local talent, including Boy Band Review, Catfight, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Hello Weekend, Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press, and Sixteen Candles.
DJs Avi Sic, Cindel, Metro, Miss DJ Meg, and Vlad, among others, will be serving up the beats at the Waveland DJ stage. And, another fun-filled highlight of Chicago Pride Fest is the annual Pet Pride Parade with Miss Foozie, which starts from the North Stage at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
“There are so many reasons to cherish our pets and their positive impact,” Miss Foozie told GoPride.com. “This is just one opportunity to celebrate the difference they’ve made in our lives.”
New this year, 103.5 KISS FM presents the first-ever Rainbow Run on Sunday. Runners in the drag race are encouraged to wear the most stylish of high heels. The winner takes home $1,000. Register for free online.
Over 100,000 people are expected to attend.
The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest takes place on June 22-23, one weekend before the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. down North Halsted Street from Addison to Grace. A $10 suggested donation is requested at the entrance.
This year’s festival honors the birth of the pride movement by recognizing the 50th anniversary of Stonewall.
The 2019 Chicago Pride Parade, celebrating its 50th year, is Sunday, June 30 starting at noon.
Chicago Pride Fest is organized by and benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance, the organization behind Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade.
