As part of our ongoing commitment to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago, Pride in the Park wants to help spread the word on charities that support the local LGBTQ+ community!

Here’s some groups that directly support LGBTQ+ Chicagoans:

• The Center on Halsted provides a wide array of health and wellness care to LGBTQ people. It offers a variety of programs — including cooking classes and sports — as well as rapid HIV testing, housing for older queer people, therapy and job training. You can volunteer or make a donation. Website.
• Affinity 95 is a Black- and queer-led group that works to advance social justice within and for Black LGBTQ communities. It has a book club, hosts support groups and organizes events to provide information about wellness and resources to people in need. You can find volunteer opportunities and make a monetary donation online. Website.
• The AIDS Foundation of Chicago advocates for and provides resources to people living with or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. It helps people get tested for HIV and connects those with HIV to health care. It also does work to prevent the spread of HIV and to advocate for housing and other services for people with the disease. You can find volunteer opportunities and make a monetary donation online. Website.
• Brave Space Alliance is a Black- and trans-led organization that works to empower and provide resources to queer and trans people, particularly those of color. It’s opened a community food pantry, helped participants connect with jobs, set up gender-reaffirming rooms and is creating a housing program. You can make a monetary donation. Website.
• The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches is a collection of more than 80 churches and other ministries in the Chicagoland area that welcome and affirm all people. The coalition works to encourage inclusion of LGBTQ people in faith communities and to connect its members to resources. It hosts and participates in a variety of educational and faith-based events. You can become a member. Website.
• Chicago House provides services to and works to empower people living with or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. It is particularly focused on providing reliable housing to those in need. You can find ways to donate online. Website.
• Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Partners is the local branch of the LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network. The organization provides support to queer people seeking asylum in Chicago. Website.
• The Crib provides emergency housing and other services to young Chicagoans, with many of its residents identifying as LGBTQ. It is run by the Night Ministry. You can make a monetary donation online. Website.
• Equality Illinois protects the civil rights of LGBTQ people, and trains and empowers queer and allied organizations. It also has a political action committee that promotes candidates who support legislation that protects and empowers LGBTQ people. You can find volunteer opportunities and make a donation online. Website.
• Howard Brown Health provides affirming health and wellness care to LGBTQ people. It serves more than 40,000 people per year, with programs covering everything from primary medical and dental care to services for youth and older people. Its Broadway Youth Center provides resources and support to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. You can find volunteer opportunities and make a donation online Website.
• Lambda Legal Illinois is the local branch of a national legal organization that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ people. It provides free legal representation to clients and works to change public policy to better protect queer people. You can find volunteer opportunities and make a donation online. Website.
• The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is a Chicago-based organization that supports, promotes and provides resources to businesses in the state. Website.
• Life is Work Resources Center provides intervention services, resources and support to aid trans and non-binary people of color. It particularly focuses on advocacy work and connecting people with employment opportunities, legal services and safe housing. You can make a donation online. Website.
• Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black- and queer-led social justice group that seeks to empower LGBTQ people of color in the Chicagoland area. It provides everything from wellness help — it recently hosted a self-care retreat — to micro loans, a book club and entertaining events. You can make a monetary donation. Website.
• Masjid al-Rabia is a person-of-color-led and LGBTQ-affirming Islamic community center that provides support to marginalized Muslims, including those who are queer. It helps people access food, runs a free community library and hosts events like its weekly Jummah Prayer Service, which is billed as a “pluralist, trans- and disability-centered space.” You can find volunteer opportunities and make a donation online. Website.
• PrideArts celebrates the queer experience through performances at its theater, as well as through film festivals and events that showcase short and feature films, as well as documentaries about LGBTQ life. It also works to provide queer artists with a safe space to explore their work. You can make a monetary donation. Website.
• The Transformative Justice Law Project is a collection of activists, legal workers and organizers who advocate for and provide support to low-income and unhoused trans people. Members represent and help trans people as they legally change their names, among other services. You can find volunteer opportunities online. Website.
• TPAN is an Edgewater-based organization providing programs and support services for individuals living with and vulnerable to HIV since 1987. TPAN publishes a nationally distributed HIV treatment and health magazine, Positively Aware, and runs the annual Ride for Life Chicago bicycling event. You can find volunteer opportunities and ways to donate online. Website.
• Trikone Chicago works to create a supportive, affirming environment for queer South Asians in and around Chicago. It hosts film festivals, cultural nights, awareness campaigns and other events. You can find volunteer opportunities online. Website.

We are excited to share Pride in the Park’s full lineup for Chicago, now in it’s 4th year! We take a lot of PRIDE in our lineup- featuring top-tier headliners, local legendary performers, and legendary stars from a range of genres. As a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, Pride in the Park is designed to create a truly immersive and inclusive experience.

But Pride in the Park is about more than just music – it’s a positive and supportive community experience. In three years, over thirty thousand people have attended Pride in the Park… and we’re excited to kick off year #4 with some amazing talent! Here are your 2023 headliners:

Zedd: Grammy® Winning DJ

The multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist made his debut with “Clarity”, receiving the 2014 GRAMMY® for “Best Dance Recording”. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, Hayley Williams on RIAA platinum-certified hit, “Stay The Night” which racked up more than 950 million streams, and Selena Gomez on the platinum-certified track, “I Want You To Know,” which spent four weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” chart.

Saweetie: Grammy® Nominated Rap Star

This destined superstar is an iconic rap artist who has brilliantly served up a string of chart-shaking smashes that include the triple-platinum “My Type,”double-platinum“Best Friend” [feat.DojaCat], platinum “Tap In” and “Icy Girl,” and gold “Back To The Streets” [feat.Jhené Aiko], tallying over 4 billion cumulative streams. In addition to taking home honors at the MTV VMA, NCAAP Image Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, and MTV EMA, she has earned two GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of“Best Rap Song” for “Best Friend” and “Best New Artist.”

Years & Years: Grammy® Winning DJ

Showcasing the melismatic vocals of singer/actor/queer icon Olly Alexander, London’s Years & Years artfully combine ’80s-style ambient synth pop with funky electronic beats. The group’s evocative, dancey, cross-pollinated sound drew accolades that included winning the BBC’s prestigious Sound of 2015 poll. That same year, they hit number one in the U.K. with their debut album, Communion, which included the chart-topping single “Shine.” Their sophomore album, 2018’s dystopian Palo Santo, also reached the Top Ten in the U.K. Years & Years scored a U.K. dance hit with 2021’s “Starstruck,” paving the way for 2022’s Night Call.

Zara Larson

The Swedish singer and songwriter is a global phenom, first gaining national fame for winning the 2008 season of the talent show Talang, the Swedish version of Got Talent, at the age of 10. By February 2013, “Uncover” was certified platinum by Universal Music Sweden. In July 2013, Introducing was certified triple platinum in the country. In September 2017, Larsson announced that she had started work on her third studio album, saying in an interview she had written two new songs with MNEK. On 11 December 2017, Larsson once again performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, this time alongside American singer John Legend. In January 2018, Larsson was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Europe” list in the entertainment category. On 22 April 2022, Larsson was featured on the song “Words” by Swedish DJ and producer Alesso. The album’s second single, “End of Time” is scheduled to be released on 19 May 2023.

Join Us!!

With a focus on creating love, music, and community, Pride in the Park is the perfect way to celebrate pride in Chicago. So mark your calendars and get ready for a truly unforgettable weekend!

Attention all hip hop fans! Get ready for a night of high energy and unforgettable performances, because the one and only Saweetie is set to headline Chicago’s Pride In the Park in June 2023!

This destined superstar has taken the music industry by storm with her unique style and undeniable talent. Saweetie has brilliantly served up a string of chart-shaking smashes that have garnered over 4 billion cumulative streams. Fans can expect to hear her triple-platinum hit “My Type,” double-platinum “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat, platinum “Tap In” and “Icy Girl,” and gold “Back To The Streets” featuring Jhené Aiko.

Saweetie has collaborated with some of the most notable artists in the industry, including Doja Cat, Jhené Aiko, and Tyga. Her ability to seamlessly blend different styles and sounds has resulted in chart-topping hits time and time again.

Not only has Saweetie taken home honors at the MTV VMA, NCAAP Image Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, and MTV EMA, but she has also earned two GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of “Best Rap Song” for “Best Friend” and “Best New Artist.”

Fans can expect an electrifying performance from this icon at Pride In the Park in Chicago. From her undeniable stage presence to her killer beats, this is a performance you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now and get ready to witness history in the making!

Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson is headlining the festival, bringing her powerhouse vocals and energetic performances to the Windy City!

Chicago, are you ready for a show-stopping performance? Pride in the Park 2023 welcomes multi-talented Swedish singer Zara Larsson as one of its headline acts! Known for her chart-topping hits and magnetic stage presence, Zara Larsson has captivated audiences worldwide, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the stage in Grant Park.

Meet Zara Larsson: Sweden’s Pop Sensation

Zara Larsson catapulted into international fame with her infectious pop tunes and stunning vocals. At just 24 years old, she has already released several chart-topping hits and worked with some of the music industry’s biggest names.

Zara gained global recognition with her 2015 platinum-certified single “Lush Life,” which showcased her powerful voice and distinctive pop style. Her collaborations with renowned artists like Clean Bandit, MNEK, Ty Dolla $ign, and David Guetta have cemented her status as one of the most exciting pop acts of her generation.

Chart-Topping Hits and Exciting Collaborations

Zara’s discography is filled with catchy tunes that have taken over the airwaves and dominated streaming platforms. From her breakout hit “Lush Life” to the empowering anthem “Don’t Worry Bout Me” and the euphoric collaboration “Symphony” with Clean Bandit, Zara has proven time and time again that she’s a true pop powerhouse.

Some of Zara’s notable collaborations include:

• “Ain’t My Fault” 
• “Girls Like”
• “So Good” featuring Ty Dolla $ign
• “Ruin My Life” 
• “Never Forget You”

Headlining Pride in the Park 2023

Pride in the Park Chicago, 2023, is shaping up to be an event you simply cannot miss, especially with the insanely talented Zara Larsson headlining! Join us this June in Grant Park, as we dance the night away, celebrating love, acceptance, and unity through some of the best pop music around. So grab your tickets, gather your friends, and get ready for an electrifying night with the incredible Zara Larsson…

We can’t wait to see Zara Larsson light up the stage, as she performs her chart-topping hits and empowers the audience with her uplifting anthems, all in celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and unity in the heart of Chicago!!

As Years & Years, Olly Alexander has become one of the world’s most trailblazing modern pop stars.

Across three hugely successful albums to date, the singer, actor, fashion icon and cultural vanguard has earned 5 Brit Award nominations, 2 #1 UK albums, 10 UK Top 40 singles and surpassed over 5 billion global streams. Throughout these important transformative years of creative and personal growth, Olly has also become a fearless, once-in-a-generation voice on important discussions around mental health, and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community

For his leading role as Ritchie Tozer in the critically acclaimed Russell T Davies TV drama ‘It’s A Sin’, Olly was nominated for Leading Actor at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards.

The Grammy-winning DJ will headline Pride In the Park, bringing his electrifying beats and unforgettable show to the Windy City!

Pride in the Park 2023 welcomes the award-winning DJ and record producer Zedd as one of its headline acts! Known for his high-energy performances and chart-topping hits, Zedd has enraptured audiences worldwide, and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the stage in Grant Park.

A Glimpse into Zedd’s Musical Journey

Zedd, born Anton Zaslavski, hails from Russia and grew up in Germany. He has been making waves in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene since the early 2010s, mesmerizing fans with his unique blend of electro-house, progressive house, and remix music.

With multiple platinum hits under his belt, Zedd’s discography is a testament to his undeniable talent and versatility. From the catchy, radio-ready “Clarity” featuring Foxes to the infectious “Stay” with pop sensation Alessia Cara, Zedd has the uncanny ability to craft hit after hit, keeping fans on their toes with his ever-evolving sound.

Zedd’s Festival Prowess

Zedd has an impressive track record when it comes to performing at festivals. His electrifying sets and mesmerizing visuals have captivated audiences at some of the world’s most renowned music festivals. In the past, Zedd has graced stages at events like Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Lollapalooza, and Electric Daisy Carnival.

If you’ve had the pleasure of attending one of his festival shows, you know that Zedd is a force to be reckoned with on stage. From the moment he steps behind the decks, he brings an unrivaled energy and magnetism that keeps festival-goers dancing non-stop.

Headlining Pride in the Park 2023

Now it’s Chicago’s turn to experience the magic that is Zedd, as he headlines Pride in the Park 2023. With his signature sound and visually stunning stage production, Zedd’s performance is sure to be one for the books. This unforgettable night will not only celebrate diversity and love but also bring people together through the power of music.

Zedd’s performance at Pride in the Park 2023 promises to be an electrifying and unforgettable experience. As a seasoned festival performer, Zedd knows how to create memorable moments and connect with the crowd, making his headlining set truly unmissable. Join us this June at Grant Park for a celebration of love, unity, and some of the best music in the world – courtesy of the incredible Zedd.

Don’t miss the chance to see Zedd light up the stage at Pride in the Park this June – the perfect way to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, love, and unity, all while dancing the night away to some of the best beats in EDM!!

CHICAGO (May 11, 2023) – As the largest LGBTQ+ musical event in the Midwest and entering its fourth year, the iconic and inclusive ‘Pride in the Park Chicago’ proudly announces its resilient return for a two-day unforgettable weekend: Friday, June 23rd  through Saturday, June 24th, taking place in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park.

Headlining this year’s event, Grammy-winning DJ and producer, Zedd; LGBTQ+ Icon Years & Years; and the internationally acclaimed singer and activist, Zara Larsson.

Lauded for intentionally bringing iconic queer and ally artists together, additional stunning acts include CircuitMOM, DJ Lady D, DJ Mohammad, Boy J, Enza, O’Laysia, Kenya J Sanchez, DJ Ca$h Era, XO Carrington, Nico, DJ Zel, Platinum Carrington, and much more.  

Much more than a music festival, Pride in the Park is designed to provide another outlet for the LGBTQ+ and its allies to be a positive and immersive Pride experience – with a mission of creating music, love, and community. Seeing overwhelming success in the previous years and attracting over thirty thousand attendees, there is plenty to experience. Always bring A-List artists, to echo the inclusion of the queer community, there will be several performances from local talent, drag performers, and DJs. To keep attendees fueled there is also a wide variety of local food, drink, health, and popular vendors so everyone may shop and wear unique Pride-themed merch.

See you at the park!

Pride in The Park is fantastic way to celebrate music, culture, and beautiful weather with friends and chosen family. As with any all-day outdoor activity, it’s essential to maintain your health to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience at the festival. Lets discuss three key aspects of staying healthy at the event: hydration, sun protection, and nutrition.

Festival hydration: Keep Your Thirst Quenched!

When you’re at an outdoor festival, it can be easy to forget about proper hydration, especially when there’s so much going on! However, staying hydrated is absolutely essential for maintaining both your health and energy levels throughout the day.

Here are some simple ways to stay hydrated at the festival:

• Take breaks in the shade! There are plenty of trees in the park to cool down between dancing.
• Set reminders: Set an alarm or timer on your phone to remind you to drink water every hour or so. Sounds silly, but time flies when you’re having fun.
• Alternate 1 to 1. If you’re indulging in alcoholic beverages at the festival, make sure to alternate with water. Not only will the water help prevent dehydration, but it can also mitigate the more unpleasant effects of alcohol.

Sun Protection While At The Festival

Spending all day out in the sun at a festival can take a toll on your skin. To protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce the risk of sunburn or heatstroke, follow these sun safety tips:

• Apply sunscreen before and during the festival: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating. Sealed, travel sized aerosol spray sunscreen is allowed at the festival.
• Wear protective clothing to the festival: Long sleeves, shawls, and hats with a wide brim can provide additional protection from the sun. Look for clothing with built-in UV protection for added protection.
• Take mini breaks from the sun at the festival during the afternoon when UV rays are the strongest.
• Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes while looking cool at the festival by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.

Nutrition: Eat well, snack often at the festival!

Eating regular meals and snacks is essential when attending an outdoor festival, as the combination of physical activity and the hot sun can rapidly drain your energy. Note we do not allow outside food or beverage, but there will be plenty of options once you get in.

• Opt for healthier food options: If you’re going to be eating at the festival, try to choose balanced meals that aren’t all sugar based.
• Plan your meals: To keep your energy levels consistent, aim to eat a meal or snack every three to four hours. Plan your meal breaks around your favorite performances.
• Don’t forget breakfast: Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body for a long day of excitement.
• Less is more! It’s better to grab a few quick bites throughout the day than overload all at once, which can also cause cramping.

Staying healthy at an outdoor festival doesn’t have to be a challenge if you plan and prioritize your hydration, sun protection, and meals. Enjoy your festival experience without sacrificing your health or well-being & dance the day away!

The rainbow Pride flag has long been a symbol of unity, love, and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, this iconic flag has undergone several transformations, evolving into a more inclusive emblem that represents the diverse identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this post, we’ll take a look at the origins of the rainbow Pride flag and its evolution into the modern inclusivity flag featuring black, brown, and transgender flag colors.

The Origins of the Rainbow Pride Flag

The story of the rainbow Pride flag begins in the late 1970s with artist and activist Gilbert Baker. At the time, the LGBTQ+ community lacked a unifying symbol that could be used to exemplify its struggle for equal rights and recognition. Inspired by the multi-colored flags used in the civil rights movement and the hippie counterculture, Baker created the first design of the rainbow flag, which made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978.

Baker’s original flag design featured eight stripes, each with a specific meaning: hot pink (sex), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic/art), indigo (serenity), and violet (spirit). As the flag gained popularity within the LGBTQ+ community, some modifications were made, most notably the reduction to six stripes to simplify the design and make it more affordable for mass production. The modern six-stripe flag features red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, representing life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit, respectively.

The Evolution to the Inclusivity Flag

While the rainbow Pride flag has been an essential part of LGBTQ+ activism for over 40 years, some members of the community felt that it didn’t fully represent the diverse identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. In order to address this, additional colors and designs have been added to the flag over the years to create a more inclusive symbol.

In 2017, the city of Philadelphia introduced a variation of the Pride flag that incorporated black and brown stripes to acknowledge and support LGBTQ+ people of color whose unique experiences and struggles often go unrecognized within the larger LGBTQ+ community. The black and brown stripes also represent the fight against racism, which is an important aspect of intersectional activism.

In 2018, artist Daniel Quasar expanded upon the Philadelphia flag with the Progress Pride flag, adding the colors of the transgender pride flag (light blue, pink, and white) in the form of an arrow along with the black and brown stripes. The arrow is a symbol of forward movement and progress, acknowledging that there is still work to be done to achieve full equality and representation for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Future of the Pride Flag

Today, the inclusive Pride flag stands as a testament to the LGBTQ+ community’s commitment to advocating for all its members regardless of race, gender, or identity. It also serves as a reminder that, while significant strides have been made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, there is still a long journey ahead toward true equality and acceptance.

As the LGBTQ+ community continues to evolve and grow, so too will the symbols that represent it. With each new design, revision, and iteration, the Pride flag will continue to reflect the unique, diverse, and vibrant nature of the LGBTQ+ community, standing as a beacon of love, unity, and progress for all to see.

Join us at Pride in the Park this June and let all your vibrant colors shine!

With a mix of buses, trains, and bike-sharing options, public transportation in Chicago can get you to Pride in the Park Festival and back in no time! Here’s a quick list of ways to scoot around the city for folks that are coming in from out of town…

CTA Rail System – The “L”

The backbone of Chicago’s public transportation is the CTA’s elevated and subway train system, known as the “L” (short for elevated). With over 140 stations and eight color-coded lines (Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Brown, Purple, Pink, and Yellow), the “L” connects the city’s various neighborhoods and suburbs, making it one of the most comprehensive rail systems in the country.

The Red and Blue lines operate 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock transportation between downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and many other prominent destinations.

CTA Bus System

With over 1,800 buses and 10,000 bus stops, the CTA’s extensive bus system complements the “L” train service to cover even more ground throughout Chicago. Buses run on both local and express routes and cater to flexible schedules, with most routes operating from early morning to late night.

Ventra Cards (CTA)

CTA offers a variety of fare payment options to suit your needs. Riders can purchase a Ventra Card, which is a reusable electronic card that can be loaded with stored value, daily or multi-day passes. Ventra Cards can be conveniently purchased from vending machines at “L” stations or online from the Ventra website. Fares can also be paid with contactless credit or debit cards, or through mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. While on board a bus, you can also pay your fare using an exact cash amount.

Divvy Bike Share Program

For those who prefer a more active and eco-friendly mode of transportation, Chicago’s Divvy bike share program offers an alternative to exploring on two wheels. With over 600 stations and 6,000 bikes available, Divvy allows visitors to rent a bike for a single trip or purchase a 24-hour pass to access unlimited 3-hour rides. You can pick up a bike from any Divvy station and return it to a station near your destination, making it a perfect option for the festival if you’re not going too far.

Metra Rail System

If you’re planning to come in from the suburbs of Chicago, the Metra Rail system provides convenient commuter train services connecting downtown to over 200 stations! The Metra operates 11 lines, with many routes offering frequent daily service, and all trains are equipped with comfortable seating, onboard restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

When it comes to public transportation in Chicago, the options are plentiful and convenient. The CTA rail and bus systems, Divvy bikes, and Metra trains provide affordable, efficient, and enjoyable options for navigating the Windy City. Embrace the world-class public transportation that Chicago has to offer!