Like it or not, we all have to sleep! If you’re coming in for Pride In The Park from out of town or the suburbs you’ll want a close by location to rest up. Chicago is a very walkable city with tons of options for lodging near Grant Park. Here’s a few of our favorites!

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park – Official Hotel Sponsor for Pride In the Park!

Distance from Grant Park: 0.5 miles

The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is excited to be the Official Hotel Sponsor for the Pride in the Park Chicago 2023 event. Ticket holders will receive our special Pride in the Park rate offer for the month of June and must show proof of ticket purchase at check-in. We offer sophisticated modern luxury in the heart of downtown Chicago.  Overlooking Lake Michigan, Grant and Millennium Parks, and the legendary skyline, the Fairmont Chicago is the perfect backdrop for an urban escape or event.

Click HERE for availability to make your booking and Happy Pride!

Hilton Chicago

Distance from Grant Park: 0.3 miles

Starting off our list is Hilton Chicago, a classic and elegant hotel located directly across from Grant Park. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the park and Lake Michigan from the hotel’s higher floors. Hilton Chicago boasts first-class amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center, and a wide range of dining options, including an Irish pub, a grill restaurant, and a lobby bar. Make sure you don’t miss the storied history of this hotel, which has hosted countless celebrities and even historic events like the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Distance from Grant Park: 0.2 miles

The Best Western Grant Park Hotel offers a great value for travelers on a budget, located just steps from the park’s entrance. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site Italian restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. With its close proximity to public transportation and major attractions, guests can explore all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Distance from Grant Park: 0.6 miles

If contemporary design and upscale amenities are more your style, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is a perfect choice. Located a short walk from Grant Park, this hotel boasts stylish rooms with modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that treat guests to fantastic city views. And with a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a unique rooftop garden, there’s never a shortage of activities at this chic hotel.

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

Distance from Grant Park: 0.4 miles

Nestled in a beautiful beaux-arts building just steps from Grant Park, The Blackstone, Autograph Collection combines historic charm with luxury. This landmark hotel offers elegant guest rooms and suites, and it even boasts an on-site art gallery featuring works from local Chicago artists. Make sure to dine at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant – Mercat a la Planxa, serving delectable Catalan cuisine.

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

Distance from Grant Park: 0.5 miles

The luxurious Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, offers a taste of classic Chicago elegance just half a mile from Grant Park. This opulent hotel treats guests to richly decorated rooms, a luxurious on-site spa, and the famed Empire Room nightclub. Pop into their extravagant lobby for a peek at the stunning frescoed ceiling painted by French artist Louis Pierre Rigal.

Hotel Essex

Distance from Grant Park: 0.1 mile

Hotel Essex is a boutique hotel located just steps away from Grant Park, offering sleek modern accommodations and stunning views of the park and the city. Guests can enjoy the comfort of the stylish rooms, a chic on-site bar, and an excellent sushi restaurant. Its central location makes Hotel Essex a perfect base for exploring Chicago.

The Congress Plaza Hotel

Distance from Grant Park: 0.3 miles

Lastly, The Congress Plaza Hotel transports guests back to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, with its meticulously restored architecture and elegant decor. Located directly across from Grant Park, the hotel boasts large, comfortable rooms with classic decorations and lovely views. Be sure to explore the ghost stories that have contributed to the hotel’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in Chicago.

Whether you’re looking for upscale luxury, historic charm, or budget-friendly accommodations, these seven hotels near Grant Park in Chicago offer something for everyone. Each hotel provides a unique experience and comfortable stay, all while being just a short distance from the beautiful Grant Park, allowing you to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

As we gear up for another exciting pride month, it’s essential to look back at history to appreciate how far the LGBTQ+ community has come. Since its inception in 1970, the Chicago Pride Parade has witnessed immense growth, evolving from a small march to one of the largest Pride parades globally. This annual event has become an iconic symbol of love, acceptance, and support for LGBTQ+ rights, attracting millions of participants, spectators, and supporters.

The First Chicago Pride Parade

The origins of the Chicago Pride Parade can be traced back to the Stonewall riots in 1969, which sparked the global gay rights movement. Organized on June 27, 1970, the first Chicago Pride Parade started as a modest, yet purposeful march from Washington Square Park to the Water Tower, ultimately reaching the Civic Center. It was a defining moment for the LGBTQ+ community of Chicago, as, for the first time, people came together to advocate for their rights and visibility.

The Pride Parade Grows

Initially, the parade took place exclusively in the Lakeview East neighborhood. However, with increasing participation and support from the community, the parade route had to be expanded to accommodate the growing crowds. In recent years, the Chicago Pride Parade has extended its outreach to the Uptown neighborhood, beginning at the corner of Broadway and Montrose, and continuing through Belmont, Halsted, Broadway, and Lincoln Park.

Political Participation and Support

As more LGBTQ+ individuals took an active part in politics and used their resources for political action, politicians began taking notice of the community’s power. Both the Illinois Democratic and Republican parties have displayed strong representation in the Chicago Pride Parade, signifying the growing importance of LGBTQ+ rights as a nonpartisan issue.

Milestones

Over the years, the Chicago Pride Parade has hosted numerous special guests and celebratory moments. In 2009, the parade marked its 40th anniversary, drawing over 500,000 spectators. A year later, the Chicago Blackhawks’ Brent Sopel and the Stanley Cup made an appearance, honoring the late Brendan Burke, the gay son of Maple Leafs’ GM Brian Burke.

In 2011, the parade continued to grow, with over 800,000 attendees and 250 entries. This massive turnout prompted a reorganization of the parade route for the following year. Since 2013, the Chicago Pride Parade has consistently attracted over one million attendees each year, making it one of the largest Pride parades worldwide.

Adding To the Celebration

In 2019, the 19th Annual Pre Parade Celebration, commonly known as Chicago’s two-day Pride Fest, took place. More than 100,000 people attended the festival, held on the weekend before the Pride Parade. This event occurs annually in Chicago’s North Halsted neighborhood and features numerous performers across three main stages.

Not only are the streets packed for Pride Fest, but many parties have sprung up leading up to the Pride Parade, making it a “pride week” inside of Pride Month.

Pride in the Park Begins

In 2019, the first Pride in the Park festival happens as the first official LGBTQ+ event ever held in world famous Grant Park. It expands the footprint of Pride celebrations in Chicago even further, bringing national talent alongside local performers to the heart of downtown Chicago. Pride in the Park is now on it’s 4th year at the time of this post.

The Chicago Pride Parade has come a long way since its modest beginnings in 1970. Today, it serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the importance of unity and acceptance in the fight for equal rights. As we celebrate Pride Month and honor the progress made, it’s crucial to remember that the struggle for true equality is ongoing. Let us continue to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and support their fight for a more inclusive and just world.

Pride In the Park is downtown, but if you’re coming to Chicago early for Pride Week, you’ll undoubtedly end up on North Halsted. Formerly dubbed “Boystown” and renamed to be more inclusive to the entirety of the LGBTQ+ population, the North Halsted neighborhood is one of the most vibrant and lively areas in Chicago, and it’s no wonder why. With a plethora of trendy restaurants and bars, there’s always something exciting to do in this LGBTQ+ haven.

Here are a few restaurants and bars on North Halsted that are sure to please (in no particular order):

D.S. Tequila Co.

Known for its delicious margaritas, open air patio, and boozy brunches, D.S. Tequila Co. is a must-visit spot on North Halsted. Their menu features creative takes on classic Tex-Mex dishes, while late night fires up some of the best DJs in the city for an all-out party till you drop experience.

Sidetrack

Sidetrack is one of the most iconic bars on North Halsted, and for good reason, they have been there for 30+ years. This massive bar features multiple rooms, each with its own theme and music. They’re known for their music video nights, rooftop patio, and always have amazing drink specials.

Drew’s on Halsted

Drew’s on Halsted is a cozy but elevated restaurant that serves up delicious food with a side of charm. For a special event or romantic evening, this is the spot.

Roscoe’s

Roscoe’s is another classic Chicago bar that’s been around since the 1980s. They have an amazing dance floor, and are always a busy spot on the weekends. Keep an eye out for special events, they bring out national talent regularly.

Elixir Lounge

Elixir Lounge is a trendy cocktail bar with a martini shaker vibe. Their drinks are creative and delicious and it’s a perfect spot for a quality martini to get your night started.

The North End

The North End is an easy going bar that serves up classic cocktails and beer. They have a variety of self-served entertainment, including pool tables and darts.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is a fun and flirty bar that combines delicious food with drag shows. Their menu is full of tasty dishes, and their shows are always entertaining. Every evening and weekends for brunch the world famous Kit Kat Divas take the spotlight for a floorshow you’ll never forget. Book your table early, Kit Kat fills up quick!

Replay Beer & Bourbon

Replay Beer & Bourbon is a hip and laid-back bar that specializes in, you guessed it, booze and arcade games. They have a rotating list of craft beers plus plenty of games and activities to keep you entertained.

Lark Restaurant & Bar

Lark Restaurant is a cozy and intimate spot with delicious comfort cuisine. Lark has a ton of great specials almost every night and is the perfect spot to hang with your friends. Check out the back patio, it’s a relaxing oasis in the summer.

Progress Bar

Progress Bar is a sleek and modern bar that’s perfect for a night out with friends. They have a great DJ lineup and keep the energy high all night long.

Hydrate Nightclub

Hydrate Nightclub is one of the most popular clubs on North Halsted with amazing DJs and incredible drag shows. The dance floor is always packed, and their drink specials make it easy to have a great time until 4am.

Berlin Nightclub

Berlin Nightclub is a legendary club that’s been around for over 30 years. DJs are experimental and cutting edge, with eclectic drag shows that are some of the most avant garde in the city. Berlin is slightly off the path of North Halsted on Belmont, but worth the walk.

No matter where you choose to go around North Halsted, you’re sure to have a great time. With so many amazing restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from, it’s the perfect neighborhood for a night out or a weekend adventure. So come on by and experience the vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ community that makes North Halsted so special!

Chicago is the perfect place to celebrate pride this summer, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and events that cater to everyone. Of course we hope to see you at Pride in the Park, but did you know of all the other fun things around town you can experience while visiting?

Here are some additional activities to participate in leading up to Pride In The Park and the Chicago Pride Parade in 2023.

The Legacy Walk

This outdoor exhibit features bronze memorial plaques commemorating LGBTQ+ heroes throughout history. Explore this unique and inspiring outdoor museum, located in Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

Visit The Center on Halsted

This LGBTQ+ community center is a hub of activity and support for the community. Check out their calendar of events and make a donation to support their important work.

Bars, Nightclubs, and Restaurants, OH MY!

The stretch of entertainment on North Halsted from Belmont to Grace St. is home to some of the oldest and most iconic LGBTQ+ owned and operated establishments in the Midwest. From the neighborhood’s hottest drag brunch at D.S. Tequila Co, to banging nightclub DJs until 4am at Hydrate, you can find just about anything to match your taste and time of day.

Pride Fest June 17-18, 2023

This street festival in the heart of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood put on by the Northalsted Business Alliance is always a highlight of the summer. With live music, food, and vendors, it’s a great way to celebrate pride.

Visit The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

This organization celebrates LGBTQ+ pioneers and icons in Chicago. Check out their website and learn more about the amazing people who have shaped and supported the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.

Lastly, The Chicago Pride Parade on June 25th, 2023

This annual event brings together over a million people to celebrate love and unity in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s one of the largest pride parades in the world, and a must-see for anyone celebrating pride in Chicago.

No matter how you choose to celebrate pride in Chicago, you’re sure to have a great time. And with events like Pride in the Park Festival, there’s never been a better time to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community in this vibrant and welcoming city. So come out, have fun, and celebrate pride in style!

For those of you visiting, those pillars on North Halsted have a lot of history to them! Read on, and educate yourself on a treasure in Chicago.

The Legacy Walk is a vibrant outdoor exhibit dedicated to LGBTQ history, located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The exhibit spans half a mile of the North Halsted Street Corridor between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street, and is defined by ten sets of 25-foot-tall Rainbow Pylons made of decorative steel. These pylons serve as a beacon for Chicago’s LGBTQ community, with each pair of pylons anchoring a section of the exhibit.

Bronze biographical markers are affixed to the Rainbow Pylons, commemorating the life and work of notable LGBTQ individuals whose contributions have helped shape the world. Unfortunately, their sexual orientation or gender identity has been overlooked, minimized, or redacted from most historic texts. Each marker measures 18 inches by 24 inches and is mounted below each bronze memorial marker. Each donor who made the marker possible is recognized on a 4-inch by 18-inch dedication plate. With forty biographical markers in total, the exhibit boasts the largest collection of detailed bronze biographical memorials in the world.

Every year, on National Coming-Out Day (October 11), new memorials are added to the exhibit. The maximum memorial capacity for the exhibit was reached with its Phase VII dedication in 2018. As a result, older plaques are gradually rotated off the exhibit to make room for new dedications. A Visitor Center is currently in development, with plans to house the “retired” memorials. 

Since its inception, the Legacy Walk has become an internationally recognized beacon of pride and enlightenment for the 1.5 million visitors who come to North Halsted annually (estimated), whether for a casual stroll or to get a little crazy!

The installation is the only one of its kind in the world and was declared a Historic Landmark in 2019. So if you’re looking form something to experience before Pride In The Park, definitely check it out! For more information on the Legacy Walk, visit legacyprojectchicago.org.

Get ready to celebrate Pride in the Park, the ultimate outdoor festival for the LGBTQ+ community! This two-day event will take place on June 23rd and 24th, 2023 in Grant Park, Chicago, and will feature an incredibly diverse lineup of national and local talent. With past headliners like Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Alesso, The Chainsmokers, Chaka Khan, Gryffin, Daya, Shea Couleé, Todrick Hall, Tamar Braxton, Kathy Sledge, and hundreds of other performers, you know this is going to be a party you won’t want to miss!

Ticket Launch

Pre-sale tickets for Pride in the Park will be available starting at 11am CST on April 21st, 2023. With 20,000 people attending the event each year, you know this is going to be an unforgettable experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

What To Expect

This year’s lineup is sure to impress, with a wide variety of musical genres and performance styles. Whether you’re into dance music, pop, or something in between, there will be something for everyone at Pride in the Park. And with a focus on inclusivity and diversity, this festival is the perfect place to come together and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its forms.

In addition to the amazing musical performances, Pride in the Park will also feature a variety of food and beverage vendors, as well as other activities and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, relax in the sun, or connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community, this festival has something for everyone.

So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate Pride in the Park! With an amazing lineup, a beautiful outdoor setting, and a focus on inclusivity and diversity, this festival is sure to be one of the highlights of your summer. We can’t wait to see you there!

CHICAGO – Pride in the Park Chicago, one of the largest LGBTQ outdoor music festivals in the nation, with much-anticipated performances by The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Shea Couleé, Monet X Change, Daya, and more – announces that the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is proudly sponsoring Pride in the Park once again on June 25th and 26th.

Welcoming over 30,000 festival-goers last year alone, incredible sponsors like Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana proudly show how they are supporting queer lives at every level.

The partnership between Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and Pride in the Park Chicago is a natural pairing. The original Hard Rock started 51 years ago, featuring music and memorabilia from rock’s greatest artists. Pride in the Park Chicago features a lineup of 30 of the best queer and ally artists. Pride in the Park Chicago and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana are immersive music experiences for visitors. ​ -Spokesperson for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana understands the importance of community through love, music, and community. The commitment to LGBTQ events and queer culture is paramount to ensure members of the community are supported, seen, heard, and loved. Additionally, they will be hosting RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour on August 12.

We feel the love and continuous support from the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana family. Many people state they are supporters and allies of the community – of our culture and expressions of art, music, and more. They proudly state they are for us and by our side with financial support to ensure our artists and staff are equitably paid and given the opportunities they have earned. We thank them for this once again. ​ ​ -Dusty Carpenter, Pride in the Park Chicago Lead Organizer

About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. ​ Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1600 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the new Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest, and Constant Grind Coffee Shop and also features a retail shop. ​ For more information, contact https://www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29^th Ave. in Gary, IN, directly adjacent to the I80/94 Burr Street Interchange. ​ For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.

About Hard Rock Live

The new Hard Rock Live performance venue is outfitted with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The sound equipment features an L-Acoustics K2 line array system with KS28 subwoofers and KIVA-II front fill. Hard Rock Live has excellent sightlines. Hard Rock Live can seat up to 1,894 with an overall capacity of 2,207 including standing room only.

About Hard Rock®

Hard Rock International (HRI)  is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in 68 countries spanning 253 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook, and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2021, Hard Rock was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s Best Employers for Diversity, a Top Employer for Women, and the Top Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. Hard Rock was designated as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. It was also named the top-performing hotel brand in J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study for the third consecutive year in 2021. The brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

Special Guest Performance To Be Announced Soon

Also Proudly Returning For Another 2-Day Unforgettable Pride Celebration Featuring The Hottest Chart-Topping Artists