CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The magic of Chicago Pride Fest returns this weekend to Chicago’s Northalsted/Lakeview district.
The 2021 Chicago Pride Fest will not only now span over three days, Oct. 1-3, due to the cancellation of Chicago's Pride Parade, but it will be packed with even more live music and entertainment than originally announced across three stages. There will also be arts and craft vendors, food and drink, drag shows, a pet parade, games, and giveaways.
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Mýa, Shangela, VINCINT, Crystal Waters, Kristine W, Brooke Eden, and St. Panther are among the original headliners announced for the 2021 Chicago Pride Fest. But on Tuesday, the Northalsted Business Alliance announced that Debbie Gibson, Jamila Woods, Katie Kadan, Nina Sky, and Mila Jam have also been added as headliners.
The entertainment also includes local favorites such as Sixteen Candles, Boy Band Review with special guest Toxic feat. Garek, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press, CATFIGHT, iPop, and many, many more. You can find full stage schedules and lineup details at pridefestchicago.com.
“Northalsted celebrates Pride year-round. When the pandemic hit, it posed new challenges in doing so. Yet, we found ways to stay connected to each other and celebrated with Virtual Chicago Pride Fest. We’re more excited than ever that the vaccinations have enabled the return of outdoor events this year, that allow our community to celebrate together in person," said Northalsted Business Alliance President and festival organizer Ramesh Ariyanayakam.
Echoing the COVID-19 protocols that were in place for Northalsted Market Days, attendees of Chicago Pride Fest will be encouraged to be fully vaccinated or be issued a mask to wear, according to the Northalsted Business Alliance. Additionally, indoor establishments in the festival area will be requiring proof of vaccination or recent negative test for entry.
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Plus, Northalsted is partnering with Northshore Clinical Labs to offer free COVID testing and vaccinations in advance of and at Chicago Pride Fest. Those interested can walk-in at the Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted St., between noon and 6 p.m. from now through Sunday, Oct. 3.
Northshore Clinical Labs is offering the COVID-19 tests for free. There will also be free rapid testing available at the Pride Fest main gates during the festival with results in under 15 minutes.
For those interested in getting vaccinated, Northshore Clinical Labs will have a vaccination booth inside the festival and will offer the Pfizer vaccine. Second doses, testing, and vaccinations are available to the public at the NSC laboratory, located at 4751 N. Kedzie.
“We’re grateful that vaccinations have enabled the return of events this year, allowing LGBTQ+ people and allies from all over the Midwest and beyond a meaningful opportunity to celebrate life and community together," said Northalsted Business Alliance Vice-President and festival organizer Mark Liberson.
The event takes place in Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Street. Chicago Pride Fest hours are Friday, Oct 1. from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pay performers, festival workers, and funds community programs. According to the Northalsted Business Alliance, generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks - 14 rainbow paved intersections that make up the longest installation of its kind in the world.
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