Editor’s note: NBC Chicago will be broadcasting the Pride Parade live on Sunday. Here’s how you can follow it.
The 2024 Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest pride parades in the country, kicks off on Sunday. More than a million people are expected to line the route.
The parade is in its 53rd year and is “the pinnacle of Pride Month in Chicago.” There will also be a number of changes for 2024, including a new start time, a new route and a smaller number of floats.
The changes were announced earlier this year, when organizers said the city’s Department of Transportation and Chicago Police Department had safety and logistical concerns. On Friday at 11:30 a.m., the Chicago Police Department and other senior agencies will hold a press conference to discuss public safety preparations ahead of the weekend.
The parade will also bring a number of street closures in several Chicago neighborhoods. These closures, as well as restrictions on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race taking place on July 6 and 7, could create travel restrictions for some people, as millions of people are expected to fly to and from Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports for the busy Fourth of July holiday.
To kick off the weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the Pride Parade 2024.
Here’s what you should know about the 2024 Pride Parade:
When and what time does the Chicago Pride Parade take place?
The start time of the parade, which takes place on Sunday, June 30, will be moved from noon to 11 a.m. and the parade will now begin at the corner of Sheridan and Broadway, marking a new starting location for the annual event.
What is the route of the 2024 Chicago Pride Parade?
This year’s parade will once again pass through Chicago’s famous Lakeview neighborhood, as well as the Northhalsted, Uptown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. However, the route will be shortened by at least six to seven blocks and the starting point will be a new one.
Route 2024 begins at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Broadway. The parade will travel from Sheridan and Broadway (3900 N. Broadway) south along Broadway, then to Halsted, east along Belmont to Broadway, then south to Diversey.
Street closures during the Chicago Pride Parade 2024
Nearly two dozen parking restrictions and street closures will be in place for the parade, many of which will begin as early as Saturday evening. Most of the street closures will last at least until Sunday evening, with others lasting until Monday morning, according to organizers.
A full list of current closures and parking restrictions can be found here.
Can I cross the parade route?
According to the organizers, spectators can cross the parade at the following locations:
- Irving Park/Broadway
- Grace/Halsted
- Addison/Halsted
- Cornelia/Halsted
- Buckingham/Halsted
- Briar/Broadway
- Wellington/Broadway
What is the prognosis?
A first look at the weather forecast appears to be partly cloudy for Sunday, with highs around 27 degrees, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
Who will be at this year’s Pride Parade?
The Grand Marshal of the 2024 Chicago Pride Parade is renowned comedian Fortune Feimster, known for her stand-up performances as well as her roles in several notable television shows and films, including “The Mindy Project,” “The L Word: Generation Q,” “Office Christmas Party,” and more. Feimster was named Grand Marshal of the parade alongside her wife, Jax Smith. The duo will be joined by Community Grand Marshals Art Johnston, Jose “Pepe” Pena, and Myles and Precious Brady-Davis.
However, Feimster and Smith will lead the procession in 2024.
“We are honored to be named the Grand Marshals for Chicago Pride,” Feimster said in a statement. “Chicago holds a special place in our hearts – it’s home to a great comedy scene and the best crowds. It’s also where Jax and I met nine years ago during Pride. As we celebrate our community and our anniversary, it feels like a beautiful full-circle moment.”
Feimster and Smith’s love story began at the 2015 Chicago Pride Parade, “just days after the Supreme Court’s historic ruling on nationwide marriage equality,” organizers said in a press release.
“Since then, they have shared a journey of love and devotion culminating in their wedding in October 2020,” the press release said.
In addition to the Grand Marshals, there will be 150 participants, an increase from the 125 the city originally told organizers in March.
“You will see floats, festively decorated vehicles, various drama groups, a marching band and many revelers on foot,” the parade’s website states. “Parade participants represent community organizations, businesses, government officials and individual community members, all coming together to remember history and celebrate the legacy of the fight for LGBTQ rights.”
What is the theme of this year’s parade?
The theme of this year’s parade is “Pride is Power.” According to organizers, it is intended to highlight the “fundamental role the Chicago Pride Parade has played for five decades in creating visibility and advocating for effective change for the city and region’s LGBTQ+ community.”
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
Organizers say the busiest section to watch the parade on Halsted is between Belmont and Addison. Those who want to watch at this location should arrive early for the best view.
Another notable location is on Broadway from Belmont to Oakdale.
One place you probably don’t want to watch is the assembly area north of Sheridan, which is “closed for construction.”
How to get to the Pride Parade
Parking near the parade is limited and bottlenecks may occur, so authorities are urging drivers to carpool or prepare to walk.
For those who wish to use public transportation, there are several CTA rail stops along the route. These include:
- Red Line: Wilson (just north of the parade starting point, you can walk back south and avoid the crowded stops), Sheridan (not fully accessible), Addison, Belmont (the most crowded stop!)
- Brown Line: Belmont (the most crowded stop!), Wellington, Diversey (near the end point of the parade)
However, due to the road closures, it is likely that buses along the parade route will need to be diverted and rideshare services may also be impacted by the closures and general congestion surrounding the parade.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft may be an option, but keep in mind that traffic will likely be congested. Organizers suggest that revelers choose a drop-off location “several blocks from the parade route” and walk from there.
For those traveling to the parade from the suburbs, Metra is expanding service to two lines to make it easier to accommodate passengers.
Are Pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed in the parade itself, but are allowed on the route. However, organizers caution that the route will be crowded and noisy and probably not the best environment for nervous animals.
The weather can also play a role in how safe the event is for animals.
What about alcohol?
While there are many restaurants and bars along the route where spectators can enjoy the festivities, open consumption of alcohol outside of these establishments remains prohibited. Officials said fines of up to $1,000, and possibly even more than $1,000, are possible.
Open containers of alcohol are prohibited. Police and additional security teams will enforce this rule and fines can be up to $1,000 or more.
