Hello, reader! Happy to have you back here for another newsletter. Pride is in full effect, and it is hot as hell outside! It’s times like these that I wish it had been a cool autumn evening the fateful night someone threw a brick at the Stonewall riots. However, I do think the popularity of Pride is directly connected to gay people’s ability to be naked outside! This past weekend was eventful, because I went to my favorite restaurant, with my favorite people, and did my favorite thing: Talked. And now, we must get to talking about what to do to make this weekend as gay and gorg as possible!

Midsommarfest is happening in Andersonville this weekend, Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th. Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the beloved Swedish-inspired tradition for three nights and two days! You can enter our giveaway for a pair of “3-Day Halla Summer” tickets!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• A Queer Pride (AQP) brings Pride Night at Shedd Aquarium back to the beloved Chicago aquarium this Saturday, June 13th! Make sure you catch this aquatic social and drag show and get your tickets immediately!

• Looking to get away? Ladyland 2026 is NYC Pride Weekend, and you can enter to win a flyaway complete with 2 VIP-Passes, accomodations at the Arlo Williamsburg, and a $600 travel credit. Enter our Ladyland “Flya-gay” 2026 giveaway now!*

• Embodied: A Pride x Juneteenth Variety Show is coming to Thalia Hall on June 20th. You can celebrate all things Black and gay complete with amazing drag performances! Buy your tickets here.

• Celebrate Pride Weekend with Bertha: Grateful Drag on June 27th. A joyful Grateful Dead tribute experience with unforgettable live performances featuring Yoko and the Oh No’s next to Wrigley Field at Gallagher Way! Enter our giveaway for 4 free tickets!*

• On June 27th, catch Navy Pier Pride at Navy Pier! A free event to close out the Pride season with live music, dancing, and picture perfect evening on the lakefront. Make sure you read all about it here!

CHICAGO PRIDE EVENTS

Happy Pride! As you already know, Pride season is here, and it is hotter than ever! Pride is a massive thing here in Chicago. There are dance parties, drag shows, pop up experiences, and MORE! Between the efforts of the artists, community leaders, and the allies, the 2026 Pride season is shaping up to be one-of-a-kind. We are excited to feature every Pride event listed and are even more excited to offer giveaways to some of the real special ones! Take a peek! Give this list a gander! It’ll surely be worth your time.

• THU 06.18 - IVY QUEEN PRIDE TOUR at THE FORGE

• SUN 06.21 - QUEER AS FOLK PUPPET CABARET at COLOR CLUB

• MON 06.22 - STILL/HERE: A PRIDE CABARET at CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION HOTEL

• WED 06.24 - PRIDE: CHICAGO SKY VS. PORTLAND FIRE at WINTRUST ARENA

• SAT 06.27 - DARLING PRIDE BLOCK PARTY at NOBODY’S DARLING

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Queen! is back (like always) this Sunday, June 14th, and Chicago’s favorite witch, The Dommm, is hitting the iconic basement for the first time! So, buy a ticket to support, because it’s time to “Queen!” out.

• Level Sporting Club is now open! Make your way to Chicago’s newest queer, Latina, and women-owned sports bar that’s putting women’s sports front and center. Find more information and their IG right now.

• Every week at Hydrate Nightclub, you can catch Mondays Are Ruff! A sickening, all-Black drag revue, hosted by the delightfully funny, Mz. Ruff N’ Stuff. Find more information by clicking here.

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