I’m baaaaaaaaack! Pride is over, and the last weekend celebrating was such a blast! I worked Sauced & Saucy brunch and Back Lot Bash as Helvetikah, enjoyed a night out with my friends at Pride Parade Queen!, and wrapped up my last Pride gig of 2026 last night at Mondays Are Ruff. I hope everyone had a brilliant time celebrating Pride this year! I had the time of my life (despite the under eye bags)! This week in the newsletter, like always, we’ve got some major stuff coming atcha! More festivals, more shows, more Lolla coverage! Buckle up. We’re about to get started!

First things first, Catch As Catch Can is at the Steppenwolf Theatre until July 12th. You can bear witness to the amazing story of a prodigal son’s return that sparks a spiraling crisis between two families. This crisis not only threatens their relationships, but their identities! It’s a must-see! Check out the harrowing tale and buy tickets!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce announces the 6th Annual Andersonville Vintage Market! The market features antiques, home decor, clothing, accessories, and more! So, please come treasure hunt for vintage finds from more than 40 vendors! July dates are the 12th and 26th. Check them out for more information!

• Wrigley Field lights up with Tyler Childers - Snipe Hunt on July 12th! The progressive country star brings his poetic, political, and powerful sound to Chicago, and you can enter a giveaway and snag 2 free tickets to his show!

• Lesbian and Sapphic Goth Night is at Dorothy on July 11th! Come hang out for a night dedicated to the Chicago goth scene community, featuring dark music, dancing, and a room full of beautiful gothic lesbians and sapphics. Get your eyeliner and get your tickets too!

• Dream Devis: The Death & Life Of is headed for Steppenwolf Theatre July 23rd through July 26th. Join the trans femme South Asian collective for a romp through time, history, mythology and pop culture cultivated through song, dance and comedy. Buy tickets or enter our giveaway to see the dream!

• Don’t forget that Northalsted Market Days is coming August 7th to August 9th! The largest queer market in America is a hit with Chicagoans and out-of-towners too! This year is lining up Headliners include Keri Hilson, Frankie Grande, Myki Meeks, and MORE! Buy VIP tickets or read about the $20 suggested donation.

WIN TICKETS TO LOLLA AFTERSHOWS

Lollapalooza is always THE summer event moment for locals and tourists alike! This year's Lollapalooza Aftershows are selling out faster than ever before! The headlining acts you usually see from far away are bringing their sets to the iconic small(er) stages and spaces Chicago is so famous for! Artists like Adéla, Zara Larsson, Jade, Jae Stephens, and Slayyyter all have aftershows. There’s also some fabulous shows featuring LGBTQ+ artists like DJ Trixie Mattel, Horsegiirl, and Destin Conrad! You can even catch Chicago’s favorite party, Boots, throwing an aftershow… The best part is we’re offering giveaways for every single event featured here and on the full list! So make sure you enter!

• THU 07.30 - ZARA LARSSON at THE VIC THEATRE

• THU 07.30 - SLAYYYTER at THE SALT SHED

• FRI 07.31 - BOOTS at CONCORD MUSIC HALL

• FRI 07.31 - DJ TRIXIE MATTEL at CERMAK HALL

• SAT 08.01 - DESTIN CONRAD at REGGIES

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• This Sunday, the basement is back! After back-to-back full buildings, Queen! returns to the smartbar basement for the first weekend of July with special guest host, Yur Unkle. Party the night away Chicago style!

• We’re still hiring for our Do312 Content & Social Media Internship! Want some real-world experience, or a way to earn college credit? Do312 may be the place for you. Take a peek at more information and get your résumés ready!

• As Pride ends, check out this WBEZ article about why celebrating this past month of Pride’s this year amidst the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and sentiments across the nation was so important! Read about why it’s time for queer people “Act Up” once more!

• Music On The Lawn is set for July 8th! Join in on the fun and make your way to the The Art Center in Highland Park (TAC) for picnic spectacular complete with music by Danny Cohen. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, so be sure to go!

• Make your way to Hydrate Nightclub for Mondays Are Ruff! A weekly all-Black drag revue hosted by legendary funny lady and drag queen, Mz. Ruff N’ Stuff that you won’t want to miss! Check it out and get rid of those Monday blues.

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