Celebrate Pride Fest Chicago: Jesse McCartney Among Performers at 24th Annual Northalsted Event

CHICAGO (WLS) — The 24th annual Chicago Pride Fest 2025 kicks off June 21- 22 in the iconic Northalsted neighborhood.

The lively two-day street festival is an enthusiastic celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community, taking place on Halsted Street between Addison and Grace in Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ business district.

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Running daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the festival includes live performances on three stages, features top drag artists from Chicago, offers dance shows, and presents guest speakers. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, and explore offerings from over 150 vendors selling art, merchandise, and services.

This year, the festival’s main performers are Jesse McCartney, Deborah Cox, Aluna, Confidence Man, and The Aces, with additional acts including Hayla, Chrissy Chlapecka, Snow Wife, and a special event by Black Girl Magic hosted by The Vixen, featuring a very special guest.

Returning this year, Pride Fest will have a dedicated Teen Pride Space for LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 12-18, located near the Waveland & Broadway entrance. The space is being created in cooperation with the Center on Halsted and will be open from 11 – 5 p.m. on both days, offering performances, food and drinks, DJ sessions, dancing, games, giveaways, and counseling and support resources. There will also be a designated area for parents/younger siblings to hang out in the Teen Pride space.

“We are thrilled to come together to celebrate community and uplift each other in the struggle for equality and human rights,” said Northalsted Business Alliance Vice President and Festival Committee Chairperson Mark Liberson. “Despite decades of progress, the need for Pride has not lessened, as prejudice-rooted legislation, demonization of our community, and lethal violence, especially against our transgender and BIPOC community members, are on the rise.”

A $20 suggested donation for entry helps to pay performers and festival workers and supports local non-profits and community programs, such as the landmark status Chicago Pride Crosswalks, which consist of 14 rainbow-paved intersections installed in 2019, making up the longest installation of its kind in the world.

For information visit northalsted.com.