Category Archives: Community

Chicago Market Days 2019 Aug 10-11

Northalsted Market Days® is the largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s hottest summer celebration, August 10-11, 2019.

The 38th annual Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long festival celebrating life & community in Chicago’s historic Boystown/Lakeview district. The 1/2 mile long festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!

Featuring live performances by Daya, Icona Pop, Sheila E, Deborah Cox, Jake Shears and more.

 

 

Admission: $10 Suggested Donation – All Ages

Location: Boystown on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison

Hours: 11am – 10pm, August 10-11, 2019

Public Transportation: A short walk away from the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line Station or the CTA Addison Red Line Station

Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances

Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages.

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PRIDE NIGHT at Cirque du Soleil Soldier Field

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VOLTA  is  hosting a special PRIDE Night on  Tuesday June 188pm at Soldier Field South Lot.

It  will benefit the state’s top LGBTQ advocacy and education organization, Equality Illinois. The rainbow carpet will be animated by Chicago’s top drag queens from 7-8pm!  Use  code  EQIL  to  save  15%  @  Cirquedusoleil.com/VOLTA

Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring production, VOLTA, is now playing under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 459 E. 18th Drive, Chicago, thru July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49.

 

30 years in Chicago

2019 is a special year for Chicago and Cirque du Soleil as it marks the 30th anniversary of the coming of the circus troupe in the Windy City. Indeed, the first-ever Cirque du Soleil touring show to visit the USA, CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ, stopped by Chicago in 1989 for the first time. This year, VOLTA will then be the 25th production to be presented in the area since the Canadian company first visited.

 

30 years in numbers:

  • Cirque du Soleil visited Chicago for the first time 30 years ago with CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ in 1989
  • VOLTA is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production to visit the Chicago area
  • VOLTA is the FIRST Cirque show to be presented at Soldier Field
  • Chicago is the 10th city to be visited by VOLTA in the USA
  • VOLTA employs 200 local employees from Chicago for the duration of its stay

 

The show

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.

 

The Costumes

The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Emmy Award winner Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

GET A GLIMPSE  OF  VOLTA  HERE

Social Media:

Facebook.com/VOLTA

Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA

Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA

 

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Pride in the Park in Chicago June 29 2019

Tickets  $50-$100

GA Tickets All Ages

VIP Tickets 21+ only

Held the day before Chicago’s annual LGBTQ Pride Parade, this ALL-NEW FEST at the Petrillo Bandshell will celebrate June’s Pride Month and will feature top national and local performers.

It will also feature an eclectic mix of food and arts & crafts vendors.

“We hope to build Pride in the Park into something people travel to Chicago for yearly, and something that will add to the already amazing Chicago Pride experience”

A portion of tickets processed will benefit the Center On Halsted. Center On Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.

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FINALLY! Boystown Gets Rainbow Crosswalks!

Northalsted Business Alliance Announces Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks

Boystown will get a little more colorful just in time for Pride Month this June with the planned addition of Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks throughout the neighborhood.  Initiated by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the rainbows will brighten the street at 14 crosswalks on east-west streets parallel to Halsted from Melrose north to Bradley, excluding Addison.

Thirteen of the crosswalks will feature the rainbow design that represents diversity and has become an inclusive symbol of the worldwide LGBTQ+ pride movement since the 1970’s. The 14th crosswalk will be dedicated to the transgender community. The blue, pink and white stripes found on the transgender flag will be located on Melrose south of the Howard Brown Health Center. This crosswalk will complement the mural at this intersection that has been dedicated to the queer and non-binary community.

The colorful crosswalks join the 20 iconic golden rainbow pylons, which are home to the Legacy Walk memorial plaques, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ History Museum and now recognized by the Chicago Landmarks Commission as a Historic Landmark.

Funds for the Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks come from Northalsted Business Alliance donated during the Chicago Pride Fest® and Northalsted Market Days® celebrations. This project has been in development since December 2018 with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the support of Alderman Tom Tunney and Alderman James Cappleman.

Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam explains the excitement around the additions.

“As an internationally recognized and historic landmark neighborhood, Boystown has been a place of acceptance and diversity for decades. These crosswalks show our commitment to maintaining a thriving LGBTQ+ community.”

 

About Northalsted

Since 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA) has worked collectively to enhance the entertainment district known as Boystown. Representing over 100 In & Proud businesses, NBA is recognized by the City of Chicago, national media outlets and residents for its leadership of advancing economic vitality and quality of life for the total community. To this end, NBA provides programs and services that will increase investment, security, opportunity and activity in our district

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Free Queer Prom this week – Center on Halsted

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: QUEER PROM FOR LGBTQ YOUTH

Friday, May 10, 2019
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted is proud to partner with American Airlines for the 2019 Queer Prom. The annual Queer Prom is an opportunity for LGBTQIA youth between the ages of 13 and 24 to celebrate all parts of their identities without feeling silenced or alone. This year, we present to you a night to remember: Midnight in Paris. Join us for a moment filled with elegance, allure, and so much more.
“What should I wear” might you ask? Let us help! American Airlines is providing attire for your big night. Please contact David Biele, Youth Program Manager, for more info: dbiele@centeronhalsted.org
This year’s Queer Prom will be hosted at Center on Halsted’s 3rd Floor from 5 – 8pm on May 10, 2019. You and guests within the age range are welcome, as well as Center on Halsted Youth Program alum. No RSVP required.

FREE TO ATTEND

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Chicago Pridefest 2019 Leann Rimes

The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest®, June 22-23, 2019, is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.

This year marks a milestone as we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.

This year features multi-platinum Grammy winner Leann Rimes, Brazilian sensation Pabllo Vittar & Broadway newcomer Alex Newell, and more artists to be announced soon!

Also featuring local favorites: Sixteen Candles – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press – Boy Band Review – Catfight – Don’t Speak – Hello Weekend – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus – Chicago Spirit Brigade – Miss Foozie’s Pride Pet Parade.

More info on 2019 Performers.

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Security Alert Pick Pockets in Boystown Bars

  BEWARE –

Security Advisory

An area bar in Lakeview reports a fast moving pickpocket operation hit their customers, with 5-10 cell phones and wallets stolen within minutes on Friday 2/15/2019.

Please report any information regarding incidents similar to this to Sgt. Levine (aaron.levine@chicagopolice.org) with the Chicago Police Department.

We have seen it coming.  Late  night  in Boystown,  people  getting  robbed.

Now they are going right into the bars!

Keep  your wallet and phone  in your front  pockets! Secure your valuables in a front pocket. While a skilled pickpocket can swipe your stuff from your front pocket, it’s more difficult to do than when your stuff is in your back pocket. 

Beware when talking to friendly  strangers.

The helpful stranger. A friendly stranger approaches you to wipe off some lint from your jacket. A few minutes later when you go to retrieve your wallet to buy a drink, you find it missing. Sometimes the ruse is even more elaborate: one person “accidentally” spills something on you, another helps you wipe off the mess, while a third takes advantage of the hoopla by stealing your wallet. If someone acts a little too friendly and helpful towards you, be suspicious. They could be a pickpocket (or the distracter in a pickpocketing team).

Taking advantage of the Good Samaritan. A stranger approaches you asking for help — maybe they have a map and are asking for directions, or they could fall in front of you, dropping everything they have in their hands. The clumsy person is really the distracting half of a pick-pocketing team; while your attention shifts towards helping them, their partner swoops in and stealthily makes off with your wallet.

Keep the bare minimum in your wallet. The less you have in your wallet, the less of a hassle it will be if you do get pickpocketed. Just keep a single credit card, a single form of ID, and a small amount of cash. That’s it.

We have ALL DONE THIS –  Never put your phone on the table when you’re eating. I’ve never understood why people put their smartphone on the table while eating; it’s rude and prevents you from being fully present with the folks you’re dining with. But if you’re one of those people who absolutely must keep their phone on the table while you’re at a restaurant, be aware that pickpockets are targeting you. A growing number of enterprising pickpockets are casing restaurants with outdoor eating areas and looking for phones sitting on tables. When they see one, they’ll swoop in as a team — one guy acting as the distraction (selling flowers, newspapers, candy, etc.), while his accomplice grabs the phone.

Lesson: Keep your smartphone tucked away on your person while you’re eating. The text messages can wait.

 

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I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Feb 9th

CHICAGO THEATRE WORKSHOP PRESENTS PREMIERE, LGBTQ VERSION OF 

“I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE” 

Chicago Theatre Workshop (CTW) with permission from authors, Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts will present a one-night only LGBTQ performance of their long running off-Broadway hit musical, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” as a benefit for the company.

During the show’s nearly 20 year off-Broadway run, audiences celebrated the on stage relationships as a reflection of their own lives. CTW is excited to recalibrate the show’s series of vignettes focusing on the themes of love and relationships with an LGBTQ twist. Characters have now been re-imagined to reflect the lives of the LGBTQ community.

CTW Artistic Director Tom Mullen comments on the uniqueness of this benefit production, “This is a great joy for us, I’ve directed Love/Perfect a couple times before and I’ve always felt that this could really be an exciting version to try to do. It’s a great opportunity to really highlight that when it comes to love and relationships, we are all equal in our wants and wishes. We’ve also assembled an incredible cast and creative team and are so thankful to Joe and Jimmy to allow us to do this.”

 

Co-Author Joe DiPietro echoed Tom’s message, “When Tom called and asked about doing an all-gay version of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (once dubbed the straightest off-Broadway hit ever,) Jimmy Roberts and I readily agreed.  I’ve always been a big fan of Tom’s work, and I can’t wait to see his very contemporary and, I’m sure, very hilarious take on the show.”

 

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2019

WHERE: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Street, Chicago

TIME: Doors open at 7:30pm show at 8:00pm

COST: $45 General Admission. Tickets for the performance can be purchased on line at www.chicagotheatreworkshop.org. VIP and Sponsorship ticket packages are also available by contacting CTW.

 

The cast includes: Karl Hamilton, Charissa Armon, Melissa Young, Honey West, Lars Ebsworth, Noah Berman, and Jessica Vann. More are slated to be added. Musical Direction is by Nick Sula with direction by Tom Mullen.

 

At Chicago Theatre Workshop, we identify promising new works of music-influenced theatre and continually evolve them through live productions. Through our unique model, audiences can experience the life of a single production as it constantly changes and evolves. Risk. Reward. 

 

Photo: Charissa Armon & Karl Hamilton

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Chicago Restaurant Week in Lakeview

JAN. 25 – FEB. 7, 2019

Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.

This year’s Chicago Restaurant Week will be the largest ever, with nearly 400 local restaurants participating. That includes over 100 first-time participants and 45 suburban restaurants.

The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.

2 of our favorite places in Lakeview will be Participating!

Don’t Miss out – Get a  reservation!

El Mariachi 3906 N Broadway

and Revolucion 3443 N Broadway

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New Years Day Never Afters Party 7am

If you are like me,  I hate the crowds, the lines  and  the high prices  on  New  Years Eve!

We like to go out early, have some drinks  with friends and be in bed by 11! I know,  we’re old! But we have already  done  New Years  Eve  many many MANY times!

So this party  sounds  amazing!  It starts  at  7am  New  Years  Day!  So  whether you stay up all night  or  want to take a  break in between,  the  amazing  folks  at  Neverland are presenting this  Never Afters  Party!

TUESDAY January 1st from 7:00am-1:00pm or later: Regarded by industry vets as one of the best afterhours dance parties in circulation right now, Happily Never Afters has taken the Chicago scene by storm.

This is a NO FRILLS event: No dancers, no hosts, no drama, no attitude, no one bothering you, and no fucks given. Party starts at 7:00am on New Year’s Day, so either stay up all night New Year’s Eve, or take a puppy nap. If you’re trying to look fresh for the party, don’t bother: it’ll be too dark and foggy for anyone to see clearly. Plus, Happily Never Afters isn’t about getting all dolled up. It’s about letting loose in a safe space and having the time of your life, all while ringing in the New Year.

MUSIC by DJ Serving Ovahness (Los Angeles) and DJ Alex Cabot (Neverland Resident)

Presale tickets  NOW  for  just  $20!

FYI – The best resource  for  New Years Eve  parties  in  the gay community  can be found at GRAB  MAGAZINE.

 

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Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 28th

On Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.

It’s a gourmet experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.

Get to know the sweeter side of Andersonville at 20 different locations.

 

Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Cranberry Mousse with Apple Cranberry Sauce with Gingersnap.

Look for him on the Veruca Salt Route at one of his favorite wine shops,

In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.

You can choose between TWO great routes.  Tickets for one route are $20.00

Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum – Andersonville, 5211 N. Clark Street and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.

 

For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit

http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

 

 

Want to attend for FREE? Sign-up to VOLUNTEER at check-in. Click here for more information.

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Halloween Boystown Chicago Events

PUP CRAWL!

Join us Saturday Oct 20, 10am-12pm for the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl hosted by Miss Foozie presented by A Dog’s Best Friend and Northalsted – a fun pre-Halloween dog party and neighborhood walk with prize raffle, gift bag, treats and After Party at Lark featuring Alaskan Brewing Co. Oktoberfest sampling. Dog costumes optional but encouraged!

$5 registration per dog includes raffle entry and goodie bag/treats.

Participating locations: The Leigh Gallery – FFC Boystown – Chicago Male Salon – Double Trip Press – Trickery Chicago – Men’s Room Chicago – Universal Wellness Source – Ricci Kapricci – Sapphire Nail Salon – Little Jim’s on Halsted St

Thanks to vendor participants: Countryside Bank – TheK9PT – Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness – Children’s Learning Place – Drew’s on Halsted – Live Like Roo Foundation

Get to work on your costume! The 22nd Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest  returns Wednesday October 31, 7:30pm bigger and scarier than ever! Brought to you MB Financial Bank.

The Parade will be led by a lit AF glowing party bus with a 10,000 watt sound system! Followed by the always spectacular Chicago Thriller dancers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, and more.

The Costume Contest has total of $4,000 in cash & prizes in four categories: Theme, Group, Drag & Scary. Featuring a panel of drag queen judges and spectator Instagram hashtag voting! Winners Ceremony presented by Circuit Mom. More details at HauntedHalsted.com

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Boystown Fall Tastings Sept 30th

 

Fall Flavor Tour

Sunday September 30, 12pm-3pm

A free restaurant food tasting event and neighborhood crawl. Try Fall menu items from Boystown’s best restaurants at fun neighborhood shops.

Starting at 12pm at Space Park (815 W. Roscoe), grab a tour map, event cup and complimentary apple cider courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Fall Menu Item Sampling & Locations*

Earth’s Kitchen at Crosstown Fitness Northside
Antelope Canyon sweet potato tempura pickled radish roll

Pizza Paninos Lakeview at Knecht Chiropractic & Trickery Chicago
Italian Sausage and Peppers, Meatballs Marinara

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club at Noteworthy Notes
Coconut curry marinated Chicken Satay with Thai peanut sauce

Lark at Men’s Room Chicago
Pesto Arancini Risotto Balls with marinara sauce

D.S. Tequila Company at Double Trip Press
Sweet & spicy Bourbon Glazed Chicken Tacos with jalapeno ranch

The Chicago Diner at Chicago Male Salon & Universal Wellness Source
Vegan Jalapeno Poppers & Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Salsita Mexican Restaurant at CBD Kratom
Cheese quesadilla with roasted pineapple habanero salsa

Drew’s on Halsted at The Leigh Gallery
Bacon Wrapped Dates with marcona almonds and piquillo pepper sauce

Signature Smoothies at FFC Boystown
Pumpkin pie smoothie and other energizing treats

*details subject to change, COME EARLY – QUANTITIES LIMITED
No purchase necessary.

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Sexy Sassy Adam Rippon in Chicago Sept 14th

We are SO EXCITED  Chicago House brought back their Speakers Series this year!

Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will host their 8th Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th.

Held at the historic Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom from 11 am – 2 pm, the luncheon will feature a VIP Reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as Chicago House highlights the theme of ‘Authentic Selves.’

America’s first openly gay Olympic figure skater, Adam Rippon, helped lead USA’s figure skating team to a bronze medal with his stunning performance this year.

But while snatching trophies, Rippon was also winning American hearts nationwide. The skater has shown through various interviews and tweets that he is truly one of the funniest (and sassiest) Olympians to ever grace the ice.

If you’re enchanted by Rippon’s on-camera wit, then you need to drop everything you’re doing and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Then came dancing with the stars!  Adam and his partner Jenna Johnson were crowned winners of the all athlete season. Rippon is the first male figure skater to win the competition, as well as the first LGBTQ winner.

“Winning the Mirrorball now has taken on a whole new meaning,” he said. “I never thought somebody like me would be accepted, but I really feel love. That’s why I’m so excited for what we have in store.”

Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will Headline 2018 Chicago House Speaker Series September 14th,  11am-2pm

Tickets now available for purchase – Click here for purchasing information

 

 

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Lunch with Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon Sept 14

FRIDAY  September 14th!

Luncheon with speakers  Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon!

 

Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will present their 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.”

For more hilarious quotes from the award winning comedian celebrating her Authentic Self join us for the Speaker Series next Friday, September 14th! VIP Meet and Greet tickets available. Inquiries regarding ticketing contact Janessa D. Butler atjdennis@chicagohouse.org.

 

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AIDS Run Walk Chicago Sept 23rd

2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Encourages Community to “Live True. Be You.”

On Sunday, Sept. 23, HIV advocates from across Chicago will live true at the 2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 17th annual event will raise awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 34 CommunityDirect partners, with proceeds benefiting programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV.

Approximately, 2,500 participants gathered last year to participate in one of the city’s most vibrant annual runs and walks. This year’s event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”

“When individuals live authentically and are encouraged to share their truth and stories, it fosters a sense of community, understanding and acceptance,” explains Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “In this unpredictable political climate, it is important to live openly, unapologetically and free from stigma. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides that safe place for participants to express themselves freely.”

AFC isn’t the only beneficiary of this event; 34 community organizations serving Chicago’s South, West and North sides, as well as surrounding counties, are beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. To kick off the race’s fundraising efforts, each participating organization will be entering their own team into the 5K walk or the 5K and 10K runs. Many CommunityDirect partners have been a part of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago for a number of years, which provides many opportunities for organizations to participate.

Recently, AFC, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners launched the planning phase for the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) campaign. The goal of this state-wide joint initiative is to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 through partnerships with community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of the Illinois’ HIV community. If Illinois increases current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and HIV treatment substantially, Illinois can reach fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year. The epidemic will then be unable to sustain itself, reaching, “functional zero.”

Approximately 43,500 Illinoisans are living with HIV, and AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the perfect opportunity to raise money to support those in the community and help end the stigma around HIV.

Since its 2001 acquisition by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the event has netted more than $5 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visitaidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.

The pre-registration deadline is just a few weeks away!

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Private Night at Six Flags Sept. 8th

Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America

Returns in 2018 for  Year 7!

 

A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity

Presented by Toyota & BestGayChicago.com

That Will Help Benefit   Lakeside pride Music Ensemble

Saturday, September 8th, 2018 from 7:30PM to 12AM

 

Out In The Park is an annual private  diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35%  full!)  with a portion of all ticket sales each  year helping to  benefit various non-profits.

For  2018,  it will benefit  LAKESIDE  PRIDE  MUSIC  ENSEMBLE!  “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with  shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry  from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”

It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.

Singer, songwriter, producer  and  DJ  ADAM JOSEPH  will be playing his music  in  JB’s  bar  for  2 hours  at the event.  Then  he play  again  from  1am – 3am  at CHARLIE’S,  the Official After  Party in Boystown. (Charlies  will also  be offering a limited number  of  bus seats to and from the park – details soon!

 

“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!”  says  Derrick Sorles.

 

Advance $43 tickets can be purchased  NOW  HERE

Attendees  get FREE parking  for this special event!

September  1st the price goes up to $48.

$53  at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.

This event is capped at only 5,000  tickets,  to ensure  lines  stay  short  for the rides.

Season Passes cannot be honored for  special events.

All ages  event.

Drinks  are available  for purchase to  those  21+

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Chicago’s Northalsted Market Days Aug 11-12

Northalsted Market Days® is the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s biggest summer party! Founded in 1980, the celebration now spans 6 blocks of North Halsted in Chicago’s Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood stretching from Addison to Belmont.

The 2 day/weekend long festival features an all day lineup of live music on 5 stages, unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing. Attendance approaches nearly 200,000 fairgoers, from near and far, all walks of life, and all colors of the rainbow.

The 37th Northalsted Market Days® will take over Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood on August 11-12, 2018!

Performing LIVE: Kristine W – Martha Wash – TRENYCE – Ty Herndon and many more!

Two days – Four stages – Dozens of performers – Top DJs – Over 100 Vendors: Food/Drink/Arts/Crafts/Shopping MORE INFO: marketdayschicago.com

Like our Northalsted Market Days Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

 

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Chicago Market Days Entertainment

Northalsted Serves Up Summer’s Best Fest

Market Days Returns August 11-12

The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers a diverse and dance heavy line-up for this year’s Market Days set for August 11 and 12. The must-do Midwest fest returns to the heart of Boystown with non-stop entertainment from four stages, shopping, food and more.

Multi-faceted entertainer Todrick Hall graces the stage as part of his Forbidden tour on Saturday, while Betty Who brings the beat on Sunday with her power pop. MAX, of gold single “Lights Down Low” fame closes out the festival on Sunday night. Additional national and local acts round out the line-up.

Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt explains the popularity of Market Days. “For more than 30 years Northalsted Market Days has set the bar for Chicago festivals and this year is no exception. We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors and visitors alike to celebrate summer in Boystown.”

About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)

Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, the Halloween Parade and Frost Fest. For information about NBA visitwww.northalsted.com.

Northalsted Market Days

North Halsted (From Belmont to Addison)

August 11-12       11 am – 10 pm        $10 Suggestion Donation

 

Northalsted Market Days 2018/Saturday, Aug 11th

Addison North Stage

1:30P-3:30PM             Drag Show

2:30PM-3:30PM         Todrick Hall

3:30PM-4:15PM         Trenyce

5:00PM-6:30PM         Cat Fight

7:00PM-7:45PM         Kimberly Locke

7:50PM-8:35PM         Ultra Nate

8:40PM-9:25PM         Martha Wash

Roscoe Stage

1:15PM-2:30PM         Hello Weekend

3:15PM-4:30PM         Girl Power Night

5:00PM-5:45PM         DJ

5:45P-6:25PM             Crystal Waters

6:25PM-7:00PM         DJ

7:00PM-7:45PM         Ty Herndon

8:20-9:45PM               Hank & Cupcake

Aldine Jazz Stage

130PM-3:00PM          Sam Fazio Quartet

5:30PM-7:30PM         Feathered Beaus

NORTHALSTED MARKETDAYS 2018/Sunday, Aug 12th

Addison North Stage

1:00PM-2:00PM         DJ

2:00PM-2:45PM         Betty Who

3:30PM-4:30PM         Sushi Roll

4:45PM-6:15PM         DJ

6:15PM-7:00PM         Expose

7:00PM-9:00PM         DJ

9:00PM-9:55PM         MAX

Roscoe Stage

1:00PM-1:45PM         Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

2:15PM-3:45PM         Boy Band

4:15PM-5:00PM         Kristine W

5:15PM-7:15PM         Rod Tuffcurls

7:45PM-9:45PM         16 Candles

Aldine Jazz Stage

1:30PM-3:00PM         BMR4

3:30PM-5:00PM         Joe Policastro Trio

5:30PM-7:30PM         The Flat Cats

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Free Hiv Test June 27th

Greater Than AIDS has partnered with Walgreens and the Howard Brown Health Clinic to provide free, confidential HIV testing at the Boystown Walgreens (Broadway & Waveland)  Wednesday, June 27th, from 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Members from the clinic will be on site at Walgreens in private rooms administering tests, providing results, answering questions, and providing counseling on prevention, early treatment, and PrEP – no appointment needed.

National HIV Testing Day will provide free HIV tests in 180 cities this year, including 22 Walgreens locations in Chicago.

 

Greater Than AIDS is a leading public information response to the U.S. domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic with a focus on areas and people most affected.

Emphasizing hope, unity and personal empowerment, Greater Than AIDS is about what is possible when we come together. Whether HIV negative or positive, we all have a role to play in ending HIV/AIDS.

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