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Chicago Pride Fest October 1-3
Pride Fest, which usually happens in June, will take place Oct 1-3rd this year!
The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of it’s kind in the world.
It’s a love-filled celebration of diversity, equality and the Chicago LGBTQ+ community on Halsted Street, America’s first recognized gay village.
The festival is easily accessible via the CTA Red Line Addison station at historic Wrigley Field as well as multiple bus lines and rideshare car/cab services with convenient access to downtown hotels and other lodging.
MORE INFO HERE
OUT AT WRIGLEY Celebrates 20 years August
DID YOU KNOW?
OUT AT WRIGLEY is the longest-running Pride game in major U.S. pro sports?
The man behind the event, Bill Gubrud explains, “In 2001, I organized the largest Gay Day at a major league sporting event at Wrigley Field called Out at The Ballgame (now called Out at Wrigley). I went to the Cubs and told them I wanted to do a Gay Day,” Gubrud told Front Office Sports. “I asked how many seats were in a section and he said 2,000. I responded, ‘OK, I’ll take them all. That’s how we started. In 2012 and continuing this year, we bought out the new Budweiser Patio Deck as well as general seating in the ball park.”
That’s an amazing accomplishment!
In less than 2 weeks, OUT AT WRIGLEY celebrates 20 years! Sunday August 22nd is the date.
Pride in the Park June 26 & 27, 2021
PRIDE IN THE PARK ANNOUNCES LEGENDARY LINEUP THAT BRINGS TOGETHER THE QUEEN OF FUNK AND QUEER ICON, THE GREATEST DJ OF ALL TIME, AND THE PRODIGAL PRODUCER THAT IS SURE TO PRODUCE SICKENING SOUNDS AND ONE OF THE BEST PRIDE MUSIC FESTIVALS OF THE YEAR
Pride in the Park Chicago, presented by Truly Hard Seltzer, proudly announces the legendary lineup for this years’ Main event in Grant Park (downtown Chicago) on June 26 and 27, along with being one of the city’s first in-person festivals.
HEADLINING IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
- Chaka Khan, the legendary Queen of Funk, Queer Icon, and ten-time Grammy-winning artist.
- GRYFFIN, the self-taught prodigal producer, with a #1 on Spotify’s US and Global Viral charts and #2 on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
- Tiësto, a Grammy award-winning artist, dubbed “the world’s greatest DJ,” the Godfather of EDM, and commanding the title of “best DJ of the last 20 years.
FULL LINEUP
- Betty Who, the Australian-American singer and songwriter of “I Love You Always Forever,” peaked inside the top ten in Australia and reached the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
- Tracy Young, a Grammy award-winning producer, history-maker, and proud member of the LGBTQ community, she is the first woman ever to win a Grammy in the category of best-remixed recording.
- Alyssa Edwards, the iconic star from Emmy-winning television series “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” American entertainer, choreographer, and television personality.
- Derrick Carter, a Queer, Black Chicago-native, was named No. 53 in the 100 Most Famous Chicagoans, is regarded as one of the best underground house key players in the U.S. and Europe.
Among these show-stoppers, there will be other renowned and diverse artists such as CircuitMOM, Hector Fonseca, Tony Moran, Lady D, The Vixen Denali Foxx, Karsten Sollors, Tenderoni, Miss Toto, Mila Jam, Kinley Preston, Traci Ross, Naysha Lopez, It Jomama, Hinkypunk, Kara Mel D’Ville, Sheeza Woman, Avi Sic, Matt Suave, O’Laysia, Chamilla Foxx, Zoliy Miyake Mugler for Ballroom Pride & Guest Speakers.
Dusty Carpenter, Pride in the Park Chicago President and Lead Organizer, said, “To say we are excited is an understatement. We have legendary artists – with 12 Grammys combined – diverse Allies and Queer icons that are going to simply bring the house down. What better way to celebrate our Pride than with amazing music in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere? We continue to celebrate Pride to remind us of our achievements and to also remind us of our history, struggles, and work that is yet to be done.”
Proud Partnerships Uphold Our Commitment to Equality, Equity, and Big Entertainment
- We are proud to continue its official charity partnership with The Center on Halsted – donating a portion of ticket sales and providing in-kind tickets to ensure LGBTQ+, and underprivileged youth may participate, feel welcomed, and celebrate their pride openly.
- We are proud to continue another community activity on Pride weekend; the awards ceremony for Pride Bowl XIII will be held at the festival. Now in its 13th year, Pride Bowl is an LGBTQ+ flag football tournament played on Chicago’s lakefront as part of Pride weekend.
- A new Proud Partnership with Chicago’s very own CircuitMOM Productions – commanding their own onsite performances. Consistently bringing exceptional performances, outrageous outfits, drag kings and queens, world-famous DJs, and that signature electric house music that only CircuitMOM can deliver.
- A new Proud Partnership with Health Pass by CLEAR. Health Pass is a free mobile experience on the CLEAR app that securely connects a user’s verified identity to multiple layers of COVID-19-related health information to help reduce public health risk and get people back to what they love.
- We are proud to continue a partnership with Howard Brown Health and other Chicago testing providers to give attendees as many options as possible. If not fully vaccinated, we highly suggest you get tested Thursday or Friday prior to the event at one of the COVID PCR testing centers around the city.
VISIT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PROUD PARTNERS AND OUR FULL COVD-19 HEALTH SAFETY PLAN
WHAT: Pride in the Park Chicago LGBTQ+ live, outdoor festival
WHERE: Grant Park – BUTLER FIELD (Downtown Chicago) | 100 S Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 // TIMES: 2:00 PM-10:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Drag March Chicago 2021 will happen JUNE 13th
Chicago Black Queer Community Calls for Change
Belmont and Halsted, where the LGBTQ+ community and allies will march in support of Black Lives
Matter and demand justice for acts of oppression. A gathering will mark the beginning of the march, with the march commencing at 1:00pm and ending at Halsted and Grace where drag community leaders will speak on the issues of today, the mission at hand, and ways to create and promote lasting impact.
community,” said protest organizer Joe Lewis, who performs in drag as Jo Mama. “Now we need to
continue to stoke the flames of change, and hold those who have oppressed our community accountable
with continued action.”
community, specifically Black trans lives, that still persists and has expanded to peoples of all races,
especially members of the AAPI community.
-Justice* for Tony McDad, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd
-Reclassification of violence against Trans individuals as a hate crime
-That the Chicago City Council defund CPD by 75% and reinvest those funds into social services and
community programs
-Police banned from marching in Pride festivities indefinitely
-Immediate release of all protesters from previous BLM actions
*Justice being the abolishment of the system that took these lives and that restorative systems grow in
their stead.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum, Dida Ritz
Legendary Performer, The Miss Toto
Chicago Icon, Lucy Stoole
RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum, The Vixen
Drag Council Co-Founder, Lil Nicki
Molasses Collective Member, Cae Monae
Drag March for Change Organizer, Jo MaMa
The Drag March for Change is a peaceful protest that originated in June of 2020 in response to a growing
need for action after events such as the murder o f George Floyd, the murder of Breonna Taylor, the
murder of Tony McDade, and racism that exists in the Boystown community of Chicago. Over 15,000
people marched in solidarity on June 14, 2020 in response to a need for change, specifically in regards to
racial injustice taking place in Chicago communities.
Black Drag Council, a town hall lead by the Chicago, a petition for change in leadership in queer
nightclubs in Chicago, action to uplift oppressed communities such as black queer folks within the
Boystown community, and a continued effort to support performers in Chicago.
https://forms.gle/823xCHjJmLRMxSHa7
LAUNCHING JUNE PRIDE MONTH WITH AIDS GARDEN CHICAGO GROUNDBREAKING
The Honorable Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Tom Tunney, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, State Representatives Greg Harris and Margaret Croke, Chicago Parks Foundation Executive Director Willa Lang, and Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly, along with members of the LGBTQ community, officially and joyfully ‘broke the ground’ on the long-awaited AIDS Garden Chicago Wednesday, June 2, 2021.
Located at Lake Shore Drive and Belmont Avenue, AIDS Garden Chicago is the city’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, and honors those who continue to fight against the disease today.
Taking place in front of the Garden’s anchor piece, the stunning 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, ‘Self-Portrait,’ official remarks were followed by a powerful spoken word performance by Chicago-bred Black Queer playwright, poet and activist Osiris Khepera.
“It brings me great joy to officially break ground on AIDS Garden Chicago in a location that means so much to our LGBTQ+ communities,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “As we memorialize those we’ve lost to the HIV epidemic and honor those who continue to fight this disease, it has never been more important to immortalize Belmont Rocks’ legacy as a safe space where people could gather, support one another and be their full selves. I look forward to seeing this garden come to life by the end of this year and become our city’s newest symbol of liberation, individuality and stewardship.”
Alderman Tom Tunney said, “I thank everyone who attended the AIDS Garden Chicago groundbreaking event; in the face of the AIDS epidemic, countless people took action and worked to provide health care, housing, food or other services to meet basic needs of our friends and neighbors who became infected with HIV/AIDS. Many of these same people worked tirelessly to see this garden, the city’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, come to fruition. AIDS Garden Chicago is a living garden and an educational tool that symbolizes the resiliency of the LGBTQ community. AIDS Garden Chicago is intended to be a safe space for all: those who are queer or straight, those with any gender identity, those from any race or ethnicity. The AIDS epidemic impacted people of all backgrounds from all communities and walks of life and we recognize the human toll for all. Thank you to all who have helped make AIDS Garden Chicago possible.”
Added Chicago Parks Foundation Executive Director Willa Lang, “Especially at this time, during the pandemic, when so many marginalized communities were impacted disproportionately, we remember, recognize and honor those amazing joyful lives lived and lost during the AIDS epidemic at this magnificent site along the lake front. But what is most important to remember is that there are those who still live with HIV/AIDS today, individuals not yet welcome, not well-served and still struggling to be seen. Our work is not yet done. AIDS Garden Chicago is a garden for all. A safe place to tell the stories, reflect and celebrate all lives and our differences as well. The Belmont Rocks will live on in this lush wandering garden of beauty, joy and shared love. The Chicago Parks Foundation is honored to lead this project to its completion and look forward to bringing our communities together again when we cut the ribbon on AIDS Garden Chicago this fall.”
Other VIPS in attendance at the groundbreaking included: Chicago Park District Manager of Art Initiatives Mike Dimitroff, Chicago Parks Foundation Board Member Michael Erwin, OUTspoken co-founder David Fink, Chicago Park District Director of Planning and Development Heather Gleason, business woman and activist Christie Hefner, former Alderman Tunney representative Chris Jessup, community gardener Nancy Juda, Design Workshop garden designer Manisha Kaul, Legacy Project Co-Founder Owen Keehnen, former State Senator William Marovitz, Alphawood Foundation Executive Director Jim McDonough, Executive Director of The Arts Club of Chicago Janine Mileaf, community supporter Vicki Noe, current Alderman Tunney Director of Business Affairs and Special Events Jessica Papp, President and CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago John Peller, former State Representative Yoni Pizer, Rosenthal Fine Art’s Dennis Rosenthal and Susan Pool, Legacy Project Co-Founder and Executive Director Victor Salvo, and Lincoln Park Conservancy Executive Director Doug Widener.
The 2.5 acre AIDS Garden Chicago is situated on Lake Michigan at the original location of the historic Belmont Rocks, a beloved space where the local gay community gathered between the 1960s and 1990s. The Garden’s first phase was completed in late 2019 with the installation of its anchor piece, the stunning 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, ‘Self-Portrait.’ The Garden will include unique areas designed for reflection, education, honor, and pride. Visitors will be guided through a variety of collective garden spaces all providing a sensory nature experience, most notably a Gingko Reflection Grove. The Foundation will soon launch the AIDS Garden Story Archive, a digital quilt of personal shared experiences to be posted on the AIDS Garden Chicago website. AIDS Garden Chicago, a “park with purpose,’ expects to open in Fall 2021.
The Chicago Parks Foundation thanks current AIDS Garden Chicago partners: Alderman Tom Tunney, Alphawood Foundation, TAWANI Foundation, Walgreens, Beaumier Donor Advised Family Fund, the Elizabeth Morse Trust and the Chicago Park District in addition to tireless advocacy by the State of Illinois, Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Leader Greg Harris, Representative Mike Quigley, State Rep Margaret Croke and former State Representative Yoni Pizer. Further thanks to: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, Design Workshop, Friends of the Parks, Howard Brown Health, Keith Haring Foundation, Legacy Project, Mariano’s, The Moth and Rosenthal Fine Art, Inc.
The Chicago Parks Foundation is leading the Garden’s fundraising and community conversations. Established in 2013 as the nonprofit partner of Chicago’s parks, the Chicago Parks Foundation operates in a public-private partnership with the Chicago Park District to provide fiscal partnership to foundations, organizations, and individuals who wish to support their parks. For more information, visit Chicago Parks Foundation.
Boystown Chicago Northalsted Market Days 2021
Northalsted Market Days® is set to return to Chicago in 2021: August 6, 7 and 8, adding a Friday night edition for the first time. The 1/2 mile long street festival has been an annual summer tradition in Chicago for nearly 4 decades.
As widespread vaccinations continue making progress against the pandemic, planning is underway for a much anticipated comeback.
With safety at the forefront, planning involves continual contact with health officials in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and monitoring of CDC guidelines in order to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe event.
Since the first Market Day in August, 1982, the LGBTQ+ positive event has grown from a handful of folding tables and chairs on the sidewalk, to a half-mile long, annual summer ritual on Chicago’s North Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison.
39 years later, Market Days is now considered among Chicago’s top ten festivals. Thousands attend from near and far enjoying all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, hundreds of vendors, summer food & drinks, dancing in the street, and more. Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates and this year’s entertainment details.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps cover festival costs, benefits local charities and supports year round Northalsted chamber programming in the community. Generous public donations, funded the Chicago Pride Crosswalks project, the longest installation of its kind in the world, covering 14 intersections.
Circuit Mom Presents Drag Queen Drive In Fun Oct 16th
And now for something a little different –
Drive in Drag – just in time for Halloween!
2 shows on Friday October 16th, 2020
6pm and 8:30pm
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Aids Run Walk Chicago 2020
This month, the AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is inviting Chicagoans to move “Forward Together” for the 19th annual AIDS Run & Walk. For the first time, the weeklong event – kicking off on Monday, Sept. 28th
CHOOSE YOUR WALK!
This year will feature 5K and 10K routes throughout various Chicago neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Uptown, the Loop and more to promote safety and minimize crowds. The AIDS Run & Walk will conclude at Soldier Field on Oct. 3 and raise vital funds and awareness for AFC, in addition to more than 20 community partner organizations that provide programs and services for those living with or vulnerable to HIV, AIDS and other chronical illness.
GRAB A FRIEND AND REGISTER NOW
Iconic Boystown Chicago to Get a Name Change
History is about to be erased and changed –
This is making National AND International news!
Chicago’s LGBTQ ‘hood has long been called ‘Boystown’, but business leaders have decided its time for a re-brand.
The move comes after a petition gained steam over the summer which described Boystown as the “only gendered nickname” of any city’s LGBTQ district. (The petition gained over 1,500 signatures, although a counter-petition to keep the name had over 2,000.)
HISTORY – The Boystown section of Lakeview was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States.
It is also the cultural center of one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities in the nation. Boystown has grown into a cultural center for the LGBT residents living within the Chicago metropolitan area. The district’s informal boundaries, overlapping with Lakeview East, are Irving Park Road on the north, Broadway on the east, Wellington Avenue on the south, and Sheffield Avenue on the west. The Center on Halsted, an LGBT community center, is also located in this area.
Boystown is known for its colorful, lively nightlife and inviting atmosphere. Boystown also includes some of Chicago’s off-Loop theater, specialty restaurants, greystone and brownstone walk-up buildings and other historic architecture, trendy fashion outlets, wine boutiques, chain stores, and independent shops. The city’s annual Gays and Lesbians Chicago Pride Parade begins at the intersection of Montrose and Broadway, runs south along Broadway then Halsted to Belmont, turns east on Belmont to Broadway again, then south to Diversey, and then east to Sheridan Road.
From QUEERTY –“Systemic transphobia, racism, and sexism have plagued our neighborhood for decades, and it begins at the top, with the all-male board of the Northalsted Business Alliance. It begins with the BOYSTOWN signs down our street announcing that this neighborhood is ‘for the boys,’ though the signs hang above our diverse Legacy Walk of several LGBTQ icons in our history.
“To promote the inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, lesbian, and intersex individuals, we submit this petition for the Northalsted Business Alliance to simply follow the other LGBTQ neighborhoods across the world by marketing the area based on its location, North Halsted, not the majority gender of those people who sit on the Northalsted Business Alliance board This is only the beginning of the many changes needed in the North Halsted area.”
So what’s going to be the new name?????? WHO KNOW’S ?!
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Gay LGBTQ Diversity Night at Six Flags September 12th, 2020
OUT IN THE PARK will return for it’s ninth year, on September 12th, 2020!
Six Flags were given the green light to open their waterparks (Hurricane Harbor Gurnee & Rockford) last week and have begun hiring staff for the opening of the main park, which will happen in the coming weeks.
The Six Flags Re-Opening Plan was developed in coordination with expert epidemiologists and is designed to protect Six Flags guests and Team Members from potential exposure to COVID-19. Learn about their safety protocols HERE .
$45 advance Tickets are on sale now via smartphone or with a PC and printer. Details here.
Parking is FREE.
Season Passes are not accepted.
The private night event is 8pm – 12am. Only 5000 tickets will be sold.
The park will be open to the general public that day 11am-7pm. You may enter the park during the day if you wish to enjoy the park with the general public.
Round trip Bus tickets will be available – details soon.
Gay Bars forced to Stop Indoor Drinking
GAY BARS forced to close down, again.
Indoor bar service has officially shut down for a second time in Chicago as several heightened restrictions took effect Friday following weeks of reopening progress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Devastating news for many businesses 🙁
Circuit Mom Pride Extravaganza June 19th
We hope you have been spending these last few weeks supporting your Black friends and family through protests, petitions, conversations with friends, family, and elected officials, and donations to various causes as we continue to fight for racial equity and equality in this nation. This fight is by no means over, but we have to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint, so it is important to take moments for ourselves.
As a way to facilitate a break (if it feels appropriate to you) we are bringing you a PRIDE edition of our long awaited virtual show celebrating the intersectionality of BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ community from 7-11pm Central Time on Friday June 19th, 2020. Which happens to be the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the slaves were free.
This virtual show is filled with some of Chicago’s best talent such as Black Girl Magic’s The Vixen, Dida Ritz, Lucy Stoole, Sasha Love, Bambi-Banks Coulee, and Miss Toto, Ballroom star the Legendary Myah Lanvin, rapper KC Ortiz, pole dancer Ang Hell, Sheeza Woman, Aunty Chan, Joffrey ballet dancer and heels choreographer Fernando Duarte, Trans Chicago’s Valeria Mendez, Ginger Valdez, and Andrea Magia Mendez, Catfight lead singer Molly Callinan, The Baton’s Joan Jullian and Jacky Ireta Couture, DJ Ale Maes, Grammy nominated DJ and Producer Ralphi Rosario, and of course the one and only CircuitMOM.
This online event will be streamed across Twitch, circuitmom.com, and Facebook Live, and in an effort to keep progress moving forward will benefit Black Lives Matter and Trans Chicago from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. Prepare to pull out your phones and tip these performers down. We appreciate anything and everything you are able to give.
Master Class in Cooking with Chef Tong
Chicago’s Chef Tong is now offering something pretty cool! NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!
Private Virtual Cooking Classes from My Private Chef
I love to attend Chef Tong’s cooking classes when he holds them in Chicago. But now with technology, you can cook alongside this world-renowned, international chef during a private, one-on-one video session!
Cooking is such a satisfying way of getting creative at home. Now, with a personalized class from My Private Chef, you get to expand your skills, or try new foods, or prepare old favorites. How about introducing a young family member to the world of cooking?
Here’s how it works: Chef Christopher Tong will work with you to create your menu, provide an ingredients list, recipes and a demonstration based on your selection. You set up a date and time via video conference. Chef Chris will lead you step by step to perfection.
Cooking at home has never been so fun!
For more details, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong
Grabby Awards Show Streaming LIVE This Year May 30th
The annual GRABBYS Award Show, highlighting top talent and performances in the gay erotic film industry, will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
This annual event is usually held in Chicago each Spring, to sold-out audiences. Due to current state and local restrictions related to COVID-19, the event will be live-streamed. The event is expected to reach thousands of more fans this year around the world!
“Despite the unfortunate situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the show must go on — safely,” said show producer Stacy Bridges. “We’re excited the GRABBYS is the first gay erotic award show to be live-streamed, providing more fans the opportunity to join the celebration for FREE! And unlike our live-stage productions, the show this year will feature adult- material, such as X-rated film clips for ‘Best Movie’ nominees!”
Chi Chi LaRue and Honey West
will return for the 21st year as virtual hostesses; Chi Chi LaRue from Minneapolis and Honey West in Chicago.
The show is expected to be approximately 90 minutes.
GayVN Stars is the presenting sponsor. “We are thrilled to be working with our friends at the GRABBYS to stream their highly anticipated ceremony live on our GayVN Stars platform,” said AVN Media Network CEO Tony Rios. “We’re looking forward to seeing all the fans of adult entertainment worldwide come together online for this special interactive broadcast event.”
The nominees this year include;
850Bdt, Aumphreak4, BillySantoroXXX, CadeMaddoxxx,
CodyGunzXXX, CutlerX, DillonAndersonX, DirkCaber, DreGilcrest, Hattrickz91, HossKado, HungerFF, King111_, LeoGiamani3, LevyFoxxXXX, Maxadonisxxx, MichaelLucasNYC, MinoFlexXX, PoppersGod, RCandDigger, RafaelMovies, RayDexterXXX, RealMenFullBush, RhyheimShabazz, RoccoSteeleNYC, RopeTrainKeep, SeanHardingXXX, SeanZevran, TheGrayMerchant, TripleXTransMan, TylerHillXXX, TylerSaintReal, Zackybro101, adamrussoxxx, atxpapi, cagedjock, deepfillernyc,
devinfrancoxxx, eagerbttmxxx, edjidasilvaxx, grgisthewerd, griffinbarrowsx, iammisterbolden, itskravemelanin, jackmackenroth, loganstevensxxx, maxkonnorxxx, nickcapra, phatrabbitkill2, and rastadikk.
Additional sponsors include GRAB Magazine, Swiss Navy Lube, Justfor.fans and Steamworks Baths Chicago. (New issues of GRAB MAGAZINE are available online for free, every other week!)
For more information and updates, visit www.GrabbyAwards.com.
Chicago Gay PrideFest June 20-21
Chicago Pride Fest is BACK ON for June 20-21!
It was previously announced that Pride Fest, the Pride Parade and Market Days were being canceled or rescheduled, due to the Covid 19 restrictions and limitations.
This morning it was announced that plans are underway to put together a 2 night virtual celebration of Pride Fest streaming for Free to Chicago and the world!
Chicago Pride Fest Goes Virtual
Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 20th year with a virtual festival format. On June 20-21, the Northalsted Business Alliance brings Boystown to the world with a streaming Chicago Pride Fest celebrating the love, life and diversity of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Running from 7 pm to 9 pm both nights, the streaming Twitch event will feature a full line-up with entertainment, activism, greetings and more.
Virtual gate donations will benefit Boystown community programming, the Center on Halsted and Howard Brown Health.
Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam acknowledges how different things will look this year. “Right now our focus is all about planning a Pride celebration for the digital ages. We know this virtual festival will bring much needed connection and hope to our community and beyond and are thrilled to produce this event.”
More details at pridefestchicago . A full programming line-up will be available in June .
Cinco De Mayo and Mothers Days Carry Out Specials
Awesome CINCO DE MAYO and MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Carry out options!
You can still celebrate Cinco De Mayo & Mathers Day in Chicago, with food and drink from your favorite local Mexican restaurant!
Drink and Food specials
#SupportLocal
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Mothers Day Carry out!
Chicago Pride Fest and Gay Pride Parade Canceled
As we navigate through these unprecedented times, the Northalsted Business Alliance announces the postponement of Chicago Pride Fest 🏳️🌈 originally scheduled for June 20-21. It is our hope to reschedule this Pride celebration for Labor Day weekend, September 5-6, 2020.
Andersonville Midsommerfest – The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce will postpone Andersonville Midsommarfest originally scheduled for June 12-14, 2020 to the weekend of August 21-23, 2020. This decision was made with careful consideration in light of the current restriction of large gatherings needed to bend the curve and stop the spread of the COVID19 virus.
Pride in the Park Chicago has been rescheduled until June 26th and 27th, 2021.
Gay Pride Parade – Letter from Chicago Pride Parade 2020….
“We are sad to announce that the annual Pride Parade will not take place this year on June 28. We announce this postponement in the hope that conditions will allow the parade to take place later this summer or early fall.
We have always felt that safety is the first priority for our participants in the parade; the hundreds of thousands of spectators; as well as all the city agencies and independent contractors that work so hard to make the parade a success every year.
We hope that there will be a possibility to re-schedule. However, If that is not possible, we know that the Pride Parade will be back in 2021 and for years to come.”
At this time Heatwave 2020 is still scheduled for July 18, 2020
Northalsted Market Days is still scheduled for August 8 & 9, 2020
Out in the Park @ Six Flags September 12th, 2020
Wing it with Wendy Sitti Chicago’s Hilarious Socialite
SHE IS thee Chicago Socialite and a woman of the world!
Laughter is best medicine and Wendy Sitti knows how to serve it up!
It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Wonderful, witty, wild and wacky, EVERYONE loves Wendy! With her infectious laugh and her wacky ways she will have you forget your troubles in a few short minutes.
Wing it with Wendy! Wendy Sitti now has a channel and a show! “I will have episodes of DIY Do it Yourself Shows, of various domestication from cooking, gardening, home improvement, travel to unique places and landmarks, in Drag Queen style. We will also have guest appearances by celebrities and film episodes from exotic places around the world to also my home!”
Truly entertaining! – BestGayChicago.com
We hope this channel will entertain you and teach you a new trick or two! At press time, 3 episodes are out now!
“I was born in Warsaw, Poland. The apple of my parents eye! I was raised on a farm and later went to work in my dads sausage factory. That is where I met Stanley in high school and where we went to prom. He was nice but I knew I needed something bigger, it must of been from being around all of that sausage. I wanted to go to America.” Wendy tells us.
“After saving enough money, I flew to Chicago and realized I had no place to stay. I called my cousin Rich and moved in with him.”
“I know America is the land of opportunity and I was excited to make it big. I dyed my hair black to fit in and have a different look. But then some woman, Mrs. Richfield told me I was moving in on her scene. I went back to my natural color and started doing all kinds of odd jobs. Cleaning rooms at a hotel on Halsted called Steamworks, to cleaning the rooms at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos. I kind of became a big thing and I’m not talking about my boobs!”
“I enjoy fashion, drinking, socializing and hanging out with nice people. If you want your event to Pop, like my cherry then invite me!”
also Wendy on Instagram
and her website
Three Course Amazing Valentine Dinner in Boystown
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Treat your date to an intimate, candlelit dinner at El Mariachi Restaurant! We will be offering a special $40 Prix Fixe Valentine’s menu which will be available ALL WEEKEND from Friday 2/14 to Sunday 2/16
Our regular menu will also be available. But the Prix Fixe offers some amazing and unique specialties!
Click Here To Reserve Today! Space is limited!
Chicago Restaurant Weeks 2020
The weather outside might be frightful – but IT’S RESTAURANT WEEK!!
This year marks the 13th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, bringing discounted dining to Chicagoans from more than 400 restaurants in the city and suburbs. From January 24 to February 9 (that’s actually two weeks) stop by participating restaurants for a pre-fixe multicourse meal. It’s a great time to check out that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try or go to your favorite spot at a discount.
For $24, you’ll brunch or lunch, and for $36 and/or $48 you’ll score dinner (beverages, tax, and gratuity are extra). No one has the time to sift through the list of menus especially with more restaurants than ever participating this year. That’s where we come in. These are the best Chicago Restaurant Week deals.
IN LAKEVIEW – OUR TOP PICK!
Start Chicago Restaurant Week Right! For just $36, you can enjoy a 3-course dinner with many amazing modern Mexican features! Check out our menus and click on the link below to make a reservation! We hope to see you soon amigos!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill!
3906 N. Broadway | Chicago | 773.549.2932
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill will be offering a mouth watering 3 course prix fixe menu with many modern Mexican features!
Click Here To Reserve for El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
Check out these menus!
