Exciting News: Jesse McCartney and Other Performers at Pride Fest Chicago’s 24th Year Celebration in Northalsted

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

Located on Halsted Street, between Addison and Grace, in Chicago’s historic LGBTQ+ business district, the two-day street festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community.

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Running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the festival offers a lineup of activities including live music on three stages, performances by Chicago’s top drag artists, dance exhibitions, engaging guest speakers, and a variety of food, drinks, and over 150 vendors offering art, merchandise, and services.

Jesse McCartney, Deborah Cox, Aluna, Confidence Man, and The Aces are headlining this year’s event, while other featured artists include Hayla, Chrissy Chlapecka, Snow Wife, and Black Girl Magic hosted by The Vixen with special guest appearances.

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.