2013 Chicago Pride Parade Returns to Chicago

June 13, 2013 - PRLog -- The 2013 Chicago Pride Week will kick off with a two-day festival on Saturday June 22nd and Sunday June 23rd, in preparation for the Chicago Pride Parade (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/chicago-festivals/5291-the-43rd-annual-pride-parade-returns-to-chicago-in-june.html). This year, the famous Chicago Pride Parade will actually be held the following weekend, on Sunday, June 30th, beginning at noon at the intersection of Montrose Avenue and North Broadway in Uptown, and once again leading participants along the Halsted strip. The parade route (http://chicagopride.gopride.com/info.cfm) will end in Lincoln Park, near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road.

This colorful, high-energy parade is a celebration of Chicago’s LGBT community, and is not only the largest gay pride event in the city, but one of the largest gay pride events in the world. For the past 40 years, it has been the pinnacle event of Pride Month, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate diversity.

The Parade Tradition

Each year, the Chicago Pride Parade falls on the last Sunday in June, to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Last year, 750,000 lively spectators, who came to cheer on Pride Parade participants, and to watch the show, outlined the parade route. The parade is known for its dazzling floats, diversity of cultures, and daring costumes – most of which are composed of endless feathers, sequins, and bright colors. There is no required fee to attend the Chicago Pride Fest (http://www.northalsted.com/pages/chicago_pride_fest_/30.php), or to watch the Chicago Pride Parade, but voluntary donations are accepted.

Parade Tips and Additional Info

The parade lasts several hours, and most years, late June in Chicago means high temps and humidity, so participants and spectators at both the festival and the parade are advised to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Bathroom access can be limited in parade areas, so spectators should plan on having to wait in line.

While the parade is open to all ages, parents should note that parade costumes are not always family-friendly, and crowds can get rather rowdy. Immediately following the Chicago Pride Parade are after-parties, which go on all evening, taking over every bar in Boystown, as well as numerous houses throughout the neighborhood.

Parking near the parade route is nearly impossible to find, given that parking is limited in the surrounding neighborhood already, even before thousands of additional people enter the area. Public transportation via the CTA, METRA, or Pace is recommended for getting to parade. Lodging near the parade route is equally limited, so those looking to stay nearby should try to find hotel accommodations in Chicago (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/chicago-hotels.html) as soon as possible.

Concierge Preferred: Trusted Chicago Guide

For more insight on the 2013 Chicago Pride Parade, or other upcoming Chicago Festivals (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/chicago-festivals.html), check back with Concierge Preferred, one of the most trusted sources for information on things to do and see in Chicagoland.