LGBTQIA+ Travel in Illinois

Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in the country, one that is near the top in size, diversity and splendor.

It used to be that Chicago's queer neighborhoods could be easily limited to two areas: Northalsted, in Lakeview near Wrigley Field, and Andersonville, along Clark Street between Foster and Bryn Mawr. But those particular gayborhoods have expanded into nearby wards, to the point that you could add all of Uptown beyond Andersonville, and Edgewater and Rogers Park to the north along Lake Michigan, as destinations for LGBTQIA+ folk from across the country. And Illinois as a whole is more than happy to roll out the welcome mat.

Pride Month in Chicago: June

The centerpiece of summer fun for the LGBTQIA+ community is Pride season in June.

The renowned Chicago Pride Parade (June 30) and Chicago Pride Fest (June 22–23) are two unmissable events. So too is the two-day music festival Pride in the Park, which returns to Grant Park on 29 and 30 June. It features national and local headliners and plenty of dancing, and it's open to all ages.

Illinois is full of pride. Check out our full list of Pride celebrations in Chicago and elsewhere in the state.

Seasonal fun aside, nightlife is the name of the game year-round, and Chicago's LGBTQIA+ evening offerings have expanded in the same way that the community has spread into different parts of the city.

Northalsted

By day, Northalsted is a friendly neighborhood of specialty shops, alfresco dining and coffee houses. At night, it’s a raucous party featuring everything from glam drag queens to show-tune sing-alongs. 

Quench your thirst or get your groove on in standards such as Roscoe's and Hydrate. For a more upscale vibe, cross the street and check out the many layers of entertainment available at Sidetrack. There’s usually a crowd, but there’s also always plenty of space with different nooks to enjoy, especially the Video Bar or up on the rooftop during summer months.

Life isn't just cocktails and dance floors, though—when you're in Northalsted you'll want to enjoy some of the shopping you can't do anywhere else. If you're seeking out your best look in the big city, check out CRAM Fashion for stylish attire and accessories, Ragstock for affordable clothing or Beatnix for vintage.

Catch drag and trans showgirl experiences in different areas of the city. Just north of the Loop, dodge bridal parties and guys agog to check out art from some of the country's most beautiful performers at the Baton Show Lounge. At the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, located just north of the heart of Northalsted, a posh venue with a huge martini menu guarantees good times.

Read more about this vibrant LGBTQ hot spot

Andersonville

This Swedish neighborhood on Chicago’s north side has quietly become an LGBTQIA+ favorite with its quaint restaurants, eclectic shopping, and laid-back bars that favor a touch of sophistication over blinding disco balls.

You can relive the good old days at Replay, a lively neighborhood bar with retro arcade games, pinball machines and excellent food and drink.

Read more about Andersonville's LGBTQ-friendly attractions.

Edgewater/Uptown

This pair of north-side neighborhoods are filled with hidden cultural gems and excellent LGBTQ-friendly bars for a more low-key (but no less fun) night out. Read more about Edgewater and Uptown.

Keep with the laid-back vibe up in far-north Rogers Park—enjoy pints, pizza and commotion at R Public House, close to the beaches near Loyola's North Shore campus. Find a great neighborhood bar experience at Big Chicks in Uptown, and don't be afraid to come back for brunch the morning after.

Speaking of brunch … is there anything that goes hand-in-hand with nighttime revels better? Options are limitless, but you can’t go wrong with Wilde on Broadway, Lady Gregory's in Andersonville, Pick Me Up Cafe in Uptown or any of Ann Sather's three locations (all featuring their exquisite cinnamon rolls)—and that’s just to start. How many Sundays are there in a year again?

South Loop

The South Loop is a vibrant mix of historic charm and modern flair, and is home to a thriving community of diverse bars and dining spots. One of these is Moody Tongue Brewery, renowned for its innovative craft beers and upscale dining in a mid-century modern atmosphere.

Hear From the Locals: For more on LGBTQIA+-friendly Chicago attractions, see our article Hometown Pride, in which prominent LGBT Chicagoans share their favorite things to do around the city.

Pride Around Illinois

Chicago doesn't own the patent on this sort of fun—LGBTQIA+ folks celebrate their lives throughout Illinois. Springfield PrideFest is celebrated annually in the state's capital city, and features a street fair, campy fun and music, capped by a drag show. An additional benefit is the Old State Capitol Art Fair, so check out its extraordinary group of regional artists with an eye towards glamming up your home. Peoria gets in on the action with a couple of events, with Peoria Proud and other downstate organizations hosting a community cookout for LGBTQIA+ families with games, door prizes and community tables, followed in the summer by the River City PrideFest.

Galena

Located in northwest Illinois near the banks of the Mississippi River, the town of Galena makes for a romantic weekend getaway for people of all ages and identities. Read our guide to an LGBTQ getaway in Galena, or check out some of these highlights.

Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape

Step inside the world of Miss Kitty at her Grape Escape lounge, a local favorite that’s home to smart cocktails, a diverse wine list, a Bloody Mary buffet—and a touch of sass just to keep things interesting.

Historic Main Street

Explore nineteenth-century storefronts along Galena’s Historic Main Street that are now home to eclectic shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining. No wonder Midwest Living magazine named it “Best Main Street in the Midwest.”

Inn at Irish Hollow

Old World charm meets modern amenities in these quaint cottages that dot a real working farm. At the Inn at Irish Hollow, wake up to views of rolling hills and freshly prepared cuisine served with plenty of Midwestern hospitality.

Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard

Add some local wine to your B&B retreat with a tasting downtown at Galena Cellars Winery. Or venture out to their vineyard where wine tastings come with views of the rolling countryside and a guided tour.