Thousands will flock to Chicago's Boystown this Sunday for the 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade.
Here's what you need to know if you're planning on going to the day's events:
1. Parade Route
Sunday’s parade kicks off at 12 p.m. at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown before traveling for about 2.5 hours through a four-mile route that ends near Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
2. Cross-Over Streets
If you need to cross the street to get from one side of the parade from the other, you’ll only be allowed to in certain areas where police officers are stationed to escort pedestrians across the parade’s path. The seven designated crossing locations are:
- Montrose Ave. at Broadway
- Irving Park Rd. at Broadway
- Grace St. at Halsted St.
- Addison St. at Halsted St.
- Roscoe St. at Halsted St.
- Wellington Ave. at Broadway
- Aldine Street at Halsted St.
3. $1,000 Fine for Public Alcohol Consumption
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Hundreds of Chicago police officers will be staffing the event, strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for drinking in a public way. Meaning absolutely no booze will be allowed on a street, sidewalk, alley, park, etc. Those caught doing so will be issued a citation with a $1,000 penalty, or will be arrest, according to police.
4. Balconies and Porches
Chicago police will be monitoring balconies, rooftops and porches to ensure they are not occupied past capacity and items are not being thrown from parties onto the street. And gathering on a roof that's not designated for parties or occupants could bring a violation and heavy fine, too.
5. Parking
Parking will be near-impossible the day of the parade, so it’s advised to use public transportation or plan ahead. This year, Chicago Pride teamed up with Parking Panda to give festival-goers the option to book online parking reservations in advance in locations walking distance from the route. Spots are limited and sell out quickly. Parking passes can be reserved and purchased here.
6. Public Transportation
Chicago Transportation Authority will be providing extra service and longer trains to accommodate the thousands that will be traveling to and from the Pride Parade. Due to surrounding road closures and re-routes, riders are urged to take an ‘L’ train as opposed to taking a bus.
The bus routes that will be rerouted include: 8 Halsted, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 76 Diversey, 77 Belmont, 78 Montrose, 80 Irving Park, 151 Sheridan, and 152 Addison.
The parade route is just a short walk from multiple CTA stations, with Red and Brown Line trains provided the fastest, closest and most frequent service. Transit officials warn the Belmont station will likely be the most crowded the day of the parade, so it will be easiest to get off at another stop. CTA officials say the best options will be:
• Red Line: Wilson, Sheridan, Addison or Belmont all provide access via a short walk to the parade route.
• Brown Line: Diversey, Wellington and Belmont are the nearest stations to the parade.
• Lakefront Bus Routes: The #146 and #151, provide convenient access from the north, the Gold Coast/North Michigan Avenue and downtown, to the areas east of the parade route.
7. Bathrooms
Businesses close their restrooms the day of the parade to everyone but paying customers. Temporary toilets will be placed at various locations along both the parade line-up street and side streets off of the parade route.
8. Cooling Buses
The weekend is going to be a hot one, with highs set to reach 90 degrees. Attendees are urged to bring plenty of bottled water, dress lightly and bring a hat to safely sustain the sunshine and hot weather and prevent heat-related illness. Cooling buses will be stationed for festival-goers to take a break when needed at the following locations:
- Diversey west of Clark
- Halsted, south of Belmont
- Irving Park between Clark and Broadway
- Addison, west of Halsted
- Belmont, east of Broadway
- Wilton, north of Belmont
9. Schedule of Events
The entire weekend will be packed with various Pride parties, experiences and events at set times and locations. See the full schedule of events here.
For more information, visit chicagopride.gopride.com or chicagopridecalendar.org.
