Chicago Pride Parade route and how to get to it

A long-running tradition in Chicago, the annual Pride Parade is one of the city’s biggest summer events. Attendees can expect to see jubilant revelers throughout the full length of the parade, which takes place this Sunday, June 25 starting at the Montrose and Broadway intersection at noon. According to the Pride Parade’s official website, this year’s edition will feature 150 entries, including but not limited to parade floats, marching bands, and performance groups. The parade will run south on Broadway Avenue to Halsted Avenue where it will continue for several blocks before turning east on Belmont, then it’ll get back on Broadway heading south towards Diversey where it’ll conclude.

The stretch of Boystown and Lakeview that the parade runs through will no doubt be packed on Sunday morning, so it’s best to take public transit, walk, or bike to the route. There are at least four or five CTA rail stations that are within walking distance from the parade route. Attendees should consider getting off at the Wilson or Sheridan station to catch the beginning of the parade, or the Addison or Belmont stations to get a spot in the main stretch. The CTA recommends that riders fill their Ventra cards in advance to help prevent congestion and delays.

The CTA will also be rolling out a Pride-theme train decked out with a rainbow stripe. The train will be running along the Red Line this weekend, so parade goers will have a good chance of seeing it at some point.

The CTA will not allow bicycles on trains on Sunday, but those looking to get to the parade route by bike can do so using a Divvy. There’s actually a Divvy station at the Montrose and Broadway intersection, but it’s probably safe to expect that’ll be be both difficult to get to and either empty or filled with bikes. However, there are many other stations nearby and along the parade route.

The Cubs will be away weekend, but there will be baseball fans out and about on Sunday afternoon packing in at Wrigleyville bars to catch the game. And speaking of drinking—there are stiff penalties for public drinking during the parade. Violators can be issued tickets with penalties up to $1,000 for the offense. Expect tight security at the parade and be sure to bring water and sunscreen.

• 2017 Chicago Pride Parade Map & Travel Information [CTA]