Chicago Pride Parade 2024: Officials move starting point, adjust cap on entries

BJ Lutz
·2 min read
26

CHICAGO — A month after announcing a downsized Pride parade citing safety and logistical concerns, officials on Friday announced additional changes to the annual event that’s expected to bring more than one million people to the city’s north side.

As announced in April, the parade this year will step off one hour earlier than in previous years, beginning this year at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. But the starting point has been shifted a few blocks south than originally announced, now beginning at the intersection of North Broadway Street and West Sheridan Road. It will continue south along Broadway, then North Halsted Street, east along West Belmont Avenue to Broadway, then south to West Diversey Parkway.

The plan in April was to have the parade start at North Broadway Street and West Montrose Avenue.

Comedienne Fortune Feimster, Jax Smith named Grand Marshals of 2024 Chicago Pride Parade

Additionally, organizers now said 150 entries would be in the parade, up from the original 125 cap announced last month that angered parade organizers and allied groups. That cap was a 37 percent reduction from the previous year’s limit of 199 entries.

“This collective endeavor reflects our shared commitment to fostering community engagement while ensuring an efficient allocation of resources,” a joint statement from the city, the mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and PrideChicago parade organizers said. “By prioritizing accessibility and sustainability, we aim to create an inclusive and vibrant celebration that enriches the fabric of our city while minimizing logistical strains.”

This year’s parade, the 53rd annual, carries the them “Pride is Power,” which highlights the parade’s role in creating effective change for the city and LGBTQ+ community.

Actress and comedienne Fortune Feimster and her wife will serve as grand marshals. Two local couples were also named community grand marshals: Art Johnston and Jose “Pepe” Pena, and transgender couple Myles and Precious Brady-Davis.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.