Celebrate Pride Month Near Oak Park (Updated 2025)
Pride Month is a significant annual celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. During June, we honor the history, achievements, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while advocating for equality and promoting acceptance. Pride Month takes on a special meaning in Chicago’s western suburbs, where each community highlights its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and support for all individuals.
With many events, resources, and initiatives, Oak Park and the Western Suburbs provide a welcoming environment for everyone to embrace and celebrate Pride. This post provides a comprehensive guide to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Pride Month in Oak Park and beyond with various celebrations.
Pride Events Near Oak Park
Oak Park
June is Pride Month, and the village is joining communities in Chicagoland, across the country, and around the world to celebrate.
Thursday Night Out—Pride Night | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown Oak Park’s popular summer dine-around series Thursday Night Out kicks off the 2025 season with a special Thursday Night Out—Pride Night on June 5. Join us on Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts, plus a resource fair of local organizations that provide services for the LGBTQ+ community, including OPALGA+, PFLAG, Age Options, and more.
The Village of Oak Park hosts a family-fun area with bouncy houses, face painting, music, giveaways, and more at this special Thursday Night Out event. Additionally, in partnership with the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, drag queens will be roaming the streets, engaging with visitors and bringing energy and celebration to the event.
Thursday Night Out runs every Thursday, June 5 to August 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Oak Park restaurants offer various special options on their Thursday Night Out menus. Diners can eat inside or carry out and dine al fresco at tables set up outside—perfect for enjoying great food and all the action going on along the street.
Out in the Burbs | Saturday, June 7 | 12 noon to 10 p.m.
A vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and community spirit, Out in the Burbs is a collaborative all-day Pride event on Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 10:00 p.m. Out in the Burbs invites everyone to come together and celebrate the beauty of diversity, love, and acceptance. Enjoy live music, vibrant performers, family-friendly activities, and plenty of food and drink all day. Out in the Burbs brings performers from rising stars to Chicago icons, bringing energy, rhythm, and an unapologetic celebration. A lively local vendor marketplace offers giveaways, swag, interactive booths, live demonstrations, mini-performances, and surprise pop-ups. There's also a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ teens and allies aged 13-20, Teen Pride Zone, offering a safe and supportive place to be themselves, connect with others, and celebrate Pride.
Out in the Burbs is FREE and open to all, although a voluntary donation of $10 will help organizers keep Pride alive. Entrances at Marion Street & North Avenue and Marion Street & Lake Street will open at noon. Accessible entry points will be clearly marked, and volunteers will be stationed at each gate for support.
Celebrating Pride Month | Oak Park Public Library | 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
The main branch of the Oak Park Public Library provides excellent opportunities to learn about diversity, celebrate Pride, and discover new adventures. June 1 marks the start of the summer reading program and the beginning of Pride Month. Kids can join the celebration by participating in Pride events, such as Grandad’s Pride Parade & Craft on June 17, where they can enjoy a story, a parade, and a craft, or The Rainbow Around Us on June 28, a seek-and-find stroll through Scoville Park to learn about the colors of the Pride flag.
Families can play Pride Bingo all month by picking up bingo cards from the Children’s Services area and reading LGBTQIA+ books for a chance to win prizes.
The Main Library also hosts Pride Trivia Night for adults and teens in grades 9-12 on Wednesday, June 4, at 7 p.m. Join the fun and test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ history, key events, famous figures, and pop culture. Bring friends (or come alone and meet new people) for a night of engaging questions and lively celebration—you might even win a prize!
Forest Park
Celebrate joy, community, and Pride in Forest Park, IL, with unforgettable events and activities that salute LGBTQ+ and Pride Month in unique and creative ways.
Forest Park Pride Fest | Friday, June 6 | 5-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of music, drag, dancing, and community fun at Forest Park Pride Fest at Constitution Court (7426 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL). Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m., with live music and a “drag stroll” through town, where performers will stop at local shops along Madison Street. The festivities end with a dazzling line-up of local drag queens and kings on the main stage. This family-friendly, community-centered event is free of charge and open to all ages.
Pride @ Babs | Saturday, June 7 | 7316 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Be LOUD and PROUD at Babs Comedy Club in Forest Park, IL. Celebrate Forest Park's Pride Weekend with Chicago’s funniest Queer stand-up comedians and fierce drag performances by the incomparable Angel LeBare and the fabulous Fox E. Kim. DJ Miss Demenos will keep the party going, too.
Public House Summer Drag Brunch | Saturday, June 14 | 7505 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Pride than with a bold, boozy drag brunch at Scratch Public House! This unforgettable event features bottomless mimosas and bellinis, a special brunch menu for an additional charge, drink specials, and specialty shots. Seating is limited—buy general admission tickets here to enjoy the show and a meet-and-greet with the drag queens.
Celebrate Pride |Forest Park Public Library | 7555 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park, IL
The Forest Park Public Library has Pride events and activities, including the Pride Tie Dye Party on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and Rainbow Reads Storytime on Wednesday, June 18, at 11 a.m. This storytime, designed for ages 6 and younger and their families, will celebrate love, family, and the joy of being yourself. The library also provides a list of resources, books, and movie recommendations for your Pride celebration.
History of Pride Month
Pride Month has its roots in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, starting with the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which were sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. The raid led to days of protests against police brutality and discrimination. The courageous actions of these protesters ignited a global push for equality.
This month-long celebration honors the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community while advocating for equal rights and raising awareness about ongoing challenges. Pride Month is a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure everyone can live authentically.
A Month to Celebrate Pride in Oak Park and Beyond
Pride Month is a time to unite and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, its history, and its ongoing fight for equality. Stay up to date with the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association. Join their email list or view their complete list of events in June on their website at opalga.org
From attending local events or engaging in educational activities to supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses, there are countless ways to show solidarity and contribute to a more inclusive society. Together, we can create a community that embraces diversity, uplifts voices, and ensures that love knows no bounds.