Pride North was a bust; organizing must start now for 2026
Photo: Gerald Farinas.
This Pride Sunday, the Far North Side lakefront neighborhoods felt noticeably quieter. Pride North—the annual LGBTQ celebration held at Glenwood and Lunt—was canceled.
For many residents, it wasn’t just the loss of a fun weekend event. It was the loss of a space where the local LGBTQ community could come together, be seen, and celebrate with pride.
The cancellation came down to some key issues.
According to 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden, organizers did not secure the necessary permits from the City of Chicago in time.
Social media users pointed out that an expired liquor license at one of the host bars may have added to the permitting difficulties.
Whatever the cause, the result was clear. There would be no Pride North in 2025.
But this doesn’t have to be the end.
In fact, this could be a turning point—a chance to rebuild Pride North with stronger organization, wider community involvement, and more long-term support.
Here’s what it will take to bring Pride North back.
Early planning and permits
Large public events in Chicago require permits and licenses that take time to process.
Ideally, these should be submitted 8 to 12 months in advance.
Planning for a future Pride North must begin well before Pride Month—starting this summer if the event is to return in 2026.
Maybe it doesn’t have to be on Glenwood Ave. How about Granville Ave.?
Broader organizing committee
In past years, Pride North was managed by a small team—a business owner and his friends.
Moving forward, it will benefit from a more formal organizing committee that includes LGBTQ leaders, local business owners (including original organizer The Glenwood Bar), neighborhood residents, and event planning professionals.
A larger team can share the work and bring new ideas and energy to the event.
Reliable funding from the community
Street festivals cost money.
Organizers need to cover the cost of insurance, permits, security, entertainment, and equipment.
Pride North will need financial support from local businesses, city and state grants, and possibly even a public crowdfunding campaign to remain sustainable.
Someone will be needed to help identify these sources, apply for the grants, fundraise, and manage the money.
Partnerships with local organizations
Pride North doesn’t need to work alone.
Partnering with LGBTQ groups like PRIDE Chicago, Howard Brown Health, and the Chicago Therapy Collective could provide resources and experience.
Neighboring communities such as Edgewater and Uptown might also lend volunteers and support to ensure the festival’s return.
Year-round communication
One of the biggest complaints from this year’s cancellation was the lack of clear communication.
Moving forward, the organizing team should maintain active communication channels—on social media, through email newsletters, and in local news—to keep the community informed and engaged.
Support from city leadership
City leaders can play an important role.
When the main Pride Parade in Lakeview faced downsizing this year, public pressure and city involvement helped keep it going.
With backing from the Alder’s office and relevant city departments, Pride North can receive the same kind of attention and support.
Pride North has always been about more than just music and dancing.
It’s been about visibility, inclusion, and celebrating LGBTQ life in one of Chicago’s most diverse and progressive neighborhoods.
Its absence this year was felt deeply by many.
But with planning, community energy, and a shared commitment, Pride North can return—not just to fill the space it once held, but to grow into something even better.
Those interested in helping—whether by volunteering, donating, or joining a future planning team—should start now.
Rogers Park and Edgewater deserve their own celebration of Pride, and it’s up to the community to bring it back.
Liquor license information for organizer The Glenwood Bar is shown below. Screenshot: LGBTQ Chicago Neighbors Facebook Group posted by member.
