The Chicago Pride Fest will be postponed until Labor Day weekend because of coronavirus concerns, making it the latest summertime activity impacted by the pandemic.
The festival organizer, the Northalsted Business Alliance, said the group is “hopeful” that pushing the fest later in the summer will still allow for people to enjoy the festivities but “everything remains to be seen at this point,” said spokesperson Jen Gordon.
The festival, which was planned for June 20 and June 21, will now convene on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6.
No official decision has been announced on the Chicago Pride Parade, which typically is held after the festival, but parade organizer Tim Frye told the Windy City Times “Unless something astonishing happens, I think it’s unlikely we’ll be on for June 28.”
For the festival, Gordon said safety concerns drove the decision.
Though people won’t be able to gather for the festival in June, the business alliance is planning virtual programming to have a “pride presence for that weekend and the entire month of pride,” Gordon said. The plans for the programming are still being worked out.
“We wanted to put something on the calendar as an aspirational new date, but we will be in constant communication and following guidelines to have a safe celebration this year,” Gordon said.
