Celebrate Pride Month Near Oak Park

Pride Month is an annual celebration of immense significance for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It is a time to honor the history, achievements, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while also advocating for equality and promoting acceptance. Pride Month takes on a special meaning in the near west suburbs as it highlights our community's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and support for all individuals.

With numerous events, resources, and initiatives, Oak Park and the surrounding towns offer a welcoming space for everyone to embrace and celebrate Pride. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Pride Month near Oak Park, offering various ways to celebrate and show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

History of Pride Month

Pride Month has deep roots in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with its origins tracing back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969. These riots, which erupted in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The courageous actions of the protesters during those pivotal nights sparked a wave of activism and ignited a global movement for equality.

Since then, Pride Month has evolved into a month-long celebration that not only commemorates the struggles and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community but also serves as a platform to advocate for equal rights and raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Over the years, significant milestones have been achieved, including decriminalizing same-sex relationships, legalizing same-sex marriage in many countries, and increasing the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in various spheres of society. However, it is crucial to recognize that the fight for full equality and acceptance is far from over. Pride Month is a reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to create a world where everyone can live authentically and with dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBTQ+ Events near Oak Park

In the near west suburbs, there are numerous ways to celebrate Pride Month and show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Oak Park

Thursday Night Out - Pride Night | June 20th

Join the celebration at Thursday Night "Out in the Burbs'' on June 20th. This special edition of Thursday Night Out features a resource fair of local organizations that provide services for the LGBTQ+ community, including OPALGA+, PFLAG, Age Options, and more! In partnership with the OPRF Chamber of Commerce, Drag Queens will be roaming the event, adding flair and promoting local businesses.

Attendees can grab a Thursday Night Out in the Burbs shopping bag, enjoy delicious food, and listen to amazing music. This lively event is the perfect way to celebrate Pride while supporting the local community.

Click here to learn more.

Oak Park Pride Party | June 22nd

The entire community is invited to join in Oak Park’s celebration of Pride Month at the 2024 Oak Park Pride Party! This family-friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, on the south lawn at Village Hall, 123 Madison St.

Celebrate Pride Month with ice cream, face painting, a DJ, games, a bounce house, a magician, and more. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best rainbow-themed outfits to add to the festive atmosphere. Don't miss this joyful celebration of love, diversity, and community spirit!

Click here to learn more.

Brunchin' Beauties - Kettlestrings Tavern | June 22nd

Due to overwhelming demand, Kettlestrings Tavern has doubled the fun this year with two spectacular Drag Brunch shows at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Indulge in an unforgettable experience where brunch favorites meet bottomless Pisco Sours, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys (non-alcoholic tickets are also available).

And prepare to be captivated by a high-energy drag show that promises to dazzle and entertain every guest. Gather friends, family, and fellow community members for a fabulous celebration of diversity, creativity, and local businesses.

Click here to learn more.

Pride at Unity Temple | All Month Long

Celebrate Pride Month at Unity Temple with a focus on freedom of expression and the importance of diverse voices. Every Sunday in June, Unity Temple will showcase LGBTQ+ themed books that have been banned in various places around the nation.

This display not only highlights the beauty and diversity of these stories but also raises awareness about the impact of censorship. Visitors will find suggestions on how to discuss the harms of censorship and its contradiction to Unitarian Universalist values. Join them in standing up for the right to read and let freedom read!

Click here to learn more about Unity Temple.

Pride at the Library | All Month Long

Celebrate summer reading and Pride Month at the Oak Park Library with a variety of exciting events and activities for kids. This year’s theme, "Adventure Begins at Your Library," encourages young readers to embark on new adventures through books, Discovery Kits, and engaging library events. June 1 marks not only the start of the summer reading program but also 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, parade, and 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.

Additionally, families can partake in Pride Bingo all month long, picking up bingo cards from the Children’s Services area and reading LGBTQIA+ books for a chance to win prizes. These activities provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about diversity, celebrate Pride, and discover new adventures at the library.

Click here to learn more.

Or, stay up to date with the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association. Click here to join their email list or view their full list of events in June!

Brookfield

Pride at the Zoo | Last Week in June

As part of their “Zoo for All'' initiative, Brookfield Zoo is thrilled to host a week of Pride celebrations from June 24-30, with virtual programming throughout the month to welcome and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The colorful and inclusive celebration will feature activities such as the Dolphins in Action presentation, a flamingo parade, and a variety of rainbow-themed treats.

Visitors can also stop by the gift shop to purchase Pride merchandise that supports the community. Additionally, the inspiring virtual series presented by ZAP! Conservation in Action will feature diverse voices from the LGBTQ+ community sharing their conservation journeys. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration of love, equality, and the vibrant colors of Pride at the Zoo!

Click here to learn more.

Forest Park

Bold & Boozy Sunday Drag Brunch - Scratch Public House | June 29th

Get ready to celebrate Pride in style with the Bold & Boozy Sunday Drag Brunch at Scratch Public House in Forest Park. This fabulous Diva Drag Brunch is a colorful and fun event you won't want to miss! With a $20 General Admission fee (if reserved before the Forest Park PRIDE Celebration on Friday, June 21st, $25 after), attendees can enjoy the show and a meet-and-greet with the drag queens.

The event features bottomless mimosas and Bellinis, a special brunch menu available for an additional charge, along with drink specials and specialty shots. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve early for this unforgettable Pride celebration!

Click here to learn more.

Forest Park Pride Celebration | June 21st

Join the Forest Park Annual Pride Fest on Friday, June 21, at Constitution Court from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free, so everyone is encouraged to mark their calendars for a fabulous evening filled with live music, dazzling drag performances, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and so much more! Proudly co-hosted by OPALGA+, Play It Again Sports, and Robert's Westside, this event celebrates love, diversity, and equality.

The community is invited to come together to embrace and celebrate Pride in an unforgettable evening.

Click here to learn more.

Pride at the Library | All Month Long

Celebrate Pride Month at the Forest Park Library with a variety of engaging activities and events for all ages. Starting June 1, you can pick up Pride Kite Kits to decorate and display, showcasing your creativity and pride. On Thursday, June 20, at 11 a.m., join the "Read Across the Rainbow Pride Storytime," designed for children ages 6 and under, where music and movement will celebrate love, personal expression, and diverse families.

For transgender youth and their families, "Transgender 101: Support for Youth & Families" will be held on Thursday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m., featuring consultant and advocate Nikk Cochran Selik, who will provide tools and support in a judgment-free space. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Pride, learn, and come together as a community at the Forest Park Library.

Click here to learn more.

A Month to Celebrate

Pride Month in the near west suburbs is a time to come together and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, its history, and its ongoing fight for equality. It is a time to embrace diversity, promote inclusivity, and spread love and acceptance.

Whether attending local events, engaging in educational activities, or 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.