Like most major cities in the US, Chicago is easily usable by all major means of transportation.
Planes: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) are the two major airports with numerous flights into and out of Chicago, making flying one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to the city.
Trains: Amtrak’s Union Station, in the heart of downtown, connects Chicago to most cities across the country. With pleasant seating and no airport lines, train travel, while more time-consuming, is a relaxing and scenic way to travel.
Automobiles: Driving to Chicago gives you flexibility to make stops and “explore as you go” along the way and around the city’s outskirts. Major highways like I, I, and I lead directly into the city, but be ready for tolls and earlier-than-usual rush-hour traffic.
Buses: Companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus have service to Chicago with multiple drop-off points near the city center. Buses are often the most budget-friendly choice, with direct routes from most cities.
Chicago is a key destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering a rich homosexual culture along with a diverse and inclusive social scene. It’s a urban area where you can feel at residence, with plenty of bars, events, and community spaces that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. You'll find the urban area brimming with strength and entertainment, ensuring your visit is memorable whether you're coming for the nightlife, the history, or the creative flair.
Throughout the year, Chicago hosts notable Gay events, with the Chicago Pride Procession and Market Days being particularly prominent. The Pride Procession happens in June, attracting vibrant crowds and performances, while Market Days, held in August, is Northalsted's street festival complete with reside music and local vendors. These events highlight the lively spirit of the LGBTQ+ community in the city.
Summer is the ideal time to visit Chicago as it’s both festival season and weather-friendly. The city is buzzing with events, and you can enjoy Chicago’s outdoor offerings without worrying about the city's notorious winter chill. Remember, this is also the busi
Chicago impressed us on so many levels. It is a beautiful Midwestern town, with super friendly people, lots to keep you busy and an incredibly diverse and thriving same-sex attracted scene.
Gay Chicago has a lot to offer and from our experience, the whole city appears to embrace and support its LGBTQ+ community.
We felt very safe, at ease, and welcome in Chicago as a gay couple. We never felt like we needed to look over our shoulder, fear holding hands or showing affection: just as its should be!
Our first visit was over the Chicago Celebration Fest weekend and was hosted by Choose Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!
In our Gay Chicago Mentor, we will cover the gay neighbourhoods of Chicago, gay bars, Gay Celebration Fest as well as what activities we did, where we stayed and ate so you will have all the data you need to design your own visit!
Let’s acquire started!
Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago has two very clear gay neighbourhoods, Northalsted (previous known as Boystown) and Andersonville (affectionately known as MANdersonville).
Northalsted (aka B
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: homosexual and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of amusement. Our gay and woman loving woman bars have a brief bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and kingly shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own singular history and vibe.
Check out some of the foremost gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s gay nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest male lover bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live show, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintin