Splitting from tradition, the annual Chicago Pride Fest will take place one week before the Pride Parade.
Pride Fest will take place June 22-23, and will feature singers such as Deborah Cox, Aubrey O'Day, dance icon Ultra Nate, and local favorites the Chicago Spirit Brigade, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, and Amy and Freddy.
Fest activities are on Halsted St. from Addison to Grace. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The suggested donation is $7. The fest continues June 23, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m..
For festival information: www.northalsted.com, info@northalsted.com, 773-868-3010.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 22
North Stage
12:30 p.m.: Pride drag show featuring Chicago's best female impersonators
2 p.m.: Aubrey O'Day
3 p.m.: Pride drag show
4:30 p.m.: Jessica Sutta
5:30 p.m.: Pride drag show
6:30 p.m.: Blu Cantrell
7 p.m.: Pride drag show
8 p.m.: Sascha Gradiva
8:30 p.m.: Xelle
9 p.m.: Dev
South Stage
1 p.m.: Tandem 6
2:30 p.m: Chicago Gay Men's Chorus
3:30 p.m.: Chicago Spirit Brigade; Amy and Freddy
6 p.m.: Wedding Banned
7:30 p.m.: Windy City Cowboys
8 p.m.: Rock Candy
Sunday, June 23
North Stage
12 p.m.: Miss Foozie's Pet Parade Registration and Start
1 p.m.: Pride drag show
2:30 p.m.: Deborah Cox
3 p.m.: Pride drag show
4 p.m.: Ultra Nate
5 p.m.: Inaya Day
6 p.m.: Neon Hitch
7 p.m.: Sandy B.
8 p.m.: Janice Robinson and Tameka Star
South Stage
1 p.m.: Miss Foozie's Pet Parade Contest
2 p.m.: HAG
3:45 p.m.: Chicago Spirit Brigade
4 p.m.: The Personnel
6 p.m.: Rod Tuffcurls
7:30 p.m.: Sixteen Candles