When and where is the festival?
Date:  Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: Gates open at 2:00 PM. Performances run from 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Address: 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, Illinois 60637
Entrance:  Located on 57th St. behind the museum

Is there an age restriction for attending the festival?
No, this is a fully inclusive, family-friendly event welcoming all ages. Please note that an adult (18+) must accompany anyone under the age of 18.

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How much are tickets?
Admission is free! However, because space is limited and demand is high, all attendees must RSVP online in advance to secure a entry wristband.

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What is the theme for this year?
The 2026 theme is "Love in Action." It honors the everyday acts of courage, solidarity, mutual aid, and community care that define the collective truth of Black and Brown queer folks on the South Side.
 

Community Care: Attendees are highly encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to the festival entrance to support the #LoveNourishes community food drive!


Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the DuSable Museum grounds are ADA accessible. Pride South Side is committed to making the festival welcoming for everyone. If you require specific accommodations for special needs, please email the organizing team at info@pridesouthside.org ahead of the event date.

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What is the best way to get to the festival?

Because the festival takes place on a holiday weekend, traffic around Washington Park will be heavy and parking will be highly competitive. We strongly encourage taking public transit, rideshares, or biking to ensure a smooth, stress-free arrival.

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How do I get there using public transit (CTA & Metra)?

The DuSable Museum is highly accessible via multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train lines, as well as the Metra.

 

• By CTA Bus (Most Direct): * Take the #4 (Cottage Grove) bus, which drops off directly at 56th Street and Cottage Grove, just steps from the museum entrance.

   

  • Take the #55 (Garfield) bus, which runs east/west and stops at 55th & Cottage Grove (a quick 3-minute walk to the venue).
     

• By CTA "L" Train: * Take the Green Line to the Garfield stop. From there, you can stretch your legs on a 15-minute walk east through the park, or hop directly onto the eastbound #55 bus to bridge the gap.

   

  • Take the Red Line to the Garfield stop and transfer to the eastbound #55 bus straight to the festival grounds.
     

• By Metra: * Take the Metra Electric District Line to the 55th-56th-57th Street Station in Hyde Park. From the station, catch the westbound #55 bus or enjoy a 15-minute walk west down 56th Street.
  
   

Is there parking available on-site?

The DuSable Museum has a dedicated, small parking lot, but it will fill up almost immediately on the day of the festival.

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Where else can I park if the main lot is full?​

• Street Parking: Free and metered street parking is available along Washington Park (on 57th St, 58th St, and Payne Drive), as well as along Cottage Grove Avenue. Always read the street signs carefully to check for temporary holiday restrictions or permit-only zones.
   

• Paid Garages: There are several paid parking garages located a short walk away in Hyde Park (such as the Vue53 Garage on E 53rd St).
   

• Reserve in Advance: We recommend checking apps like SpotHero or Prked ahead of time to secure a guaranteed space nearby.

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Where is the designated Rideshare drop-off/pick-up zone?

If you are taking an Uber or Lyft, set your destination address to the DuSable Museum (740 E 56th Pl). To avoid traffic gridlock directly in front of the gates, drivers will be directed to drop off and pick up passengers safely along Cottage Grove Ave between 56th and 57th Street.


What happens in the case of inclement weather? 
Pride South Side is a rain or shine event. The festival will go on as planned through passing showers or typical summer heat.
 

 

Extreme Heat & Climate Safety Policy

July in Chicago can bring intense summer heat. Because many parts of the outdoor festival grounds have limited shade, we have specific infrastructure in place to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Hydration Station: Free, filtered water is accessible to all

• Cooling Areas: Shaded tents and designated cooling zones are available if you need a break from the sun.

• Stay Safe: We highly advise all attendees to wear loose, light clothing, apply sunscreen frequently, wear a hat, and pace themselves by alternating alcoholic beverages with water.

What items are prohibited?

• Tents and Umbrellas 

• Any outside food or beverage

• OPENED water bottles.

• Metal, glass, or aluminum containers of any kind

• Animals (except service animals)

• Weapons

• Smoke devices, flares, or fireworks of any kind

• Illegal substances or smoking of any kind

• Projectiles

• Professional cameras and equipment (unless you're a member of the media)

• Hard-sided coolers or containers of any size

• No bags larger than 14″ by 14″ by 6 

• No luggage, large purses, or backpacks  

• Poles of any kind (metal, plastic, or wooden)

• Frisbees

• Inflated balls of any kind

• Artificial noisemakers, including whistles or air horns of any kind

• Laser pointers

• Streamers and confetti

• Drones

• Aerosol cans

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What items are permitted?

• Lawn Chairs and Blankets 

• SEALED OR EMPTY Water Bottles only. Water bottles must be plastic.

• Bags no larger than 14″ by 14″ by 6″ will be allowed. Bags will be searched.

What form of payment will the festival accept?
The festival marketplace and bars accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Please note that there are no ATMs on-site, so plan accordingly if you prefer using cash with local vendors.
 

 

Am I allowed to take photos and videos?

Absolutely! We love seeing the festival through your eyes. Feel free to capture your favorite outfits, performances, and memories on your smartphones or personal point-and-shoot cameras. Don't forget to tag us and use our official hashtag: #PrideSouthSide2026 and #LoveInAction.
 

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Notice of Filming and Photography

Please be aware that by entering the Pride South Side festival grounds, you are entering an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording will occur.

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By attending the event, you grant Pride South Side, its affiliates, and partners the right to use your likeness, voice, and image in any and all media—including but not limited to websites, social media, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns—worldwide, in perpetuity, without compensation or credit.
 

Is there a Lost and Found?

Guests who need to claim or report lost items should visit the Pride South Side Check-in Booth or email info@pridesouthside.org before the festival closes at 9:00 PM. For any claims after the festival ends, contact the DuSable Museum Guest Services or email customerservice@dusablemuseum.org to inquire about lost items