Gay Events in Chicago This Weekend: April 25-27, 2026

Chicago's LGBTQ+ scene never slows down. This weekend brings 46 events across the city's gay bars and venues — from a Boystown bar crawl for Brave Space Alliance to Lesbian Visibility Week celebrations at Dorothy and Sidetrack. Here's what's happening April 25-27, 2026.

This post is updated weekly. For the full event list with details, times, and venue info, visit the Out x Out Chicago events page.

This Week in Gay Chicago

Fathom opens in Lakeview. The owners of beloved lesbian bar Dorothy just opened a queer dive bar at 1622 W. Belmont — beer-and-a-shot vibes, weekly karaoke, and a patio on the way. Opening night had a line down the block. Windy City Times

Chicago's queer population is booming. Same-sex couple households in Chicago are up 72% since 2005, with mixed-race same-sex couples surging from 9% to 36%. Uptown, Edgewater, and Lake View lead the way. Chicago Sun-Times

It's Lesbian Visibility Week. Through April 26, events span the country — Coast-to-Coast Queereoke hits lesbian bars nationwide tonight, Queer Women in Sports Day is Saturday, and San Francisco City Hall and Niagara Falls are getting lit up. GO Magazine

EU strikes down Hungary's anti-LGBTQ law. Europe's top court ruled Monday that Viktor Orban's 2021 ban on "promoting homosexuality" to minors violates EU law "on a number of separate levels." Sixteen member states backed the case — the largest human rights case in EU history. Al Jazeera

Georgia blocked every anti-LGBTQ bill. The state's 2026 legislative session ended with all 15 anti-LGBTQ measures defeated — including a puberty blocker ban, a forced outing bill, and a drag ban. Georgia Equality mobilized 2,500 residents across 60 counties to make it happen. Erin In The Morning

Mother Mary hits theaters nationwide. Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel star in A24's sapphic pop-star thriller that puts queer desire front and center — no subtext, no burying it. Expanding to wide release this week. EveryQueer

Friday, April 25 — 13 Events

Out x Out Pick: Gear Night at Jackhammer

Gear up for Jackhammer's monthly fetish celebration, where leather and kink culture take center stage. DJ Chomper keeps the energy high on the dance floor as you embrace the unapologetically bold vibe The Hole is known for. Free entry before 10 PM makes it easy to dive into Chicago's leather and fetish scene — come ready to celebrate, explore, and connect with your community.

Also on Friday

• T.G.I.F. Show Tunes — 3:00 PM at Sidetrack
• Are You Smarter Than A Drag Queen — 7:00 PM at 2Bears Tavern Uptown
• House Party — 9:00 PM at Meeting House Tavern
• Madonna vs. Gaga Drag Dinner — 6:00 PM at Kit Kat Lounge
• Latin Night with Jenny Fox — 9:00 PM at Dorothy
• Charlie's Guide to the Galaxy — 10:00 PM at Charlie's

+ 6 more Friday events on Out x Out

Saturday, April 26 — 15 Events

Out x Out Pick: Miss Congeniality Bar Crawl

Multi-bar crawl fundraiser for Brave Space Alliance — Chicago's first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the South Side. Crawl through Boystown bars from 4-10 PM starting at Sidetrack. A great way to support the community while exploring Chicago's gayborhood with a crowd.

Also on Saturday

• The Cover Girls Drag Brunch — 12:00 PM at Kit Kat Lounge
• Group Therapy — 2:00 PM at Meeting House Tavern
• Sapphic Saturday — 5:00 PM at Sidetrack
• Lesbian Visibility Week Happy Hour — 6:00 PM at Dorothy
• Uncut Latin — 8:00 PM at Cell Block
• Switch Academy: Prom at Sea — 9:00 PM at Jackhammer
• Nerds VS Bullies — 9:00 PM at Cell Block

+ 7 more Saturday events on Out x Out

Sunday, April 27 — 18 Events

Out x Out Pick: Boys Day Out at Nobody's Darling

A laid-back Sunday afternoon at this beloved Andersonville spot. Nobody's Darling is one of Chicago's most beautifully designed bars — connect with friends old and new while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails in a welcoming, stylish space. The perfect low-key contrast to a big Saturday night.

Also on Sunday

• Sunday Heat — 12:00 PM at Replay Lakeview
• Bear Beer Blast — 12:00 PM at The SoFo Tap
• The Cover Girls Drag Brunch — 12:00 PM at Kit Kat Lounge
• Kwizmaster Trivia — 2:30 PM at Meeting House Tavern
• The Sunday marTEAni Dance — 3:00 PM at Kit Kat Lounge
• Boyfriend Material — 5:00 PM at Charlie's
• Back in the Day: the 30+ R&B Social — 6:00 PM at Dorothy

+ 10 more Sunday events on Out x Out

Featured Read: Provincetown Outsiders Festival 2026

Outsiders Festival returns to Provincetown May 7-10 for its second annual run — four days of art, theatre, film, fashion, and performance curated by Camp Provincetown. Whether you're planning a trip to P-town this spring or just dreaming about it, here's everything you need to know.

Read the full guide on Out x Out

Travel Deals from Chicago

Looking to get out of town? Here are this week's best flight deals from O'Hare.

• Orlando, FL — $95 roundtrip on United (May 13-18) | Book on Expedia
• Seattle, WA — $115 roundtrip on American (May 20-27) | Book on Expedia
• Austin, TX — $143 roundtrip on United (May 14-19) | Book on Expedia
• Fort Lauderdale, FL — $147 roundtrip on United (May 15-22) | Book on Expedia
• Portland, OR — $195 roundtrip on United (Jun 3-10) | Book on Expedia
• San Juan, PR — $199 roundtrip on Spirit (May 18-25) | Book on Expedia

Travel deals are sourced from third-party providers and are accurate as of the date retrieved. Prices are subject to change. Please verify current rates directly with the booking provider before purchasing. Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

What's happening in Gay Chicago this weekend?

This weekend (April 25-27, 2026) there are 46 LGBTQ+ events happening across Chicago. Highlights include the Miss Congeniality Bar Crawl benefiting Brave Space Alliance, Lesbian Visibility Week events at Dorothy and Sidetrack, the Madonna vs. Gaga Drag Dinner at Kit Kat Lounge, and Switch Academy: Prom at Sea at Jackhammer. Browse the full lineup on the Out x Out Chicago events page.

Where are the best gay bars in Chicago for this weekend?

Chicago's gayborhood, Northalsted (Boystown), is your best bet for a full weekend out. Sidetrack has events running all three days, Charlie's has line dancing and drag shows Saturday night, and Scarlet Bar has DJ sets both Friday and Saturday. For something different, check out Dorothy for the Lesbian Visibility Week Happy Hour on Saturday, or Cell Block for Nerds VS Bullies. For our full guide, read Best Gay Bars & Clubs in Chicago 2026.

What are the best Sunday day parties in Gay Chicago?

Sunday is packed with daytime options. The Sunday marTEAni Dance at Kit Kat Lounge runs all afternoon with $9 martini specials and no cover. The SoFo Tap has Bear Beer Blast with cold brews and community vibes. Sidetrack's Sunday Funday Show Tunes is a sing-along institution. And Never-Ending Midnight Sunday at Splash has $4 tall boys and $6 wells all day.

More Chicago Guides

• LGBTQ+ Guide to Chicago 2026
• Best Gay Bars & Clubs in Chicago 2026
• Chicago Pride 2026: Complete Guide
• Browse all Chicago events
• Browse all Chicago venues