Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.

Friday, August 7, 2026
Montrose Beach, Chicago
4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640, United StatesThe Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association runs its LGBTQ+ beach volleyball league Friday evenings at Montrose Beach all summer. Come play or cheer the teams on with the lake as a backdrop.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in Chicago — in your inbox every week.

Mon, Aug 17
5 PM - 2 AM
The SoFo Tap, Chicago
Monday night gay bar in Chicago with cold beer, friendly bartenders, and a dog-friendly patio. Laid-back neighborhood vibe for the queer community.
Weekly
Mon, Aug 17
7 PM - 9 PM
Replay Lakeview, Chicago
Weekly Mario Kart tournament at queer-owned Replay Lakeview in Boystown. Compete for $50, play arcade, enjoy happy hour specials. Sign-ups at 7 PM.
Weekly
Mon, Aug 17
7 PM - 9:30 PM
Dorothy, Chicago
Host Shelli Nicole screens John Tucker Must Die at Dorothy in Chicago, the August edition of the bar's third-Monday movie night, with prizes.

Mon, Aug 17
7 PM - 11 PM
Charlie's, Chicago
Monthly gay bingo night at Charlie's with birthday specials, half-off Hennessy & Patron, and prizes. Every Monday in Chicago.
Monthly
Mon, Aug 17
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
2Bears Tavern Uptown, Chicago
2Bears Tavern Uptown's free feud-style game night every Monday at 7:30pm, hosted by Pup Figaro — teams compete on LGBTQ+ poll questions for prizes.
Weekly
Mon, Aug 17
8 PM - 2 AM
Cell Block, Chicago
Weekly gay leather and fetish night at Cell Block. Dancing, backroom bar, and judgment-free vibes every Monday in Chicago's intimate club space.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.


Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.

Everything you need for Chicago's Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade — the route, the costume contest, the Northalsted bars that go all out, and where to stay that's gay.

Parvati Shallow's Survivor brunch, Queen! celebrates Lucy's birthday, and G.E.M. turns five at Jackhammer — plus 92 ways to fill your weekend.

A citywide guide to the best gay bars and clubs in Chicago — Northalsted's neon-lit video bars, Andersonville's laid-back locals, historic South Side spots and everything between.

Laid-back patios, karaoke, and the least pretentious crowd in the city — here's where Chicago's bears, cubs, and otters actually hang out, night by night.

From cruise bars in Rogers Park to the Chicago Eagle, here's every corner of Chicago's leather and kink scene — the birthplace of IML.