Evanston Pride Fest

Evanston Pride Fest is the City of Evanston's official LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, launched in 2026 and held at Fountain Square in the heart of downtown Evanston. Presented by the City of Evanston in coordination with Downtown Evanston's Thursday Night Live! series, the free evening festival brings together live entertainment, community booths, and North Shore residents to celebrate queer joy and visibility.

The city-run event stepped in after the volunteer-run Evanston Pride nonprofit paused its programming in 2026. Together with the community-organized Interfaith Family Pride Fest each June at Raymond Park, it anchors Evanston's Pride season. For dedicated Pride nightlife, Chicago's massive Pride Parade and the Northalsted celebrations are a short Purple Line ride away.