Residents in and around Oak Park looking to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with fellow community members don’t have to look any further: The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce is hosting and partnering with organizations to support events for all to enjoy throughout June.
Residents can anticipate festivities at the Pride-themed Thursday Night Out on June 20 in downtown Oak Park, “Pisco 4 Pride” on June 21 and at the drag brunch on June 29.
“As a forward-thinking society, we do have a responsibility to show that we’re inclusive,” said Darien Marion-Burton, OPRF chamber executive director. “Those outward displays of openness, I think really help queer people, especially younger queer folks.”
Although Oak Park can be seen as an inclusive bubble, Marion-Burton said, many LGBTQ+ kids and adults still have family who are unaccepting. It’s still hard for many individuals, he said, so events like these can help foster a sense of community.
“The more we can position our town to be open and affirming and inclusive, not only to queer people but to all marginalized communities, I think that the better our economic vitality becomes,” he said.
Thursday Night Out, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., is free to attend but to participate in the dine-around program, attendees can purchase a $25 booklet with four tickets at the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance tent on Westgate Street. At the second annual “Pride Night” for this summer tradition, LGBTQ+ service organizations will be featured.
Additionally, drag queens sponsored by local businesses will be handing out swag and information for those interested. The drag queens will also put on a drag show performance for attendees to enjoy. Thursday Night Out is located on Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard.
Drag queens performing at “Pride Night” include Veronica Pop, Sasha Soto, Ziggy Banks, Kimberly Summer, Neutral Gena, Kitty Banks, Chanel Mercedes Benz, Lola Madison, Riley and Julez Osco.
The third annual “Pisco 4 Pride,” located at Table and Lain at 7322 Madison St. in Forest Park, will feature cocktails, food, dancing, music and drag. The event, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 21, will also showcase catering from Taylor’s Tacos, a Black-, woman- and queer-owned taco shop.
All of the bar proceeds from the event will go to the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association’s student scholarship fund. This fund provides financial support to LGBTQ+ students and allies to help continue their education. Tickets to attend “Pisco 4 Pride” are $35.
The drag brunch near the end of the month, with shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will be at Kettlestrings Tavern at 800 S. Oak Park Ave. Attendees can purchase brunch tickets that include bottomless drinks such as pisco sours, mimosas and bloody marys for $80. Non-alcoholic brunch tickets are $50.
Brunch will include pastries, appetizers such as cheese curds and crispy brussels sprouts and entrées like avocado toast, a falafel burger or chicken salad sandwich. All the chamber Pride events are family-friendly, Marion-Burton said.
Earlier this month, the chamber held two free events: A Pride marketing course to help business owners connect with the LGBTQ+ community and a webinar to help workplaces ensure their cultures are queer-inclusive. Both had good turnout, Marion-Burton said.
Beyond Pride Month, the chamber tries to prioritize spending its dollars to benefit marginalized communities, Marion-Burton said. Supporting justice, equity and inclusion is embedded in everything they do, he said.
Eventually, Marion-Burton said he hopes to implement a Pride parade in Oak Park. It’s important to ensure these events are sustainable, he said, and one way to do so is by partnering with organizations like the Village of Oak Park and Downtown Oak Park.
Another upcoming Pride celebration in the area is the Oak Park Pride Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 22 at Village Hall, located at 123 Madison St. This event will feature ice cream, face painting, a DJ, games, bounce house and a magician. Other nearby events celebrating Pride Month can be found on Visit Oak Park’s website.
Correction, June 6, 2024: An earlier version of this story misconstrued what proceeds are obtained from Thursday Night Out. We regret the error.