Northeastern Illinois University to Host Pride Fest 2026

Northeastern Illinois University’s Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs will host the University’s 2nd Annual Pride Fest from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The event will take place in the Pedroso Center, located in Building B, Room B 159, on the University’s Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., in Chicago. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required.

“Pride Fest at NEIU creates a space where our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members can feel seen, celebrated and supported,” said Pedroso Center Associate Director of Latinx Student Engagement Danny Cortez. “Pride Month is not only about celebration but also about visibility, belonging and honoring the people who continue to create change and community.”

Pride Fest will include activities for all ages, including young audiences and families. If weather permits, the outdoor space near Building B will be used in a picnic-style format with music, games and activities. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will be held indoors. Refreshments will also be provided.

“My hope is that Pride Fest reminds everyone that NEIU is a place where people can show up as their full selves and feel welcomed,” Cortez said. “It will be a fun and casual opportunity to celebrate Pride, build community, and highlight the resources available to support our students.”

Learn about Pride

LGBTQ+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and the limitless spectrum of other sexual orientations and gender identities

LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/ Aromantic/Agender and the limitless spectrum of other sexual orientations and gender identities

Pride Month: Pride marches have been held annually in June throughout the United States since 1970, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. June was federally designated as Pride Month in 1999. It has since become celebrated globally during June as a way to advocate for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ individuals as well as raise the visibility of and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. It also offers an opportunity to reflect on and learn about the community’s history without social stigma.

LGBTQ+ History Month: Celebrated in October, LGBTQ+ History Month has a specific focus on the historical context of the Gay Rights Movement. Explore more LGBTQ+ history with the NEIU Libraries.