City guide
Chicago
Northalsted for the strip, Andersonville for the locals.
Chicago's Northalsted (still called Boystown by most people) is a dense, walkable strip on Halsted, and Andersonville a mile north is quieter with a strong queer women's scene. Rents are a relief after the coasts.
Neighborhoods
Northalsted (Boystown)
$$$The nightlife strip on Halsted.
Andersonville
$$Low-key bars and brunch on Clark St.
Edgewater / Uptown / Rogers Park
$–$$Lakefront and affordable.
Logan Square / West Town
$$–$$$Trendier west-side option.
Rent feel is a rough guide from $ (cheaper) to $$$$ (brace yourself).
Bars & clubs
Also open: Big Chicks (5024 N Sheridan Rd), Replay Lakeview, Elixir, and Kit Kat Club (moved to 3524 N Halsted in 2025).
Health & PrEP
- Howard Brown Health 4025 N Sheridan Rd (HQ) + clinics citywide
LGBTQ health system: PrEP, PEP, primary care, testing.
Pride & big events
Chicago Pride Parade is the last Sunday of June. Market Days is in August, IML over Memorial Day weekend.
International Mr. Leather
Chicago, IL · Dates TBA TBA, Memorial Day weekend
The world's leather contest and a huge market downtown.
Chicago Pride Parade
Chicago, IL · Dates TBA Expected Sun Jun 27 (last Sunday of June)
One of the country's biggest parades, through Lakeview and Northalsted.
Northalsted Market Days
Chicago, IL · Dates TBA TBA, August
Huge street festival on Halsted in Boystown.
Moving tips
- You can walk the whole Halsted strip.
- Winter is long, so summer is the season; plan around Pride and Market Days.
- Head to Andersonville for low-key local nights.
Recently closed
Older guides still list these.
- Berlin (November 2023)
- The Call (2022)
Venues checked against 2025–26 sources in October 2026. Something changed? Post in Chicago.
Making friends
Leagues & clubs