Chicago's established gay neighbourhood runs along Halsted Street in the Lakeview district, centred on the stretch from Belmont to Addison. The area has been officially recognized since 1997 with rainbow pylon markers along Halsted, and contains the highest concentration of LGBT-oriented bars, restaurants, and businesses in the Midwest.
The neighbourhood is active seven days a week but peaks on weekends and during Pride in June. The Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest in North America, ends here. Sidetrack — a video bar open since 1982 — is the largest single venue; Hydrate, Berlin, and Minibar are the other established dance venues. The restaurants on Halsted and the surrounding streets serve the full range from diner to upscale. L Red Line to Belmont or Addison.