Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of events and performance spaces for queer women and artists in the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. What started as a one-day event to showcase local female artists and community organizations, has now grown into a 3-day festival due to the overwhelming response from local businesses, community partners, charitable organizations and the queer women’s community.

Today, Back Lot Bash is an iconic staple of Chicago pride week and draws over 6000 attendees from Chicago, the Midwest and around the world to a unique outdoor venue in the historic Andersonville neighborhood. The event features local and emerging musicians and established performers of different genres as well as the first ever Chicago LGBTQ+ family day. Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality, diversity and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in our community.

Welcome to our 20th Anniversary!