Established in 1969 — just a year after NYC's Stonewall Riots brought gay-rights issues into the national consciousness — the Chicago Pride Parade has evolved from a few hundred people gathered in Bughouse Square to a 400,000-spectator-strong extravaganza. The first dozen floats feature local politicians from all parties and this year's Grand Marshal, openly gay ex-Marine activist Eric Alva — and then the feathered, sequined, Carnivale-esque madness really begins. Avoid the jam-packed crowds at the parade route's start in the heart of Boystown and venture down Broadway or Diversey for a better view.