The Chicago gay bar that throws a special event for your four-legged friends each month

Sidetrack has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s best-loved LGBTQ+ venues. Like many other establishments, it recognizes that offering a diverse lineup of attractions helps draw in the crowds.

Regular attractions include weekly trivia nights, show tune sessions on Fridays and Sundays, Drag Race viewing parties, and occasional specials, such as its winter-time Onesie party.

Some patrons attend for its more unique and, well, furry offerings.

We’re talking about Dog Days, which runs on the first Saturday afternoon of the month. The next session will take place this coming weekend (May 2, from 1-5 pm). A fixture for over a decade, Dog Days invites guests to bring their pooches along.

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Sidetrack General Manager Brad Balof told GayCities, “Dog Days at Sidetrack is pure Chicago joy: sunshine, wagging tails, proud pups, chosen family, and a neighborhood spending an afternoon together. It’s playful, welcoming, and unmistakably Sidetrack—a roaming photographer is often on hand to capture great moments and memories.”

You can check out some of those photos below.

Coming up in May

Other big events at Sidetrack in May include its Men’s Room Glow Party on Friday, May 8, and its monthly Latin music party on May 14. Its annual Eurovision Song Contest viewing party returns on Saturday, May 18 (screened live from 2-6pm). There are also music nights coming up dedicated to Gaga, Beyoncé, and K-Pop. If you like things a little more wordy, there’s a very popular queer storytelling evening, Outspoken, every first Tuesday of the month.

Open since 1982, Sidetrack is a stalwart of the Chicago gay scene that has collected numerous, well-deserved accolades over the decades.

It’s located in North Halsted — one of the most established and celebrated LGBTQ districts in the country. Officially recognised as the first gay village in the United States, it’s instantly identifiable by its rainbow pylons lining Halsted Street. Explore an irresistible concentration of gay bars, clubs, and LGBTQ-owned businesses, alongside the legacy organisation Center on Halsted, a major community hub.

Particularly good times to visit include the Chicago Pride festival (with Chicago Pride Fest running from June 20–21, 2026, and the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28), and for Northalsted Market Days (Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, 2026).

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