Pets are allowed in the viewing area of the parade — not in the parade itself. However, PRIDEChicago recommends keeping nervous pups and other pets at home. The streets will be crowded with many distractions and could be overwhelming for animals.

The 2025 theme, "United in Pride," emphasizes the strength, diversity, and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The parade will follow a two-mile route, traveling south on Broadway, then Halsted, east on Belmont, back south on Broadway, and ending at Diversey and Cannon Drive.

A major concern is crowds and parties that spring up after the parade and go late into the night in the Northalsted and greater East Lakeview area.