Are You an LGBTQ Woman in Chicago for WNBA All-Star Weekend? Here's What to Do Right Now
You made it. You're in Chicago, it's All-Star Weekend, and somewhere out there right now a group of queer women are already toasting to the best weekend in women's sports. So put the itinerary spreadsheet away for a second, here's exactly what's happening in the Windy City, and where to find your people while you're at it.
Bookmark this. You'll want it open on your phone all weekend.
Why Everyone Around You Is So Hyped
You've probably already noticed it: this is one of the biggest unofficial gatherings for queer women in sports culture, and this year it's extra special. It's the WNBA's 30th anniversary season, the All-Star Game is coached by legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, and Chicago's own LGBTQ history, Boystown and beyond, makes it the perfect city to be in for it. Basically: you picked a good weekend to be here.
What's Happening This Weekend
Here's your play-by-play so you don't miss anything.
Thursday, July 23 — Fan Fest Kicks Off
WNBA Live presented by AWS — 6-10 PM, McCormick Place This is where you want to be tonight if you haven't already picked a plan. The official All-Star fan fest runs through Sunday, with player meet-and-greets, panel discussions, exclusive merch, and basketball skills contests. Several out and widely-loved players are scheduled to appear again Friday and Saturday, so if you can't make it tonight, you've still got two more chances.
Orange Carpet — 7:30 PM Can't get there in person? Pull it up on your phone right now, it streams live on YouTube and the WNBA App, hosted this year by Ari Chambers and Jordan Robinson with rookie Flau'jae Johnson as player host. Good for a few viral moments while you're getting ready for tonight.
Friday, July 24 — Games Begin
Unrivaled Coffee Club — 12-6 PM, Drip Collective Need a low-key morning or afternoon plan? The off-season 3-on-3 league's players are taking over a local coffee shop today, serving drinks to fans on rotating hourly shifts. Easy, casual way to see players up close before the competitions kick off.
3-Point Contest + Shooting Stars — 8 PM, Wintrust Arena Tonight's the night the on-court action really starts. If you're not at Wintrust Arena, it's airing live on ESPN, Disney+, and the ESPN app, throw it on wherever you end up.
Saturday, July 25 — This Is It
Celebrity 3-Point Contest — 2 PM (WNBA Live) Start the big day at the fan fest with a celebrity shootout before everyone heads toward the main event.
WNBA All-Star Game — 8:30 PM, United Center This is the moment the whole weekend's been building to. This year's rosters include several openly queer players on both sides, and the halftime show features a headline musical performance. Get to the United Center early if you're going in person, if not, it's live on ABC.
Quick heads up: these times are listed Eastern, mentally shift an hour earlier for Chicago's Central time zone so you don't miss anything.
More Queer Events Happening Around Chicago This Weekend
Beyond the official WNBA slate, Chicago's LGBTQ nightlife scene is going all out. Here's what's on the radar:
Friday, July 24
- All-Star Friday ft. Whitney Peyton — Whiskey Girl Tavern, 7 PM-12 AM, no cover
Saturday, July 25
- AT&T WNBA All-Star Chicago Watch Party — Whiskey Girl Tavern, 6 PM-12 AM, no cover
- Love & Basketball: A 40+ Queer Singles Mixer — Nobody's Darling (1744 W Balmoral Ave), 6-10 PM, with an extra hour from 5-6:30 PM for the 50+ crowd. Kinky bingo, tarot, cookies, and conversation, hosted by Cookies & Conversations and Before Sunset, with vending by Lola's Love Cove. 15% of ticket sales are donated.
- Lesbian Social Club Beach Party — Whispers at Oak Street Beach, 4-9 PM. Capacity is limited, so grab tickets before you head over if you can.
- WNBA All-Star Weekend After Party — Chicago, 9 PM-2 AM (venue announcement pending). Hosted by Dirty Matriarch, Ladies Love Us (Dallas), Lovers and Friends Chi, and Bliss Sundays (Houston), expect sapphics from all over the country under one roof.
Sunday, July 26
- All-Star Drag Brunch: Sunday Fit Check — Whiskey Girl Tavern, with DJ Nikki V (ticket link in their IG bio)
- Life After Ball: Live Panel Podcast + Brunch Finale — Level Sporting Club (3343 N Clark St), 12-3 PM. A live recording featuring Johari Shuck, PhD, Clarissa Flores, Ashleen Bracey, and IL State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, plus bottomless mimosas and music by DJ Gemini Gilly.
Details on a few of these (venue TBA on the Saturday after party, capacity limits on the beach party) are still being finalized by the hosts, make sure to check their Instagram pages for the latest before you head out.
Keep an Eye Out for Ladies Touch This Weekend
Our WNBA Chicago All-Star Weekender sold out fast, and our group is on the ground in the city right now. If you spot us out and about, come say hi! Here's where we'll be:
Friday: Private Welcome Meet & Greet
Saturday: Private Foodie Walking Tour, a hosted private Chicago River Cruise, the WNBA All-Star Game, and the Official All-Star Game After Party
Sunday: Sunday Funday Brunch to close out the weekend
Missed this one? This is exactly the kind of weekend we build our trip calendar around. explore our upcoming 2026 and 2027 LGBTQ women's trips so you catch the next one before it sells out too.
Still Deciding Where to Post Up?
If you're booking last-minute or basing yourself out of an Airbnb, the Loop and West Loop neighborhoods put you closest to the action, walkable to McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, and easy transit to the United Center. Both areas also have a strong restaurant and nightlife scene for after the official events wrap.
Getting Around the City Right Now
- Rideshare and taxis are your most reliable option between venues, especially around game time when crowds are heaviest.
- Chicago's L train is a solid backup for getting downtown to the United Center or McCormick Place, but expect it packed pre- and post-game.
- Walk when you can — the Loop and West Loop are pedestrian-friendly, and it's often faster than waiting on a rideshare during peak times.
- Leave earlier than you think you need to. Fan fest lines, arena security, and weekend traffic add up fast.
Quick Safety Reminders Before You Head Out
Chicago is generally welcoming to LGBTQ visitors, but as with any large event, stick with your group or a buddy when moving between venues late at night.
Keep valuables secure in crowded spaces like WNBA Live and the arena concourses.
Charge your phone now: between photos, rideshares, and event check-ins, battery goes fast on a day like this.
Stay hydrated. Between outdoor events, walking around, and a full day of basketball, Chicago summer heat adds up quicker than you'd think.
Flying solo? Official events like WNBA Live and the meet-and-greets are easy, low-pressure places to strike up conversation with other queer women in town for the exact same reason you are.
However You're Spending It, Make It Count
You're in the middle of one of the biggest annual gatherings of queer women in sports, right now. Catch the games, show up for the fan fest, and look up from your phone every so often to take in just how many of your people are in this city with you this weekend.
Watching from your hotel room or from home? Catch the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars tonight on ESPN, and the All-Star Game Saturday at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
Want in on the next Ladies Touch group trip? Explore our upcoming LGBTQ women's trips or get in touch with any questions about what's next.
Ladies Touch Events & Travel has been curating unforgettable LGBTQ women’s group travel experiences since 2016. Our thoughtfully designed journeys span destinations around the world, bringing together adventure, culture, and community in safe and inclusive spaces where queer women can explore freely and celebrate authentically.
