Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of women’s events and the limited presence of female 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 4-day festival due to the overwhelming response from local businesses, community partners, charitable organizations and the women’s community themselves.

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.

Every year, Back Lot Bash partners with local organizations to showcase their mission at the event. Additionally, Back Lot Bash contributes a portion of the proceeds to charitable organizations focused on making a impact in our community. Past organizations include A Sister’s Hope, Girls in the Game, UCAN and others all working to make a difference.

In 2017, Roberts and Klujian had the honor and distinction of being recipients of the esteemed HRC Community Service Award in recognition of their community involvement and the impact they have had in supporting and advocating for Chicago’s LGBTQ community.

2024 marks the 20th Anniversary of Back Lot Bash and we are grateful for all the support shown to us over the years to achieve this milestone event.

See you Pride Weekend!

Please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you,

Christina and Amie