Chicago gay market days
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2025 Northalsted Market Days
Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood.
The 1/2 mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 4 stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performance, and more!
Market Days is one of Thrillist’s Can’t Miss Queer Events, ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash, and a 2023 Best of GayCities Winner for Travel Worthy Festival.
2025 Headliners include: Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, and more!
Location: Halsted St.
from Belmont to Addison, Chicago IL. See below for gates.
Entry: $20 Suggested Donation – All Ages – Your donation helps pay performers & festival workers and supports charities, non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.
Hours: August 8-10, 2025: Friday: 5pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Location: Halsted St.
from Belmont to Addison, Chicago IL. See below for gates.
Entry: $20 Suggested Donation – All Ages – Your donation helps pay performers & festival workers and supports charities, non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.
Hours: August 8-10, 2025: Friday: 5pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Market Days
Get ready to sashay down the streets of Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood for Market Days, the rainbow ribbon in the city's summer hat!
There will be five stages pulsating with live entertainment, over 250 vendors offering everything from artsy crafts to delicious eats and drinks, plus DJs, dancing, sponsor booths, and more, on this 1/2 mile stretch of joy.
Crowd & Music
Crowd during the festival is a mix of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, ages of all kinds welcome (bar and clubs require 21+)!
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a spa, and panoramic views of the city. The hotel features modern amenities and spacious suites. Now, it's not just a party; it's a historical bash stretching from Belmont to Addison on Halsted Street - right in the heart of America's first recognized gay village. Limited number of Gold VIP Market Days experiences will be offered for the weekend that include VIP Lounge with private air conditioned restrooms, private bar service, covered lounge seating areas, and convenient in/out festival access for $50, or select the Platinum VIP experience for $100 and enjoy 6 complimentary beverages at the VIP bar.
Festival Entry: General entry each day of the event is available for a $20 suggested donation that helps pay performers, event workers, and funds community programs.
Entertainment Schedule:
Friday August 8
Addison Stage
Cornelia Stage
Roscoe Stage
Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce
Belmont Stage
Saturday August 9
Addison Stage
Cornelia Stage
Roscoe Stage
Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce
Belmont Stage
Hosted by DJ X-tasy
Sunday August 10
Addison Stage
Cornelia Stage
Roscoe Stage
Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce
Belmont Stage
Hosted by DJ X-tasy
For more information and updates, visit marketdayschicago.com and marketdaysvip.com.
About the Northalsted Business Alliance
Founded in 1980, the Northalsted Business Alliance represents one of the nation’s oldest and last remaining LGBTQ+ business districts including more than 100 small businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway.
Visitors can anticipate a family setting alongside a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs in the vicinity. The event is 2 blocks from the Belmont station on these trains.
Market Days in Chicago is so special, because Northalsted is one of the first recognized villages in the United States and has brought much of the LGBTQ+ community together!
So, grab your sunglasses, your dancing shoes, and your sense of adventure, and join us at Market Days in Chicago.
And for those early birds, the pre-party shenanigans start on Friday night. It's not just a festival; it's a celebration of who you are and who you can be. For information visit northalsted.com.
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To obtain the up to date information about the event such as schedules, performers lineups or any changes due, to weather or other circumstances it is advisable to follow the Northalsted Business Alliances website and social media channels.
Official Website
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- The Guesthouse Hotel - Located in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood, The Guesthouse Hotel offers stylish accommodations and a welcoming environment for all guests.
Guests can experience a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. Check Availability and Prices: Link
42nd Annual Northalsted Market Days®
CHICAGO —The Northalsted Business Alliance is thrilled to announce the return and expansion of this year’s Northalsted Market Days® with four stages featuring headliners Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Monét X Change, Joe Dombrowski, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Colby and Saucy Santana taking place August 8-10 in the iconic Northalsted neighborhood between Addison and Belmont.
Other artists appearing include Kiesza, this season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Sam Star, Brooke Eden as well as international DJs and producers: Ralphi Rosario, Alex Acosta, Danny Verde, Joe Gauthreaux, Jesus Montanez, Sam Gee, J Warren and Ron Carroll.
The festival is thoughtfully organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance—an organization dedicated to fostering economic development while promoting and uplifting the Northalsted community.Part of the proceeds generated by the event are utilized to support community projects and initiatives.
Throughout the years this event has gained a reputation for its ambiance that brings together inclusivity, celebration and a wide array of entertainment choices.
Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It boasts stages offering live music performances and entertainment that showcase an eclectic mix of artists ranging from local bands to nationally acclaimed performers. Check Availability and Prices: Link
See you there!
Popular Chicago Gay Bars
Bobby Love's, Scarlet, Wang's, Sidetrack,Splash, and Replay.
Other LGBTQ+ Events in Chicago
International Mr. Leather, Chicago PrideFest, QUEEN!, and Andersonville Midsommar Fest.
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Northalsted Market Days, also referred to as Chicago Market Days or simply Market Days is a street festival that takes place during the summer in the Northalsted neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
Drag shows daily will include legendary performers Mimi Marks, Mz Ruff n Stuff, DiDa Ritz, Veronica Pop, Gina Belle, Serena Fiierce as well as a new local dance party stage that will feature local DJ talents from Northalsted venues. Originating back in 1982 Northalsted Market Days has significantly evolved over time. After the event finishes, the gay bars and clubs will be ready to keep the party going.
It spans across a weekend in August and serves as a celebration of the vibrant diversity, rich culture and close knit community within the Northalsted area (also known as Boystown). Check Availability and Prices: Link