Looking for fun in The Windy City after a year of lockdown? Celebrate night life’s reopening at the thirty-nineth annual Northalsted Market Days®. Ranked as one of the Top Ten Chicago Festivals by Bizbash, this weekend long event is one you surely don’t want to miss. While the event was originally founded in 1982, Market Days continues to expand to become exponentially more enthralling. The estimated attendance of the festival exceeds 100,000 attendees from across the globe. As Market Days emphasizes unapologetic pride and vibrant diversity, all are welcome at this event.
Taking place from August 6–8, the live music street festival celebrates Chicago’s spirited community across a half mile in the landmark Northalsted/Lakeview district. Recognized as America’s first gay village and Chicago’s LGBTQ+ historic landmark, Northalsted welcomes guests of all ages, colors and creeds to join in on the merrymaking. The festival will sprawl across the neighborhood from Belmond to Addison.
The music festival will feature live music line-ups all day, including performers such as Trixie Mattel, Todrick Hall, Greyson Chance, The FIERCE Project, Lisa Lisa, Jody Wately, CeCe Penison, Steve Grand and many, many more. These talented musicians will electrify the festival’s six stages: the Bud Light Seltzer Stage, the Nissan Partners of Progress Stage, the Peach Presents [stage], the Dance Stage by Hydrate, the Chicago Sound Stage, and the Community Pride Stage. DJs will also be mixing and mastering tunes so guests can get their groove on.
Market Days will feature additional entertainment, including 250+ unique vendors and arts and crafts. Food and drinks will also be available at the festival. The suggested admission donation is $15, and all donations go towards Chicago’s local non-profits and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.
Booths will also be set up around the festival to highlight Market Day’s sponsors. Sponsors include Bud Light Seltzer, Cutwater Spirits, Papa John’s Pizza, Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHS), Nissan, Clarity Clinic, Barefoot Wine, Geico, The Florida Keys & Key West, RCN, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Redbull, NRG, Rythm, Best Gay Chicago, Boi Mag, Grab Magazine, and GoPride.
Northalsted Market Days is easily accessed via the CTA Red Line Addison station at Wrigley Field, CTA Red/Brown/Purple Lines at Belmont, multiple bus lines, and ride share car/cab services to hotels and other lodging. The event will go on rain or shine, though it should be notes that severe weather conditions may delay performance times. To purchase tickets and learn more, please visit HERE.
