42nd Annual Northalsted Market Days
Schedule
Fri, 08 Aug, 2025 at 05:00 pm to Sun, 10 Aug, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Location
Northalsted Neighborhood | Chicago
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Experience the Midwest's largest street festival celebrating LGBTQ+ community, culture, and diversity in Chicago's historic Northalsted neighborhood. This three-day live music festival spans half a mile along Halsted Street, featuring world-class performers, 300+ vendors, drag shows, and community celebrations in America's first recognized gay village.What to Expect:
* Star-studded headliner performances including Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Monét X Change, Sasha Colby, Joe Dombrowski, and Saucy Santana
* Five professional music stages featuring all-day lineups with live music, DJs, and dance performances
* Over 300 LGBTQ+ vendors including local food, drinks, artisans, merchants, and nonprofit organizations
* Daily drag shows featuring legendary performers including Mimi Marks, DiDa Ritz, Gina Belle, and Serena Fiierce
* International DJ lineup including Ralphi Rosario, Alex Acosta, Joe Gauthreaux, Jesus Montanez, and Ron Carroll
* New local dance party stage showcasing DJ talents from Northalsted venues throughout the weekend
* Dance exhibitions, community performances, and cultural celebrations throughout the festival
* Premium VIP experiences with private air-conditioned restrooms, bar service, and festival access
* Family-friendly all-ages environment welcoming diverse communities and visitors from around the globe
* Easy CTA accessibility via Red Line Addison and Belmont stations plus multiple bus lines
* Street closure creating safe pedestrian festival environment along half-mile stretch of Halsted
* Tribute bands including Dancing Queen ABBA Salute, Sixteen Candles, and Fearless Taylor Swift tribute
* Local Chicago performers including Chicago Spirit Brigade, Windy City Cheer Squad, and Second City Outlaws
* Food and beverage offerings from local restaurants, food trucks, and craft beverage vendors
* Community fundraising supporting Chicago Pride Crosswalks and local LGBTQ+ programs
Highlights: Founded in 1982, Northalsted Market Days has grown into the Midwest's largest street festival with over 100,000 annual attendees. Located in Northalsted, America's first recognized gay village and Chicago LGBTQ+ historic landmark, this celebration has been recognized by Thrillist as a "Can't Miss Queer Event," ranked in BizBash's top 10 Chicago festivals, and named a 2023 Best of GayCities Winner for Travel Worthy Festival.
Event Details:
Date: August 8-10, 2025 (Expanded to 3 days for 2025)
Timings:
Friday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open rain or shine (severe weather may delay performances)
Location: North Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
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Where is it happening?
Northalsted Neighborhood, North Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Avenue, Chicago, US