Event Dates
From: Saturday, August 10, 2024
To: Sunday, August 11, 2024
Northalsted Market Days is the largest street festival in the Midwest!
Famous for its vast array of national talent, unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, Northalsted Market Days gathers a crowd of over 180,000 people from across the globe to celebrate in the open air on Chicago’s famous Halsted Street.
- Book your hotel in Lakeview as far in advance as possible. Stay at the Hotel Zachary, rated “Superb” by guests with great location, onsite bakery, spacious and stylish rooms and a boutique feel.
When is Market Days Chicago?
- The Northalsted Business Alliance hosts Market Days in early Autust each year.
- Events span the Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 10pm.
- Pre party celebrations kick off on Friday Night with events by Circuit Mom and Hydrate.
Where is Market Days Held
- Market Days is Chicago’s most vibrant summer two day music festival and featuring over 100 Events.
- The event has five different stages dotted across Chicago’s historic Northalsted/Lakeview district, on Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison.
- The stages showcase the best in live entertainment and shows throughout the day and long into the evening.
- The 1/2 mile long festival also features 250+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!
The Line up 2024
- Awaiting lineup and schedule for 2024.
How much is Market Day’s Chicago?
- Admission: $20 Suggested Donation – All Ages – Donations make Market Days possible, support local non-profits, and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.
Market Days Circuit Events
The party continues after with huge circuit events including:
- Friday 9th August – MEAT, the no 1 gay party from NYC comes to Chicago for an XXL Friday night party to remember in an epic venue with world-class stage shows and production.
- Friday 9th – Sunday 11th August – The Circuit Mom Market Days Weekend – Multiple parties held over the Market Days weekend in some of Chicago’s most famous venues.
- Friday 9th – Sunday 11th August – Hydrate Reloaded – Boasting both indoor and outdoor events, Hydrate brings the BIGGEST names in from the circuit world to Chicago for three days and nights of parties.
- Friday 9th August – BRUT Chicago – Dan Darlington’s epic party returns with guest DJs and horny harnessed guys.
- Awaiting dates – Furball Market Days – Furball, NYC’s infamous gay furry dance party comes to Chicago for Market Days at Metro Chicago.
- Awaiting dates – LOAD – The Organized Grime Crew is back in Boystown for a special Market Days circuit event.
Steamworks Parties
- Steamworks Chicago in Northalsted, Chicago is a private men’s gym, sauna, bathhouse for men 18 years and older.
- The sauna hosts popular parties each day and night.
How to get to Market Days
- Northalsted Market Days is easily accessed via the CTA Red Line Addison station at the historic Wrigley Field, CTA Red/Brown/Purple Lines at Belmont, multiple bus lines, and rideshare car/cab services to hotels and other lodging.
Northalsted Gay District
- The gaybourhood is home to the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ history museum as well as host to the iconic Chicago Pride Festival, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in America. The district is is loved by locals and visitors alike for its gay-friendly establishments and hospitable Midwestern atmosphere.
- Northalsted is one of the first recognized villages in the US – boasts a lively party scene thanks to the flourishing bar and restaurant district.
Popular Gay Venues in Northelsted
- Sidetrack – A multi-roomed haven with a rooftop deck that’s bustling with energy from dance parties to “Musical Mondays” singalongs, fueled by boozy slushies.
- Roscoe’s Tavern – A longstanding favorite with multiple bars, where theme nights, dance floors, and drag queens reign supreme.
- D.S. Tequila Company – A summer hotspot for patio lounging with pitchers of margaritas, paired with tempting weekly food specials.
- Progress Bar – Features a twinkling overhead light installation and a fine selection of craft beers amidst the Halsted nightlife.
- Elixir – A cozy cocktail bar where expert drinks meet a discerning crowd in an intimate setting, perfect for sophisticated nights out.
- Bobby Love’s – A karaoke warrior’s dream with an affable vibe likened to the famous TV bar where everyone knows your name.
- Scarlet – The ultimate dance spot for pop diva devotees, offering themed dance parties to celebrate your favorite music icons. – Northalsted
- Hydrate – The after-hours club where hot and sweaty boys dance the night away to a rotating roster of events and drag shows.
- Splash Chicago – A fresh face in the neighborhood, quickly establishing itself as a prime venue for Chicago’s top-tier drag performances.
Where to stay?
If you want to stay close to Northalsted try the Majestic Hotel on West Brompton, or the Hotel Zachary on North Clark Street. Check out the top 10 hotels in Lakeview for more options.
Other hotels close to the main gay bars and clubs we recommend are:
Book your hotel early and save money
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events offering superior rooms & service
For further information and advice on
Market Days visit The Website
The area in Chicago with the most gay bars is Boys town offering over 20 bar, we have chosen hotels close to this area that have good revues on bookings.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Chicago that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Northalsted Market Days Highlights
Chicago, affectionately known as the “Windy City,” is a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse experience. The city is home to Northalsted (formerly Boystown), one of the first officially recognized gay villages in the United States. Remember, Chicago has an efficient public transit system, so you’ll have easy access to all the city offers no matter where you stay.
The heart of Chicago’s downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
A great place to stay if you’re a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city’s best shopping.