Event Dates
From: Friday, August 7, 2026
To: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Market Days Chicago 2026
Northalsted Market Days is the largest street festival in the Midwest!
Northalsted Market Days Chicago 2026
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?
- Next Edition: Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August, 2026.
- The Northalsted Business Alliance hosts Market Days in early August 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!
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. Typically the events fall as follows: Awaiting confirmation for the 2025 editions:
- Friday – 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 to Sunday – The Circuit Mom Market Days Weekend – Multiple parties held over the Market Days weekend in some of Chicago's most famous venues.
- Friday to Sunday – 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 – BRUT Chicago – Dan Darlington's epic party returns with guest DJs and horny harnessed guys.
- Friday – Furball Market Days – Furball, NYC's infamous gay furry dance party comes to Chicago for Market Days at Metro Chicago.
- Saturday LOAD – The Organized Grime Crew is back in Boystown for a special Market Days circuit event.
After Hours
- Saturday to Monday – Enjoy three nights of parties from 4 am to 11 am (Monday 7 am to 1 pm) as Luxuria presents “After Dark”.
- Monday – Sunrisa – Market Days Closing Soiree at The Baton, brought to you by CircuitSun and Organised Grime. With guest DJ Hector Fonesca from 5 am until noon, with an energy busting breakfast to keep you energy levels high.
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:
Save on Hotels
Book your hotel early and save money
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Where we stay!
The Hyatt Regency is close to all the main
events offering superior rooms & service
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Market Days visit The Website
Gay Map of Chicago
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.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Luxury hotel right off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.
- Exceptional service and high-end amenities throughout.
- Rooms are spacious for downtown Chicago, with premium comforts.
- Excellent spa, indoor pool and fine dining on-site.
- Top choice for indulgence in Chicago.
- Website
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago,
- Boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s Loop with Art Deco flair.
- Stylish rooms with modern amenities and generous bathrooms.
- Central location near business districts and cultural sites.
- On-site restaurant and rooftop bar elevate the experience.
- Ideal for travellers seeking sophistication and convenience.
- Website
Address:
- Luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.
- Stylish interiors combining historic architecture and modern design.
- Rooms are well-appointed and service is highly rated.
- Fantastic location for sightseeing, dining and transit.
- Solid choice for comfort and style.
- Website
Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago,
- Boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Loop.
- Historic character blended with modern comfort.
- Spacious, stylish rooms with premium touches.
- Warm, attentive service throughout the stay.
- Ideal base for exploring downtown Chicago.
- Website
Address: 933 West Belmont Avenue Chicago
- Boutique hotel located in Lakeview/Boystown near nightlife.
- Modern rooms with premium bedding, mini-fridge and free WiFi.
- Friendly, helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Excellent location for dining, drinks and local culture.
- Great value for travellers seeking comfort and centrality in Chicago.
- Website
Address: 3434 North Broadway Chicago
- Well-located hotel in Chicago’s River near major attractions.
- Friendly service, clean rooms and good value for money.
- Comfortable amenities including rooftop deck/pool add appeal.
- Accessible to transit and dining—ideal for both business and leisure.
- Reliable choice for a convenient downtown stay.
- Website
Address: 528 West Brompton Avenue Chicago
- Boutique hotel in Lakeview East near Wrigley Field.
- Fresh, comfortable rooms with modern touches.
- Warm lobby with a relaxed, welcoming feel.
- Close to the lakefront and neighbourhood dining.
- Good value stay in a charming Chicago location.
- Website
Address: 3439 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar in Boystown with craft beer, bourbon and free arcade games.
- Strong social atmosphere with mixed local and visiting crowd.
- Casual yet energetic—starts early and runs late.
- Great choice for drinks, games and hangout rather than full clubbing.
- Reliable spot in Chicago’s gay nightlife scene for a fun evening out.
- Open: Daily 2pm-2am Friday & Saturday 2pm-3am
- Website
Address: 3359 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar-club in Boystown with large dance floor and bold décor.
- Craft beers, cocktails and lively themed nights.
- International gay crowd, friendly staff and social vibe.
- Spacious layout and standout design under cloud-style ceiling.
- Strong choice for a fun, energetic gay night out in Chicago.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 4pm–2am
- Saturday 3pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
Address: 3452 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay cocktail lounge in Boystown.
- Stylish space with a relaxed mood.
- Excellent crafted drinks and service.
- Great for conversation and social time.
- Strong pick for quality gay nights out.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 6pm–2am,
- Friday 5pm–4am Saturday 5pm–5am
Address: 3729 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar in Boystown with warm neighbourhood energy.
- Karaoke nights and great drink specials.
- Fun mix of locals and visitors.
- Lively, social atmosphere into the night.
- Great spot for a relaxed, friendly gay evening out.
- Open: Monday–Friday 3pm–2am Saturday 12pm-3am
- Sunday 12pm–2am
Address: 3325 North Broadway Street Chicago
- lesbian bar with strong community roots in Chicago’s Boystown.
- Welcoming vibe, friendly staff and late-night hours.
- Karaoke/video-bar entertainment and casual drinks.
- Ideal for socialising rather than intense clubbing.
- Reliable choice for a comfortable, fun gay night out.
- Open: Monday–Friday 4pm–4am, Saturday 12pm–3am
- Sunday 12pm–2am
- Website
Address:
- Gay bar with western-country theme in Boystown.
- Drag shows, karaoke and line dancing drive the vibe.
- Lively, social crowd and strong late-night energy.
- Located in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ hub for easy nightlife access.
- Great for a fun, high-energy gay night out.
- Open: Daily 3pm–4am, Saturday 3pm–5am
- Website
Address:
- Gay bar in Boystown with a relaxed sports atmosphere.
- Friendly mix of locals and visitors.
- Pool tables, darts and plenty of screens.
- Casual setting with long opening hours.
- Ideal spot for social drinks in the neighbourhood.
- Open: Daily 11am–2am, Saturday 11am–3am, Sunday 11am–2am
Address: 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar with vibrant themed nights and strong music.
- Vintage-inspired décor and a lively, diverse crowd.
- Great drink specials kick off the evening.
- Popular weekend destination in the gay district.
- Excellent choice for party-focused nights out.
- Open: Daily 8pm–2am, Sunday: 2pm–2am
Address: 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago
- Lively LGBTQ+ venue known for drag shows and themed events.
- Multiple bar areas and a dedicated dance zone for party energy.
- Located on North Halsted Street, central to Chicago’s queer nightlife.
- Friendly, inclusive crowd and strong nightlife appeal.
- Excellent for a bold night out with early start and long hours.
- Open: Monday–Wednesday 5 pm–close,
- Thursday & Friday 5 pm–2 am. Saturday 3 pm–3 am.
- Sunday 3 pm–close.
Address:
- Long-running male dancer venue in Chicago’s main gay district.
- Nightly shows attract regulars and out-of-towners alike.
- Music leans upbeat with a friendly, mixed-age crowd.
- Front bar feels intimate, stages add a lively contrast.
- Still a key stop on the Northalsted nightlife circuit.
- Open: Daily 6pm-2am, 6pm-3am Fri & Sat
- Website
Address: 3702 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Long-running leather venue in Northalsted.
- Front section is relaxed with games and conversation.
- Back space caters to the leather crowd late into the night.
- Music and drinks are straightforward and unfussy.
- Still an anchor of Chicago’s gay leather scene.
- Open: Daily 1pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-3am, Sunday 12pm-2am
Address: 3458 North Halsted Street Chicago
- High-energy gay nightclub in Chicago’s Northalsted district.
- Known for late nights, packed floors and busy weekends.
- Drag shows and guest DJs drive the programme.
- Inclusive crowd, mostly male but mixed.
- Still one of the biggest late-night players in the area.
- Open: Monday 8pm-4am, Thursday 8pm-4am
Friday 6:30pm-4am, Saturday 6:30pm-5am
Sunday 2pm-4am, (Tuesday Wednesday Closed)
Address: 3356 North Halsted Street Chicago
- Gay bar known for drag shows and late dancing.
- Early evenings feel relaxed before the crowds build.
- Weekends are lively with DJs and themed nights.
- Popular with both locals and travellers.
- Still going strong in the Northalsted strip.
- Open: Monday to Thursday 5pm-2am
- Friday 5pm-2/3am, Saturday 2pm-3am
- Website
Address:
- Sidetrack is a landmark gay venue in Northalsted.
- Famous for frozen cocktails and big video screens.
- Drag shows and themed nights shape the weekly programme.
- Spacious layout with indoor zones and a rooftop.
- Weekends grow loud, colourful and fun.
- Open: Monday–Friday 3pm-2am, Saturday 1pm-3am,
- Sunday 12pm-2am
Address:
- Wang’s is a cosy cocktail lounge in Lakeview.
- The room is dim, plush and intimate.
- Signature cocktails anchor the menu.
- A calm start before the louder venues nearby.
- A gay bar with an elegant, low-key mood.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday–Saturday 4pm-12am
- Sunday 4pm-11pm
Recommended Hotels in Chicago By Booking
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
The Peninsula Chicago
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Asian-Inspired Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Spacious luxury, city views
- Luxurious Magnificent Mile location, Asian-inspired spa, award-winning dining, & city-view rooms.
The Silversmith Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Theater District Proximity
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Contemporary design, refrigerator
- Ideal for theater & financial district visits, contemporary rooms, & close to major attractions.
Gray Hotel Chicago
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Rooftop Latin Cuisine
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- iPod dock, luxury bath
- Stay for the rooftop views, Latin-inspired cocktails, & rooms with iPod docks & luxury baths.
Thompson Chicago
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Steps from Michigan Avenue
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Modern guest room, mini bar
- Perfect for Michigan Avenue shopping & dining, modern rooms with minibars, in a boutique setting.
Market Days Chicago
Northalsted Market Days Highlights
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
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.
Northalsted | The Gay Village
Photo: Chicago's Northalsted has a bar for all types and tastes.
- Located in the Lakeview East neighbourhood of Chicago, 5 miles north of downtown Chicago, or what locals refer to as “The Loop”.
- Northalsted is a hub for LGBTQ+ life and culture in Chicago, hosting Market Days and Chicago Pride.
- Easy to get to from downtown via public transit, 30 minutes by the CTA “L” train's Red or Brown lines.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Chicago
The Loop
The heart of Chicago's downtown and home to some of its most iconic landmarks with great hotels.
Magnificent Mile
Home to high-end hotels, shops & restaurants, the place for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
River North
A great place to stay if you're a foodie or a fan of the arts, and close to the city's best shopping.
Andersonville
Located to the north of Lakeview,filled with unique, locally-owned businesses and a quirky atmosphere.
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