Chicago, IL — Thousands of people from across the country will converge on North Halsted St. this weekend for the 2012 Northalsted Market Days, the largest two-day outdoor street festival in the Midwest, taking place Sat., Aug. 11 - Sun., Aug. 12. 

The Northalsted Business Alliance (NHBA) expects more than 100,000 people will attend the annual festival, that will span six city blocks between Belmont Ave. and Addison along N. Halsted in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. 

"We look forward to two sunny, fun days celebrating the neighborhood," said Jen Gordon, a spokesperson for NHBA. 

Now in its 31st year, Market Days features three entertainment stages and more than 40 musical acts and 400 food, arts and crafts vendors.

Four-time Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John will headline a non stop music line-up of national and local artists, which includes Sheena Easton, The Pointer Sisters and Karmin along with LGBT acts Matt Zarley, Eric Himan, Adam Barta and Tony-winner Levi Kreis. There will also be local favorites, such as 16 Candles and Dot Dot Dot. 

"I am really excited about coming to Chicago and to perform for the first time at Market Days," Newton-John told ChicagoPride.com. "I hear that it is a real blast."

Newton-John will perform Sunday, Aug. 12 at 9:05 p.m. on the Rivers Casino North Stage, which will be located at N. Halsted and Brompton. The other stages will be set-up along N. Halsted at Belmont, Roscoe and Aldine (Jazz Stage). 

"The schedule is jam packed with both new and old favorites," said Gordon. "It is most definitely going to be a great dance party on Halsted this weekend."

A suggested donation of $8 will be accepted at any of the 17 entrance gates set-up along N. Halsted. 

Northalsted Market Days is presented by and benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance. 

Related Interviews:
Olivia Newton-John | Sheena Easton
Adam Barta | Matt Zarley | Eric Himan

Market Days 2012 Entertainment Schedule:
Sat., Aug. 11 | Sun., Aug. 12
(CalendarQ from ChicagoPride.com and Windy City Times)

Related: Navigate Market Days with 'Out & About' mobile apps