Northalsted Market Days to offer free testing ahead of next weekend's fest

Northalsted Market Days organizers Friday announced its partnering with Northshore Clinical Labs and Special Events Management to offer free COVID testing in advance of next weekend's highly anticipated summer festival and at the entrance gates. There will also be a vaccination booth inside the festival.

“In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID, we want to make testing and vaccinations available to all patrons for the safety of both attendees and staff alike.” says Hank Zemola, CEO of Special Events Management.

Pre-festival, walk-in PCR testing will be available 12-7 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, and other locations starting Wednesday, Aug. 4, with results expected within 24 hours.

Free Rapid testing will also be available at the Market Days main gates during the festival with results in under 15 minutes.

The Northshore Clinical Labs vaccination booth inside the festival will be offering the Moderna vaccine. Second doses, testing and full vaccinations are available to the public at the NSC laboratory at 4751 N. Kedzie.

Market Days returns at a time when the city is seeing its average daily number of new cases more than double in a matter of weeks, promoting organizers to take proactive steps to keep the community safe.

In a statement to GoPride.com, event management encouraged attendees to already be fully vaccinated or wear a mask. 

Proof of vaccination for entry to outdoor public festivals is not required by the city. However, attendees should bring proof of vaccination as access to some businesses on the North Halsted strip will be limited to vaccinated guests only. 

Hydrate Nightclub, 3458 N. Halsted, and Scarlet Bar, 3320 N. Halsted, Friday announced a return to vaccination requirements for entry. Scarlet will also accept a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of entering. 

Additional Northalsted businesses are expected to announce similar requirements.

The 39th annual Northalsted Market Days, which is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance, runs Friday, Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7 and Sunday Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison.

A $15 suggested donation is recommended. Donations support local nonprofits and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.