Three days of Market Days fun starts Friday

Northalsted Market Days returns this weekend, Friday, August 6 - Sunday, August 8, after skipping last year due to COVID-19.

“This will be a very special edition," said festival organizer Mark Liberson. "We've all endured incredible challenges through the pandemic. Thanks to continuing vaccinations, we'll be able to celebrate Market Days as a community once again."

It comes at a time when Chicago is seeing its average daily number of new cases more than double in a matter of weeks.

Event organizers said safety remains the focus.

"We put a lot of precautions into place to make sure we're communicating a message of safety for the people who are in attendance,” Liberson said. 

Free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations will be offered before and during the festival. 

Proof of vaccination for entry to outdoor public festivals is not required by the city. However, organizers encourage attendees to be vaccinated or wear a mask to keep the community safe. 

A majority of bars and nightclubs along N. Halsted again require patrons to show proof of vaccination to enter their businesses.

The three-day street festival is expected to draw over 100,000 people to the Northalsted neighborhood - commonly referred to as “Boystown” - on Chicago's north side. 

Headliners include Greyson Chance, Todrick Hall and Trixie Mattel. 

Hall told GoPride.com this year's Market Days will be a “celebration for the books, epic.” 

“I'm so excited to be back, doing things in the community,” he said. “It's so great to be back in the system, doing things for the community, performing.”

The multi-talented singer and dancer will perform Sunday, August 8, starting at 2 p.m.

Also on the bill is the Fierce Project, a collaboration between Ultra Naté & Pose star Angelica Ross featuring Mila Jam; Ty Herndon, Steve Grand, Inaya Day, and international DJs Alex Acosta, Nina Flowers, Danny Verde, Joe Pacheco, Cindel, Deanne, and Alexander.

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.

Full Market Days entertainment schedule | Everything you need to know for Market Days