Everything you need to know for Northalsted Market Days 2022

Sat. August 6, 2022 8:29 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

northalsted market days 2019

photo credit // steven koch

'It's going to be an amazing Market Days,' says Mark Liberson

The Midwest's largest street festival is back as Northalsted Market Days takes over Lakeview with some of the biggest parties and performances in Chicago this weekend.

Opening at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, the two-day street festival turns N. Halsted St. into one enormous party complete with five entertainment stages featuring local and national headliners.

"It's going to be an amazing Market Days and we are excited to welcome people to Northalsted this weekend,” Mark Liberson, vice president of Northalsted Business Alliance and chair of Market Days, told GoPride.com.

Here is some need-to-know information about the festival.

Where's the party?

The event stretches the 1/2 mile length of what is popularly known as "Boystown" in Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood. Once there, follow the herd of excited revelers or the gaggle of drag queens, or just follow the music. But seriously, Market Days is located on N. Halsted from Addison St. south to Belmont Ave. The nine event gates open on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Is there a charge for admission?

Not officially, but a $15 donation is suggested. Your donation will help support local nonprofits and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.

You can skip the entry line with an all-new VIP Pass for a $40 advance donation available online at northalsted.com

What acts are performing?

With appearances by Brompton Bud Light Seltzer Stage headliners Ada Vox (Saturday at 2 p.m.), Ginger Minj (Sunday at 2 p.m.), Matteo Lane (Sunday at 5 p.m.), and Anastacia (Sunday at 8:45 p.m.), among others, Market Days is set to deliver on its reputation as a must-attend event.

If you love to dance, the ViiV Healthcare Stage, powered by Hydrate Nightclub, is the place to be for unstoppable music all weekend. The DJ line-up includes Isis Muretech (Saturday at 7:30 p.m.), Joe Gauthreaux (Sunday at 5:30 p.m.), Dani Brasil (Sunday at 7:30 p.m.), and more!

And, we can't forget local favorites including Too Much Molly Band, Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, and Sixteen Candles.

Is there a complete schedule that I can look at?

Yes, the festival features an all-day lineup of non-stop entertainment! Here's the breakdown.

Are there other things to do or see?

If people-watching is your thing, grab a refreshment and watch the throng of festival attendees. With over 100,000 expected to attend, there will be no shortage of eye candy for sure. In addition to the live entertainment, Market Days includes 200 unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink booths.

What should I wear?

Plenty of sunshine is forecast for both days with a slight chance of showers on Sunday. Highs are expected in the mid-80s to 90 degrees throughout the weekend, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Ultimately, look fierce!

How do I get there?

Market Days is easily accessed via the CTA Red Line Addison station, CTA Red/Brown/Purple Lines at Belmont, and multiple CTA bus lines. Check transitchicago.com for routes. There won't be much street parking available, so if you're driving be prepared to park outside of the immediate area and watch for parking restrictions. 

Are there more events happening for Market Days weekend?

Absolutely! With some of the most talented local and international DJs in Chicago for Market Days weekend, things kick into high gear with plenty of parties to choose from.

What about health concerns?

With the festival bringing thousands to Chicago, the monkeypox virus (MPV) will be on people’s minds.

Northalsted Business Alliance, the group organizing Market Days, is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to push messaging about MPV before and during the festival.

"The Chicago Department of Public Health is supporting our effort to stop the spread from increasing by educating the community with teams at the Addison and Belmont gate entrances to Market days that will be handing out information and speaking to attendees," Liberson told GoPride.com.

Chicago health officials said that in the vast majority of cases, the virus appears to have been transmitted sexually, mostly between men. So officials are stressing the importance of public education, individualized risk management and vaccines to control the spread of the virus.

CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady noted that most casual contact and day-to-day activities - including things like shopping in crowded stores, going to a bar or coffee house, riding crowded CTA trains and buses, or using gym equipment or public restrooms - pose little to no risk for contracting MPV.

According to the CDPH website, "Monkeypox is spread through close contact with body fluids, sores, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, sneezing).”
 

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