Market Days 2023 lineup dropped as summer festivals are in full swing

Chicago’s summer festival season is back and there is plenty to do this year. 

With Chicago Pride Fest just around the corner, organizers Thursday dropped the lineup for Northalsted Market Days. Both events produced by the Northalsted Business Alliance should be an absolute blast for music fans.

Betty Who, Shea Couleé, Pussy Riot, DRAMA, CupcakKe and Kylie Sonique Love are among this year’s top headliners for the two-day street festival taking place August 12 and 13.

Also on the bill is Crystal Waters, Boyfriend, KC Ortiz, and Sofi Vonn. 

“Market Days has the irresistible energy and colorful spirit of the Northalsted community that keeps people coming back every year from all over the world,” said lead event organizer Mark LIberson, who is excited about the festival’s 41st anniversary. 

Considered the Midwest's largest street festival, Market Days draws nearly 100,000 people each year to celebrate summer in “Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood.”

According to organizers, Market Days will feature 5 entertainment stages showcasing drag performers, curated queer artists and local favorites, including Sixteen Candles, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, Too Much Molly, iPop, Hello Weekend, and more.

The dance-focused Hydrate Stage will highlight DJs Dan Slater, Danny Verde, Jesus Montanez, Joe Pacheco, and others.

A $20 recommended donation for entry helps cover festival costs, support local charities, and fund community programming.

Chicago Pride Fest is June 17 and 18 along North Halsted Street in Chicago's iconic LGBTQ neighborhood. 

Northalsted Market Days 2023 Schedule:

NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer Stage (Halsted & Addison)

Saturday, August 12

Host - Veronica Pop

12:00pm - DJ Laura B

1:00pm - The Weekend Run Club

2:30pm - Pussy Riot

3:30pm - Chicago Spirit Brigade

4:00pm - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute

6:00pm - Kylie Sonique Love

6:30pm - DJ Laura B

7:00pm - Ultrabeat

9:00pm - DRAMA 

Sunday, August 13

12:00pm - DJ Laura B

1:00pm - The Gingers

2:15pm - Chicago Spirit Brigade

2:45pm - Betty Who

3:30pm - Y2K

5:00pm - Three Martini Jeannie

6:00pm - Radio Gaga

7:30 - DJ Laura B

8:15pm - Crystal Waters

9:00pm - Shea Coulee

ViiV Healthcare’s Hydrate Stage (Halsted & Cornelia)

Saturday, August 12

3:30pm - Jace M

5:30pm - Joe Pacheco

7:30pm - Danny Verde

Sunday, August 13

3:30pm - Sam Gee

5:30pm - Jesus Montanez

7:30pm - Special Guest DJ

Nissan Partners of Progress Stage (Halsted & Roscoe)

Saturday, August 12

12:00pm - DJ X-tasy

1:00 - iPop

3:30pm - “Tears Dry on Their Own” a tribute to Amy Winehouse

5:00pm - Sofi Vonn

6:00pm - Hello Weekend

8:00pm - Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press

Sunday, August 13

12:00pm - DJ X-tasy

1:00pm - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

2:30pm - The Disco Circus

4:05pm - Chicago Spirit Brigade 

4:30pm - KC Ortiz

5:00pm - Firebrand

5:30pm - Too Much Molly Band 

8:00pm - Sixteen Candles

The New Orleans Stage (Halsted & Belmont)

Saturday, August 12

12:00 - DJ tba

1:00pm - Market Days Drag Show

2:30pm - August Hotel

3:30pm - Market Days Drag Show

BACK LOT BASH:

5:00pm - tba

5:30pm - Boyfriend

6:30pm - tba

7:45pm - tba

Sunday, August 13

12:00 - DJ tba

1:00pm - Market Days Drag Show

2:30pm - Villains, Inc.

3:30pm - Market Days Drag Show

PEACH PRESENTS:

5:00pm - DEMETRUEST

5:30pm - CupcakKe

6:15pm - JENNIFERFAUXXPEZ

7:15pm - Mister Wallace & Friends

8:45pm - tba

The Cuervo Tradicional DJ Stage (Halsted & Aldine)

Lineup tba soon