Northalsted Market Days returns this weekend; full entertainment lineup

Chicago's largest street festival returns this weekend to the Northalsted neighborhood, recognized as America’s first gay village.

“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.

Market Days began in 1982 and skipped in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Australian singer Betty Who, drag icon Shea Coulee and Russian band Pussy Riot are among this year’s headliners for Northalsted Market Days taking place August 12 and 13.

Also on the bill is DRAMA, CupcakKe, Kylie Sonique Love, Crystal Waters, Boyfriend, KC Ortiz, and Sofi Vonn.

“I can’t wait for Market Days,” Vonn told GoPride.com. “The lineup is incredible.”

Related: London-based electronic pop singer-songwriter Sofi Vonn performs Market Days

The two-day street festival features more than 250 vendors and live music on five 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 ViiV Healthcare Hydrate Stage at Cornelia Avenue will highlight DJs Danny Verde, Joe Pacheco, Jace M, Sam Gee and others.

“Coming to Market Days is important because it truly is an event that brings people together from around the world,” Jace M told GoPride.com.

Related: DJ Sam Gee set for return to Market Days

This year, organizers announced the addition of the Cuervo Tradicional Dance Party at Aldine, where seven popular Northalsted destinations will be showcasing their DJ party events along with drag performers and hosts.

Organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance, Northalsted Market Days runs Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. along N. Halsted St. from Addison St. south to Belmont Ave.

A $20 suggested donation is recommended. Donations support local nonprofits and fund community projects like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. A $50 VIP Pass with express entry is available for purchase at northalsted.com.

Related: Market Days Weekend events and parties 

2023 Entertainment Lineup

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 - 3 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 - Chicago Spirit Brigade

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 

1:00pm - Market Days Drag Show

2:30pm - August Hotel

3:30pm - Market Days Drag Show

BACKLOT BASH

5:00pm - Jade the Ivy 

5:30pm - Boyfriend

6:15pm - DJ Little Lisa

6:30pm - Beyond the Blonde

7:30pm - DJ Little Lisa

7:45pm - Olivia Love Band

8:45pm - DJ Do Not Disturb

Sunday, August 13

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

8:50pm - C*nty Meme (feat. Zolita)

The Cuervo Tradicional DJ Stage (Halsted & Aldine)

Saturday, August 12

12:00 - Total Body Workout (Orangetheory Fitness)

1:00 - Barker 

2:00 - Rated X with DJ Virago (Splash Chicago)

4:00 - Now That’s What I Call Fridays with Chomper (Hydrate)

6:00 - Lights Off And Dance with Ryan Willing (Cell Block)

8:00-  DJ Bryan (Sidetrack)

Sunday, August 13

12:00 - Total Body Workout (Crosstown Fitness)

1:00 - Miss Toto

2:00 - In The Groove with Boy Alberto & Pop Up Performances (Replay Lakeview)

4:00 - Candyland with Matt Suave (DS Tequila)

6:00 - Snatched with Darryl Garcon & O’Laysia (Progress Bar)

8:00 - DJ Ed Wood (Luxuria Productions)

More info at marketdayschicago.com