Everything you need to know for Northalsted Market Days 2024

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 10, the two-day street festival turns North Halsted St. into one enormous party complete with five entertainment stages featuring local and national headliners, drag queens and DJs. 

The festival was recently named one of Thrillist’s Can’t Miss Queer Events in the U.S. and was a 2023 Best of GayCities Winner for Travel Worthy Festival. Nearly 100,000 people are expected to attend this year. 

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 North Halsted Street from Addison St. south to Belmont Ave. The seven event gates at Belmont (Main South), Addison (Main North), Cornelia (East Only), Roscoe (East, West), Aldine (West Only), Melrose (East) 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 $20 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 $50 advance donation available online at northalsted.com. 

What acts are performing?

Tony-award winning actor and singer Billy Porter, New Orleans bounce queen Big Freedia, drag legend Alyssa Edwards and Puerto Rican urbano artist RaiNao are among the headliners.

Also on the bill is Max Rae,Ultrabeat, Dragonette, and many more. 

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

What about the DJs?

If you love to dance, the ViiV Healthcare Stage at Cornelia, powered by Hydrate Nightclub, is the place to be for unstoppable music all weekend. The DJ line-up includes DJ Jerac (Saturday at 3:30 p.m.), DJ Seth Breezy (Saturday at 5:30 p.m.), Oscar Velazquez (Saturday at 7:30 p.m.), DJ Nick Stracener (Sunday at 3:30 p.m.), DJ Deanne (Sunday at 5:30 p.m.), and a suprise guest performer (Sunday at 7:30 p.m.). 

“Market Days is the epitome of circuit parties. It’s one of the largest and most iconic festivals in the country," DJ Nick Stracener told GoPride.com. "I’m both honored and humbled to be a part of it, having attended several times myself. It truly is one of the best parties.”

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 over 250 unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink booths.

What should I wear?

Plenty of sunshine is forecast for both days, according to the Weather Channel. Highs are expected in the 80s throughout the weekend, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Ultimately, look fierce!

Can I bring a bag?

Short answer is no. Large bags and backpacks, coolers or outside alcohol are not allowed, and all smaller bags will be inspected prior to entry. Please be aware of pick pockets. Don't place your phone or wallet in your rear pockets. If carrying a bag, considering using a front facing fanny pack or cross body sling. 

The info tent, first aid and lost-and-found will be at the festival command center near the intersection of North Halsted Street and Newport Avenue.

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. 

What about parking? 

North Halsted Street will close from the 3200 block to the 3600 block at 11 p.m. Friday so crews can begin staging the festival. Parking will be restricted at this time, along with access to surface parking lots and garages on Halsted Street.

Additionally, parking restrictions will be placed on various side streets in stages starting Friday. All cars in the below areas will be towed.

Parking bans begin 10 a.m. Friday at: 732-820 W. Cornelia St., 800-840 W. Newport Ave., and 800-832 W. Aldine Ave. More parking bans will start 11 p.m. Friday at: 721-769 W. Brompton Ave., 720-820 W. Buckingham Place., 725-825 W. Roscoe St., and 720-758 W. Melrose St.

Honestly, public transportation is your best option. 

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 parties from CircuitMOM Productions: Matador with Isis Muretech and the iconic DJ duo Thunderpuss (Saturday at Aragon Ballroom) and Dream with with Karsten Sollors and Micky Friedmann (Sunday at Aragon Ballroom), Market Days Kickoff with Spencer Huff and Matt Suave (Friday at D.S. Tequila), BRÜT Market Days Party (Friday at Fantasy Night Club), Dusty Carpenter presents Super Market Party (Saturday and Sunday at D.S. Tequila) and Hydrate Nightclubs’s weekend of some of the most in-demand figures in dance music, including DJs Orel Sabag (Friday) and Nina Flowers (Saturday).

‘I’m very excited for my second year in Chicago for Market Days and happy for my debut at Hydrate Nightclub,’ DJ Orel Sabag told GoPride.com. 

Who organizes Market Days? 

Founded in 1982, Northalsted Market Days is celebrating its 42nd year. The event is organized each year by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the group behind Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Halloween Parade and more neighborhood events. For more information visit northalsted.com.