Friday, August 7, 2026
Northalsted Market Days is the biggest street festival in Chicago's gay village and one of the largest in the Midwest, taking over a half-mile of North Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison on August 7, 8 and 9, 2026. Now in its fifth decade, the festival pulls hundreds of thousands of people into Northalsted (the neighborhood long known as Boystown) for a weekend of live music on four stages, drag, dance, more than 250 vendor and food booths, and the kind of open-street block-party energy the neighborhood does better than anywhere. The 2026 lineup is headlined by Keri Hilson, Daya, Northbrook's own JORDY, Dawn Richard, comedian Jessica Kirson, and Drag Race winner Myki Meeks. Gates run Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a suggested donation of $20 that goes straight back to performers, festival workers, and neighborhood programs like the Chicago Pride crosswalks. Come hungry, wear sunscreen, and take the Red Line to Belmont or Addison rather than fighting for parking — the whole point of Market Days is to spill out into the street with the rest of the city and stay a while. It is run by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the same nonprofit behind Chicago Pride Fest.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
Thu, Jun 11
5 PM - 9 PM
The SoFo Tap, Chicago
Weekly bear happy hour in Chicago with drink specials and no cover. Laid-back Thursday evenings at SoFo Tap—connect with the community.
Thu, Jun 11
6 PM - 2 AM
Sidetrack, Chicago
$3 cocktails, beers & frozen drinks all night at Sidetrack's 44th Anniversary. No cover, no RSVP—dance, sing, and support Groceryland.
Thu, Jun 11
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Kit Kat Lounge, Chicago
Weekly Wednesday drag cabaret at Kit Kat Lounge featuring live performances, dinner, and cocktails. Glamorous entertainment in an intimate supper club setting.
Weekly
Thu, Jun 11
7 PM - 8:30 PM
Dorothy, Chicago
Hear from queer elders sharing lived experiences at Dorothy's fourth annual history panel with Gerber/Hart Library & Archives. A celebration of LGBTQ+ resilience.
Catch your city's vibe or the global LGBTQ+ scene.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Your complete guide to LGBTQ+ Chicago — the best gay bars, annual events, neighborhoods, hotels, and things to do in the Windy City.
Everything you need for Chicago Pride 2026 — parade route, Pride Fest details, best parties, where to stay, and insider tips.
Every Chicago pro team's Pride Night in one place — Cubs, White Sox, Sky, Fire FC, the Pride Bowl tournament, plus the Bulls and Blackhawks games that fall outside Pride Month.
