Chicago's circuit scene runs on stamina and a good pair of sunglasses for the walk home. The marquee weekend is Northalsted Market Days in August, when CircuitMOM — the promoter that basically defines circuit in this city — takes over the Aragon Ballroom for back-to-back mega-parties while M.E.A.T., Furball, and BRÜT pack out Radius, Metro, and Sound-Bar until the sun is a rumor. Year-round, the floors that matter are Smartbar (a genuine queer institution — Monday's Queen! is the stuff of legend) plus the big-room afterhours that bloom around Pride and Market Days. Come for one night or build a whole weekend around it: this is where Chicago goes to lose its voice and find its people.
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