Overview Northalsted Market Days is the summer street festival of Chicago's historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood: half a mile of Halsted Street, from Belmont to Addison, closed for three days of drag, DJs and headliners that have included Billy Porter, Big Freedia and Keke Palmer. The Northalsted Business Alliance, the district's chamber of commerce, puts it on, and Chicago Special Events Management runs vending and sponsorship. It grew out of a sidewalk sale by the street's own merchants, and the 2026 edition was the 43rd. Entry is by suggested donation, which pays performers and festival workers and funds community programs such as the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. On site Four stages run all day along the strip, with more than 250 vendors between them. In 2024 the lineup was spread over five: a local-favorites stage at Roscoe, a South Stage at Belmont for Chicago drag and queer artists, a dance stage billed as a nightclub on the street with international DJs, and the Aldine Dance Stage, where resident DJs from Northalsted bars such as Splash, Sidetrack and Progress play. Tribute acts like Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and Sixteen Candles played both 2024 and 2025. Seven gates open onto Halsted from the side streets, and a VIP pass adds express entry, a covered lounge, a private bar and air-conditioned restrooms. The festival opens Friday evening and runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Audience The organizers describe two crowds in one day. Through the afternoon it is mixed, with shoppers, singles and families on the street alongside the neighborhood's LGBTQ+ regulars; by evening the crowd is predominantly LGBTQ+. The organizers say many visitors, international ones included, plan their summer trips around the weekend, and GayCities named it its Travel Worthy Festival in 2023. Leashed dogs are allowed, and owners are advised to leave before 5 p.m. Talent and Influencers Billy Porter, Big Freedia, Alyssa Edwards, Dragonette and Lauren Sanderson headlined in 2024. The 2025 bill had Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Monét X Change, Joe Dombrowski, Saucy Santana and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sasha Colby, with Kiesza, DJs Ralphi Rosario and Ron Carroll, and daily drag from Mimi Marks and DiDa Ritz. Keri Hilson, Daya, JORDY, Dawn Richard, Jessica Kirson and Frankie Grande led the 2026 lineup of about 65 acts. Track record Market Days went to three days in 2025, adding a Friday night, after running Saturday and Sunday only. The 2024 edition carried more than 300 vendors. Thrillist lists it among its Can't Miss Queer Events, and BizBash ranks it in the top 10 Chicago festivals. Brand presence Stages carry partner names: in 2024 the local stage at Roscoe ran as the Nissan Partners of Progress Stage and the dance stage as ViiV Healthcare's Hydrate Dance Stage. Chicago Special Events Management prices and builds each partner's benefits package to order.