Check out some of the finest festival-goers at Northalsted Market Days in Chicago
Market Days celebrated its 25th anniversary last weekend in the Windy City.
Mark
Market Days took over the Northalsted district of Chicago over the weekend (August 8-10). The annual event attracts tens of thousands to enjoy a street fair and stages brimming with entertainment.
Northalsted Market Days began life as a small affair back in 1982 to showcase the local gayborhood, then known as Boystown.
It’s grown in size and reputation ever since. It is now one of the biggest queer gatherings in the Midwest — although all are welcome to check out the vendors and enjoy the multitude of food and drink options. The stages showcase a wide variety of acts covering many genres.
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Performers at this, the 45th Market Days, included the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Too Much Molly Band, Keke Palmer, and American Idol alum David Archuleta.
“Pure magic”
“This is my first time at Market Days!” Nattawat Bas Klomjit (below right) told GayCities. “I came from Minneapolis and somewhat thought that this might be the same as our Pride event. I was wrong! This weekend is packed with fun activities that anyone could enjoy. The block party was a blast. People are so friendly and beautiful. I would definitely come back.”
Another attendee, Tyson Cameron (above, center), told us, “I love Market Days because it’s pure magic. The streets are bursting with pride, music, and color, and you’re surrounded by friends old and new. Coming from St. Louis, this being my ninth Market Days makes it even more special. It’s a weekend where community shines brightest and every moment feels like a celebration of who we are and the love we share.”
“It was my first time going,” Luis De Anda (below left) from California told GayCities. “My partner is from Texas, but it was our first time going and we LOVED IT. It’s always so nice to be able to see each other and have an event where we can go and enjoy ourselves freely. Especially with everything going on in the world/U.S. It’s scary being Latino and gay, but I always appreciate that we have a safe space to go and be open!”
One man on X prompted many likes with his summation of the event.
“Every queer person should experience Market Days in Chicago at least once after healing their inner child. The community here is unreal. We all kept saying ‘you go to LA to be someone, to NY to find yourself and Chicago to be yourself’ and I have never felt so authentically me.”
Every queer person should experience Market Days in Chicago at least once after healing their inner child. The community here is unreal. We all kept saying “you go to LA to be someone, to NY to find yourself and Chicago to be yourself” and I have never felt so authentically me.— Zach *ttack (@zach*ttack_23) August 11, 2025
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If you’re ready to wave the rainbow flag and in the mood for adventure, Illinois has lots of queer fun.
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