42nd Annual Northalsted Market Days®

CHICAGO —The Northalsted Business Alliance is thrilled to announce the return and expansion of this year’s Northalsted Market Days® with four stages featuring headliners Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Monét X Change, Joe Dombrowski, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sasha Colby and Saucy Santana taking place August 8-10 in the iconic Northalsted neighborhood between Addison and Belmont.

Other artists appearing include Kiesza, this season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Sam Star, Brooke Eden as well as international DJs and producers: Ralphi Rosario, Alex Acosta, Danny Verde, Joe Gauthreaux, Jesus Montanez, Sam Gee, J Warren and Ron Carroll. Drag shows daily will include legendary performers Mimi Marks, Mz Ruff n Stuff, DiDa Ritz, Veronica Pop, Gina Belle, Serena Fiierce as well as a new local dance party stage that will feature local DJ talents from Northalsted venues. In addition, local favorites Sixteen Candles, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, Too Much Molly Band are returning plus many more.

By popular demand, Market Days has extended to three days this year and kicks off Friday, August 8th from 5:00 p.m-10 p.m and continues Saturday and Sunday daily from 11 a.m to 10 p.m.

This festival has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural tapestry, drawing crowds from around the globe to experience the unique spirit of Northalsted, the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. This year’s event will continue that tradition with an exceptional lineup of live performances, over 300 LGBTQ+ vendors, including local food and drinks, artisans, merchants and nonprofits.

New Gold and Platinum VIP Weekend Experience for 2025! Limited number of Gold VIP Market Days experiences will be offered for the weekend that include VIP Lounge with private air conditioned restrooms, private bar service, covered lounge seating areas, and convenient in/out festival access for $50, or select the Platinum VIP experience for $100 and enjoy 6 complimentary beverages at the VIP bar.

Festival Entry:  General entry each day of the event is available for a $20 suggested donation that helps pay performers, event workers, and funds community programs.

Entertainment Schedule:

Friday August 8

Addison Stage

• 5:00pm – DJ Speed
• 5:00pm – Market Days Drag Show
• 6:00pm: Monet X Change
• 6:45pm – Market Days Drag Show
• 9:00pm – Saucy Santana

Cornelia Stage

• 5:30pm – Ron Carroll
• 7:30pm – Ralphi Rosario

Roscoe Stage

Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce

• 5:00pm – Brryce Fersher
• 6:15pm – Riley York
• 7:30pm – DJ JP
• 8:45pm – DJ X-tasy

Belmont Stage

• 5:00pm – DJ X-tasy
• 5:45pm – Bev Rage & The Drinks
• 7:30pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Benchpress

Saturday August 9

Addison Stage

• 12:00pm – DJ Ron Geronimo
• 1:00pm – Weekend Run Club
• 2:30pm – Sam Star
• 3:00pm – Second City Outlaws
• 3:30pm – Brooke Eden
• 4:15pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
• 4:45pm – 3 Martini Jeanie
• 6:00pm – Kiesza
• 7:15pm – The Divas
• 9:00pm – Keke Palmer

Cornelia Stage

• 12:30pm – Draglicious Hosted by Mimi Marks & Khloe Coulee
• 3:30pm – J Warren
• 5:30pm – Joe Gauthreaux
• 7:30pm – Danny Verde

Roscoe Stage

Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce

• 12:00pm – Gavin Quinn
• 1:15pm – ChacoBeats
• 2:30pm – iamBrandon
• 4:15pm – Ryan Willing
• 5:30pm – Janky + Virago
• 7:00pm – Martin
• 8:30pm – JDN

Belmont Stage

Hosted by DJ X-tasy

• 12:00pm – DJ X-tasy
• 1:00pm – S@n!c Healing
• 2:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
• 3:00pm – Radio Gaga
• 5:30pm – iPop
• 8:00pm – Too Much Molly Band

Sunday August 10

Addison Stage

• 12:00pm – DJ Ron Geronimo
• 1:00pm – Yacht Rock-ettes
• 2:15pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
• 2:45pm – Sasha Colby
• 3:45pm – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
• 5:45pm – Joe Dombrowski
• 7:00pm – Fearless: A Tribute to Taylor
• 9:00pm – David Archuleta

Cornelia Stage

• 12:30pm – Draglicious Hosted by Mz Ruff N Stuff & Dida Ritz
• 3:30pm – Sam Gee
• 5:30pm – Jesus Montanez
• 7:30pm – Alex Acosta

Roscoe Stage

Hosted by Robyn Banks Fiierce

• 12:00pm – KidRiot
• 1:30pm – mobeethicc
• 3:00pm – DJ Zel
• 5:00pm – Ca$h Era
• 7:00pm – Virago
• 8:30pm – Miss Toto

Belmont Stage

Hosted by DJ X-tasy

• 12:00pm – DJ X-tasy
• 1:00pm – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
• 2:00pm – Sixteen Candles
• 4:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
• 5:00pm – Disco Circus
• 6:30pm – Jagged Little Pill: Alanis Tribute
• 8:00pm – Hello Weekend

For more information and updates, visit marketdayschicago.com and marketdaysvip.com.

About the Northalsted Business Alliance

Founded in 1980, the Northalsted Business Alliance represents one of the nation’s oldest and last remaining LGBTQ+ business districts including more than 100 small businesses along Chicago’s Halsted Street corridor from Belmont to Irving Park/Broadway. The organization works to enhance economic vitality, foster a welcoming inclusive community, celebrate LGBTQ+ culture, and promote tourism through programs, services, and events including Chicago Pride Fest®, Northalsted Market Days®, the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, support of Chicago’s Annual Pride Parade and more. For information visit northalsted.com.

###