Northalsted Market Days® is set to return to Chicago in 2021: August 6, 7 and 8, adding a Friday night edition for the first time. The 1/2 mile long street festival has been an annual summer tradition in Chicago for nearly 4 decades.

As widespread vaccinations continue making progress against the pandemic, planning is underway for a much anticipated comeback.

With safety at the forefront, planning involves continual contact with health officials in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and monitoring of CDC guidelines in order to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe event.

Since the first Market Day in August, 1982, the LGBTQ+ positive event has grown from a handful of folding tables and chairs on the sidewalk, to a half-mile long, annual summer ritual on Chicago’s North Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison.

39 years later, Market Days is now considered among Chicago’s top ten festivals. Thousands attend from near and far enjoying all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, hundreds of vendors, summer food & drinks, dancing in the street, and more. Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates and this year’s entertainment details.

A $15 suggested donation for entry helps cover festival costs, benefits local charities and supports year round Northalsted chamber programming in the community. Generous public donations, funded the Chicago Pride Crosswalks project, the longest installation of its kind in the world, covering 14 intersections.