Besties, it’s PRIDE FEST WEEKEND and you all know what that means: It’s GO TIME. Northalsted has TONS of events and specials happening this weekend to kick-off Pride Fest continuing through the following week. Check out this year’s Pride Fest Schedule below and all the goodies our Northalsted businesses have to offer.
Photo by Rick Majewski
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Fun Things to Do in April!
Fun Things to Do in April
Taste of Northalsted 4/27, Human First Gala 4/20, Chicago Fashion Week Eco Show 4/21
There are some new and fun things to do coming soon to Northalsted in April. Here is a sampling for your enjoyment. Make plans now and click the links for more info and tickets.
Taste of Northalsted
4/27 | 2-5pm – Enjoy a spring walk through Northalsted tasting selected items from the area’s top restaurants & sample beer, spirits & cocktails! Advance Tickets only $20! Quantities limited. Includes:
✔️ 10 restaurant food tastings
✔️ 12+ drink samplings*
✔️ visit all participating locations
Fun for a group, on a date, or with friends. We’ll have a gay old time!
Buy tickets at TASTEOFNORTHALSTED.COM
Cher Drag Brunch
Make sure to visit Kit Kat Lounge April 20-21 for a celebration of Cher & other pop icons featuring Shantell D’marco and hostess Angelicia Maria.
Drag Brunch seatings are at 11am and 1:15pm. Make a reservation and keep in mind, it helps to have cash to tip the Divas!
A $63.45 (+tax/tip) prix fixe Brunch Package includes three courses with entree choice and free flowing mimosas, bellinis, sangria, bloody mary martinis, skinny margaritas and vodka spritzers for 2 hours per seating. View the menu at kitkatchicago.com/brunch.
Big Gay Sal’s Pizza Now Open
Now Open! Big Gay Sal’s Pizza, 3445 N. Halsted (next to The Villa Toscana). NY style pizza by the slice, wings, Italian sandwiches, full bar. Open ’til 5am Fridays & Saturdays. Serving the community 🏳️🌈 one slice at a time! LGBTQ owned with a donation to LGBTQ organizations with every slice sold.
Sensory Friendly Night at Chicago Diner
4/17 | Sensory-Friendly Night at the meat-free since ’83 Chicago Diner. Lights / music are lowered & sensory supports / communication aids available upon request. Third Wednesdays of the month from 5-9pm. All are welcome. Hosted with assistance from Twenty-One Senses.
Golden Gurlz Drag Brunch at Lark
4/27 | Golden Gurlz Spring Fling Drag Brunch! Join Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia for a day of music, games, prizes and performances at Lark. 90 min. bottomless drink package, 2hr seating. Bring cash for tips. Reservations: (773) 799-8968 larkchicago.com
Human First Gala | Center on Halsted
4/20 | The 2024 Human First Gala at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne) brings together LGBTQ+ community members & allies for an evening of celebration to individuals, businesses, and others contributions to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
CHICAGO FASHION WEEK
Chicago Fashion Week: Eco-Friendly Show 4/21 will take place at Water Tower Place, FashionBar Level 3. A three-hour celebration of fashion in partnership with Out of the Closet benefiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Get Tickets
CROSSTOWN FITNESS
CTF Chicago’s Pemier HIIT Studio, 14 days of unlimited classes FREE, $60 value.
STRONG HANDS GYM
6/20 | 1-5pm – Get your tickets now for World Gay Boxing Championships, partnering with Strong Hands Gym, 3924 N. Broadway St. Chicago IL.
More Info – Buy Tickets $70/person
The Shows By FashionBar – Eco-Friendly
Day 1: THE SHOWS by FashionBar – Eco-Friendly (Partnership with AHF)
Chicago Fashion Week Powered by FashionBar LLC: This event is Day 1 of a week-long lineup of Fashion Week events as we present The Shows!
When: Sunday, 4/21 — 12-3pm
Where: Water Tower Place (Level 3 Next to JJill and White House Black Market), 835 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611
GET TICKETS – EVENT PAGE
CHICAGO – FashionBar is pleased to announce Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar, scheduled from April 21st to April 28th 2024. The event kicks off with the Designer Reveal and Avant Garde Competition followed by a weeklong of runway shows at Water Tower Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
Immerse yourself in a showcase of sustainable fashion, where environmentally conscious designs take center stage. Explore a curated collection that not only embraces style but also champions eco-friendly practices in partnership with forward-thinking brands.
Non-Profit Beneficiary – The Aids Healthcare Foundation
Supporting our mission at Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar means making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Your generous contributions will directly support three impactful organizations dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and well-being.
The Eco-Friendly Show will take place at Water Tower Place, FashionBar Level 3, 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. This three-hour event is not only a celebration of fashion but also a charitable initiative, in partnership with Out of The Closet benefiting The Aids Healthcare Foundation.
You can learn more about Out of The Closet by clicking this link here.
Additionally, you can learn more/donate to The Aids Healthcare Foundationby clicking this link here.
The Eco-Friendly Show will open with a cocktail reception beginning at 12:00 pm, which will include viewing designer samples as press, media, models, buyers, editors, stylists, PR organizations, VIPs, Celebrities, influencers and yourself kick off a week-long of The Shows!
Event Itinerary:
- Doors OPENat 12:00 pm
- Cocktail Reception opens at 12:30 pm
- Performance To be announced 1:00 pm
- Showcasing Brands begin at 1:15 pm
- Aspen Sweet
- Out of the Closet
- IAMTONYLONG
- CLOSE at 3:00 pm
Powered by FashionBar, this event is part of the Chicago Fashion Week experience, as we present The Shows from April 21st to April 28th, 2024 & The Marketplace on April 27th & 28th 2024. The Marketplace is a Chicago fashion experience, that showcases amazing designers, apparel, and products, giving you fashion, wellness, and beauty in unique Chicago venues. To vend at The Shows or The Marketplace, please email us at information@fashionbarchicago.com
Contact Event Organizer:
Media/Sponsors/Influencers/Buyers/Stylists/VIPS/Vendors or general questions and requests, please email fashionweek@fashionbarchicago.com or visit us at www.fashionbarchicago.com or call us at 312-532-4210.
Designers:
If you are a designer interested in showcasing your collection at this show during Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar, please visit www.chicagofashionbarweek.com or call us at 312-532-4210.
FashionBar LLC, Water Tower Place (Level 3)
835 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Center on Halsted’s Human First Gala 2024
Center on Halsted’s Human First Gala 2024
A night to celebrate the Chicagoland LGBTQ+ community and the Center’s mission, vision, and impact.
Center on Halsted’s signature Human First Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20th at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne). The gala brings together LGBTQ+ community members and allies for an evening of celebration to recognize the contributions of individuals, businesses, and other organizations to the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.
TICKETS: centeronhalsted.org/gala

This year’s Gala will be even more special as the Center spotlights the new horizons for the organization with the recent appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer, Joli Robinson. Each year the Human First Gala uplifts members of the community, recognizing supporters, advocates, and champions through awards presented during the evening.

On April 20, the Center is proud to honor: Human First Award Recipient: Donald M. Bell – longtime LGBTQ+ activist and advocate; Community Spirit Award Recipient: RUSH – leader in gender affirming care and Center collaborator in community vaccine delivery; and Corporate Impact Award Recipient: McDonald’s who provides impactful support to the Center through both their Pride Employee Business Network and their Chicago Community Impact Grants program.

Funds raised at the Human First Gala support all of Center on Halsted’s programming to advance the vision of a thriving LGBTQ+ community, living powerfully in supportive inclusive environments.

Center on Halsted advances community and secures the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people of Chicagoland. As the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQ+ community center, the organization now includes Center on Addison, an LGBTQ+ Senior Center, and Center on Cottage Grove, a space to better serve LGBTQ+ community members living on the South Side, especially those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day. Learn more at www.centeronhalsted.org
Thrillist’s 15 Can’t-Miss Queer Events in the US
CHICAGO – Northalsted Market Days® (August 10-11, 2024) is in Thrillist’s “15 Can’t Miss Queer summer events happening in the US“. (cover image Aaron Ehinger Photography)
From the article:
[June] marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and while cities around the world are going knee-deep in celebrating Pride Month, the festivities don’t end in June.
From queer music festivals to street fairs and multi-cultural arts festivals, Pride doesn’t have to stop at the end of the parade route. Don your best drag, glitter, and colorful clothing and keep the rainbow bright all summer with these fun LGBTQ events.

About Market Days (more info at marketdayschicago.com):
Northalsted Market Days, August 10-11, 2024, is a weekend long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood
The 1/2 mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performance, and more.
Estimated attendance is 100,000 people from near and far, representing all colors of the rainbow! Market Days is ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash.

Check out our big collection of Photo Galleries from Northalsted Market Days.

Thrillist’s full list of Can’t Miss Queer Events also includes:
- The Woods in Lehighton – Pennsylvania
- Criminal Queerness Festival – NYC
- Trans March – San Francisco
- Ladyland Music Festival – Brooklyn
- Invasion of the Pines Fire Island
- Outfest LGBTQ Film Festival – Los Angeles
- Homoclimbtastic – West Virginia
- Gay Wine Weekend – Sonoma
- Rendezvous – Wyoming
- Carnival – Provincetown
- Transmission – California
- Southern Decadence – New Orleans
- RuPaul’s DragCon LA
- Folsom Street Fair – San Francisco
Best of Gay Cities Winner – Travel Worthy Festival
CHICAGO – Northalsted Market Days® (August 10-11, 2024) is the SILVER WINNER – Travel Worthy Festival in the 2023 Best of Gay Cities Awards.
The #1 LGBTQ travel guide website GayCities.com annual Best of Awards draws over 75,000 votes in over a dozen categories ranging from Best Gayborhood, Most Loved Bar, Favorite Leather Bar, and Most Timeless Neighborhood.
Northalsted Market Days, marketdayschicago.com August 10-11, 2024, is a can’t miss and travel worthy weekend live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood

The 1/2 mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performance, and more.
Estimated attendance is 100,000 people from near and far, representing all colors of the rainbow! Market Days is ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash.
Admission is a $20 suggested donation that helps pay performers & festival workers and supports charities, non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. Other beneficiaries include Howard Brown Health, Brave Space Alliance, Human Rights Campaign Chicago, and other community organizations.

The iconic LGBTQ+ Northalsted neighborhood is a popular travel destination and no stranger to awards, winning 9 medals in the Best of GayCities Awards in 5 years.
- Market Days – SILVER WINNER, Travel-Worthy Festival – 2023
- Roscoe’s Tavern – SILVER WINNER, Legendary Bar – 2023
- Northalsted – SILVER WINNER, Timeless Hood – 2022
- Sidetrack – GOLD WINNER, Best Nightclub – 2022
- Cell Block – SILVER WINNER, Iconic Leather Bar 2021
- Northalsted – SILVER WINNER, Lively Gayborhood – 2021
- Sidetrack – SILVER WINNER, Most Loved Bars & Clubs – 2018
- Northalsted – GOLD WINNER, Best Neighborhood – 2017
- Market Days – BRONZE WINNER, Festival Destination – 2017

Find out more about LGBTQ+ Chicago’s hottest and most travel worthy summer music festival at marketdayschicago.com. Vending and Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Halloween Parade 2023
Chicago’s Halloween Night Parade Has Amazing Creativity, $4K in Prizes & Live Music
Cover image credit: Tom Tian / Northalsted

CHICAGO – The 26th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade will be held October 31st, 2023 in the landmark Northalsted neighborhood. The free-to-watch parade, ranked one of the top ten in the US by Fodor’s Travel, has a spectacular Costume Contest (Sign Up Free) featuring $4,000 in cash prizes and concludes with an awards presentation, live performance by musical duo Molly & Alex and dance party.
Sign up to participate free, all ages at hauntedhalsted.com.
The costume competition covers 5 categories: Character, Creative, Scary, Youth (<13) and Group. Each category will have a $500/$200/$100 prize winner for 1st place/2nd place/3rd place, respectively.
Photo credit: Del Nakamura / Northalsted
The Halloween Parade starts from Halsted/Melrose and heads north to Halsted/Cornelia; hundreds of Chicago’s most creative costumes filling the street are an amazing sight to behold. Also participating in the Halloween Parade are fire performers Chicago Full Moon Jam, Windy City Jeep Club, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Chicago Spirit Brigade, The Good Bus and more.

This year’s Grand Marshal is 44th Ward Alderman Bennett Lawson. IL Senator Sara Feigenholtz will head up the judging panel, with hosts Batty Davis and emmy nominated NBC5’s Matthew Rodrigues presenting the awards. Howard Brown Health volunteers are staffing the contest on-site registration at Halsted & Belmont (10/31, 6:30-7:30pm).
The Awards show will feature Chicago powerhouse musical duo Molly & Alex (Molly Callinan and Alex Newkirk)

Northalsted has a ton of Halloween events throughout October: Final Cut Drag Competition at Splash Chicago, Parade After Parties, the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl, Trick or Treat, and more.
For Halloween event information see: northalsted.com/events

EVENT SCHEDULE:
- 6:30PM Costume Contest Registration (sign up online now) – Halsted & Belmont
- 7:30PM Parade Kickoff at Halsted & Belmont
- 8:00PM Parade Ends at Halsted & Cornelia
- 8:30PM Awards Show: Halsted & Brompton (3514 N. Halsted; parking lot)
- 10:00PM End of Event
Event home page: HAUNTEDHALSTED.COM
Market Days 2023 New Dance Party at Aldine
The all-new Cuervo Tradicional Dance Party at North Halsted St. and Aldine
Northalsted Market Days returns August 12-13, promising an electrifying summer weekend of music, food, shopping and entertainment.
cover image, from left: Ryan Willing, DJ Virago, Chomper, DJ Bryan, Barker

This year, organizers announced the addition of the Cuervo Tradicional Dance Party at Aldine, where seven popular Northalsted destinations will be showcasing their DJ party events along with drag performers and hosts.

Each day will start with an invigorating 45 minute Total Body Workout at noon, hosted by Orangetheory Fitness on Saturday, Aug. 12 and Crosstown Fitness on Sunday, Aug. 13.
Those interested in participating can register for free at northalsted.com/workout.
The Cuervo Tradicional Dance Party Lineup and presenting partners:
Saturday:
12:00 – Total Body Workout (Orangetheory Fitness)
1:00 – Barker
2:00 – Rated X with DJ Virago (Splash Chicago)
4:00 – Now That’s What I Call Fridays with Chomper (Hydrate)
6:00 – Lights Off And Dance with Ryan Willing (Cell Block)
8:00- DJ Bryan (Sidetrack)
Sunday:
12:00 – Total Body Workout (Crosstown Fitness)
1:00 – Miss Toto
2:00 – In The Groove with Boy Alberto & Pop Up Performances (Replay Lakeview)
4:00 – Candyland with Matt Suave (DS Tequila)
6:00 – Snatched with Darryl Garcon & O’Laysia (Progress Bar)
8:00 – DJ Ed Wood (Luxuria Productions)
More info at marketdayschicago.com

Viva la ViiV at Cornelia!
The all-new dance party at Aldine is in addition to the ViiV Healthcare Hydrate Stage at Cornelia Avenue, which has become well-known for its energetic circuit party vibe.
Again this year, Hydrate Nightclub is presenting a lineup of top DJs from around the world: Danny Verde, Jesus Montanez, Joe Pacheco, Jace M, Sam Gee, plus Draglicious performances, gogo dancers, and a special guest DJ to close Sunday night.

“The diversity and energy of Chicago parties really stands out to me. Every time I’ve been (to the city), it feels like everybody is positive, open and ready to have a good time,” Gee told GoPride.com. “I am very excited to be playing at Market Days; I know how much fun it is.”
YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Make a $50 advance donation at marketdaysvip.com and receive a two-day VIP Pass allowing express entry to both days of the festival.
Donations help pay performers & festival workers and supports non-profits like AIDS Foundation Chicago, Chicago House, Equality Illinois, CMSA and community programs like the Rainbow Crosswalks.Other beneficiaries:
- Human Rights Campaign
- Howard Brown Health
- Brace Space Alliance
- Greeley Elementary School
- Junior Council
Gilead is proud to sponsor Northalsted Market Days. Follow Gilead HIV US to learn more about their commitment to the community and helping end the HIV epidemic. #ThisIsWhatWeLiveFor #sponsored
Follow MarketsDaysChicago on Instagram.
Visit 2022 photo galleries.
Market Days 2023 Schedule & Map
Schedule, Map, Gate & Food Locations – What’s New for 2023
It’s here! The 2023 Market Days Schedule. August 12-13 featuring Betty Who, Shea Coulee, DRAMA, Pussy Riot, CupcakKe, Kylie Sonique Love, Boyfriend and 40+ other artists on 5 stages!

New Aldine Dance Party
The Cuervo Tradicional Dance Party at Aldine features DJs and drag performers from 7 popular Northalsted venues: Sidetrack, Cell Block, Hydrate, Splash, Progress, DS Tequila, Replay & Luxuria Productions. Kicking off the day with Total Body HIIT Workouts by Orangetheory & CrossTown Fitness.
Sign up for the free 12pm Market Days Workouts at northalsted.com/workout



Market Days Drag Shows
The New Orleans Stage at Belmont starts both days with Market Days Drag Shows, featuring Chicago’s best in drag!

Nissan knows that your chosen family is essential to your life’s journey. We’re proud to support the LGBTQ+ community in creating a path forward that’s uniquely their own. #PartnersOfProgress www.nissanusa.com/pride
YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Make a $50 advance donation at marketdaysvip.com and receive a two-day VIP Pass allowing express entry to both days of the festival.
Donations help pay performers & festival workers and supports non-profits like AIDS Foundation Chicago, Chicago House, Equality Illinois, CMSA and community programs like the Rainbow Crosswalks.Other beneficiaries:
- Human Rights Campaign
- Howard Brown Health
- Brace Space Alliance
- Greeley Elementary School
- Junior Council
Gilead is proud to sponsor Northalsted Market Days. Follow Gilead HIV US to learn more about their commitment to the community and helping end the HIV epidemic. #ThisIsWhatWeLiveFor #sponsored
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Market Days 2023 Lineup Announced
Press Release: Northalsted Market Days 2023 Lineup Announced – June 6, 2023
Betty Who, Shea Couleé, Pussy Riot, DRAMA, CupcakKe and Kylie Sonique Love are among this year’s top headliners for Northalsted Market Days®, taking place August 12th and 13th in the city’s landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted community.
Upwards of 100,000 festival attendees gather each year to celebrate LGBTQ+ life, culture and community at Northalsted Market Days.
Other artists include Crystal Waters, Boyfriend, KC Ortiz, Sofi Vonn and more.
Market Days 5 stages include the NÜTRL Vodka mainstage at Addison, The New Orleans Stage at Belmont, showcasing Chicago drag performers and curated queer artists by producers Peach Presents and Back Lot Bash. The dance focused ViiV Healthcare Hydrate Stage at Cornelia highlights DJs Danny Verde, Jesus Montanez, Joe Pacheco and others.
The Nissan Partners of Progress Stage at Roscoe features local favorites Sixteen Candles, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, Too Much Molly, iPop, Hello Weekend and more.
The lineup also includes nostalgic tribute bands such as Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, “Tears Dry on Their Own,” A Tribute to Amy Winehouse, and Radio Gaga (a Queen & Lady Gaga mashup duo).
Additional attractions include the new Cuervo Tradicional DJ Stage at Aldine, best of Chicago drag performances, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and over 200 merchandise and food vendors.
Market Days has the irresistible energy and colorful spirit of the Northalsted community that keeps people coming back every year from all over the world.
Upwards of 100,000 festival attendees gather each year to celebrate LGBTQ+ life, culture and community at Northalsted Market Days (August 12-13, 2023). The event is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance chamber of commerce.
Northalsted Vice-President and lead event organizer, Mark Liberson, is excited for Northalsted Market Days 41st anniversary, “Market Days has the irresistible energy and colorful spirit of the Northalsted community that keeps people coming back every year from all over the world.”
A $20 suggested donation at entry helps pay performers, event workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the creation and ongoing maintenance of the Chicago Pride Crosswalks: 14 rainbow paved neighborhood intersections make up the longest installation of its kind in the world, and the programming supported by Northalsted, including DEI training.
For event info, vending and sponsorship opportunities see marketdayschicago.com