From International DJ sets to RuPaul’s Drag Starlet, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute to flying confetti, Market Days 2024 had something for everyone this fine weekend in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood. Not only was the talent off the charts, but our vendors and exhibitors brought the fire with their impressive eats and booth setups offering a variety of cuisine and adorable photoshoot opportunities. The smiles were simply never ending.
Photo by Tyler Worek
Artist Reveiw
Strutting her stuff like nobody’s business, the queen of all queens, Alyssa Edwards, stole our Saturday night event with a performance that didn’t just cross boundaries, it pole-vaulted over them. With her signature splits and high kicks all set to her self-produced rap track, it’s safe to say she had the audience eating out of her perfectly manicured hands.
But it wasn’t just about the dance moves – oh no! Alyssa turned a simple lip sync of “When Love Takes Over” into an interactive spectacle, charting new territory by weaving her way through the crowd. With a little help from a gallant fan-turned-human-stilt, Alyssa turned an unplanned moment into a show-stopping finale, firmly stamping her status as not just a performer, but a master of improvisation. Now that’s what you call a real crowd pleaser!
photos: above, Steve Koch
below: Kate Scott
Performer Showcase
Big Freedia let us “release the stress” and lit up our Addison stage on Sunday afternoon, inviting up fans upon fans to strut their stuff and show us their best moves.
Saturday night, Billy Porter stunned the crowd with his stellar bedazzled jumpsuit and tulle coat combo, showcasing his stellar vocals on various songs off of his new album, “Black Mona Lisa”.
photo: Steven Koch
Dragonette brought the fire to the Addison Stage Saturday evening, captivating the crowd with her infectious energy and signature electro-pop sound featuring fan favorites like “Hello” and more that kept the crowds bumping.
Coco & Breezy held the biggest dance party on Sunday at the Belmont Stage on Sunday while they spun their set, and Sixteen Candles made their triumphant return to Northalsted at the Nissan Partners of Progress Stage, giving the crowd the biggest wave of nostalgia with everyone’s favorite 80s hits.
Speaking of cover artists, we had familiar faces return for another year of Market Days, including Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, showcasing some originals as well as a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Red Wine Supernova”, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, making everyone feel like they are young, sweet, and seventeen again, and Radio Gaga, transcending generations by performing songs by Queen and Lady Gaga.
Our Belmont stage could be described as a constant party. With Coco & Breezy headlining Sunday night, Market Days Drag Revue, Body Confidence for Queens, MVTE, and so many more talented babes, the energy was infectious.
Above Photo: Tyler Worek
RaiNao stunned the crowd, closing out Market Days on Sunday night with her set, showing off her stunning vocals and incredible songwriting ability. At the Belmont stage on Saturday, Lauren Sanderson gave Chicago a preview of what to expect when she comes back through in November for her solo tour.
Photo by Kate Scott
BRAND ACTIVATIONS THAT WOWED
Can we talk about the brands that really brought their A-game? From pop-up experiences that felt like stepping into a dreamscape (complete with bubble machines and beats, to delicious food + drink samples that had everyone frantically lining up, the creativity was off the charts. We are so impressed with our vendors and their amazing booth set up and marketing skills from Sidetrack’s Brat Summer Photo Op to ViiV Healthcare’s ReThink Your Prep booth, all the way to Replay’s 360 Summer Bash stage complete with…coconut trees. Special shoutout to our Market Days 2024 Sponsors who made this wonderful weekend possible.
Check out all the photos our amazing photographers captured this year by clicking the button below!
SAVE THE DATE
Can’t wait for next year just yet? Let the countdown begin! Next year’s Market Days will be August 9 – 10, so mark your calendars now and get hyped for all the excitement to come.
YOU MAKE MARKET DAYS POSSIBLE
Thank you for your Market Days 2024 Donations! You all are rockstars and the reason we are able to continue the tradition of Market Days in Northalsted. Your donation helps pay performers & festival workers and supports charities, non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks. Thank you!
2024 Sponsors
Thank you to the 2024 sponsors and partners who help make Market Days possible.
Visit our full sponsor listing for links to businesses and media who support the LGBTQ+ community.
