Two-day annual festival Northalsted Market Days delivered top-notch talent and diverse visitors from around the world to the Windy City on August 10 and 11.
Established in 1982 and only skipping one year for the pandemic, the half-mile-long attraction runs from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street on North Halsted Street. While geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, allies are welcome to join in every year. A suggested current donation of $20 at the gates supports the neighborhood and surrounding businesses along the way.
A rainbow of representation poured into the Lakeview area of Chicago with a sizable amount of attendance each day in 2024. Sponsors for this year were Bud Light and Nissan, among others.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of food offerings and thirst-quenching beverages mixed in with vendor tents full of goodies. There were two large food courts curated in side parking lots although tables and chairs were lacking for patrons.
Five stages of performances produced a wide range of drag entertainment including RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Star Alyssa Edwards and many local favorites.
DJs sprinkled throughout the various stages had the massive crowds dancing each day and award-winning artist Billy Porter featured his latest record Black Mona Lisa plus tunes from the musical Kinky Boots as the festival closed on day one.
Day two of the gathering furnished more fun in the sun on Sunday. Temperatures were mild throughout the weekend and bare skin was found everywhere on Halsted Street.
Performer Big Freedia brought booties up on stage to shake to beats and her powerful chants. The Back Lot Bash stage hosted artistic drag and out soul singers such as Akenya to receptive crowds. The second day of festivities The weekend wound down as many continued to dance on the pavement until closing time.
For more information on the Midwest’s largest street festival please visit northalsted.com.
First photo gallery by Kat Fitzgerald, Mystic Images Photography
Second gallery of photos by Vern Hester
