Chicago’s largest street festival, Northalsted Market Days, celebrated the LGBTQ+ community in the Lake View neighborhood from Aug. 8-10, 2025. For three days, the streets were filled with live performances on multiple stages and over 250 vendors presented a veritable rainbow of items.
Market Days was established in 1982 and runs a half-mile from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street. Several drag powerhouses strutted down the runway on the Addison Stage, including reality television personality Monet X Change and rapper Saucy Santana, who closed out the night. Meanwhile, a rotating roster of both local and international DJs played tunes at the Roscoe Stage and ViiV Dance Stage. The Belmont Stage was reserved for popular local bands such as Radio Gaga and Sixteen Candles.
Photos here by Vern Hester, below by Jerry Nunn
Saturday, Aug. 9, kicked off with fierce boots from southern drag queen Sam Star, followed by line dancing from the Second City Outlaws and more country-influenced entertainment from queer honky tonk singer Brooke Eden. Canadian dance hitmaker Kiesza was supported by queer dancer Jaylen Brown and the duo orchestrated an inflated birthday cake for one lucky audience member while singing to the new track “It’s My Birthday.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced the multitalented Keke Palmer for her set at 9 p.m. Known primarily for her acting, the Harvey, Illinois native sang new material and covered Brandy’s track “Sittin’ Up in My Room.”
Aug. 10 was Sunday funday, but not as sunny as the day before. But the high temperatures and sprinkles of rain didn’t stop the minions from coming out to explore the market.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 winner Sasha Colby gave a brief history lesson about her time living in Chicago and lip-synched to classic tunes like a pro. After Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute served up Swedish pop cover songs, comedian Joe Dombrowski played an LGBTQ+ trivia game with random contests for spectators on the north end of the street.
The Fearless: A Tribute to Taylor set at 7 p.m. pleased the surrounding Swifties and then American Idol runner-up David Archuleta graced the Addison Stage for eager fans. Closing down the weekend, the 34-year-old sported smooth moves along with engaging cover songs such as Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” to accompany his original recent pop hits like “Creme Brûlée.” His honest, emotional banter on the microphone about his loving mother and his journey of leaving the closet behind only four years ago melted the hearts of listeners lined up against the guardrails. Judging from cheers from those in attendance, Archuleta proved to be the perfect artist to entertain and convey stories that resonated with his queer followers.
The sheer number of locals and out-of-town visitors grew to new heights in 2025. Shoppers ready to spend money and those looking for free swag enjoyed the booths lined up and down Halsted Street.
Milagro Tequila and The Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce were among the sponsors this year. Some of the health service agencies at the event were represented by ViiV Healthcare and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
All funds raised from donations at the gates helped to support the 501(c)6 Northalsted Business Alliance.
For information on next year’s festivities, click over to northalsted.com.
SECTION TWO Second day in pictures. Photos by Vern Hester
David Archuleta onstage at Market Days 2025. Photo by Vern Hester
SECTION THREE Day three in photos by Vern Hester
Photos below by Jerry Nunn
