Market Days Northalsted is a longtime tradition for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
"Market Days is one of the oldest and biggest street festivals in the city of Chicago," said Mark Liberson, the festival organizer. "It began as, literally, a market on the street, and over time, it evolved with a lot of bands and entertainers. In recent decades, it's grown to where it brings in national acts to the street."
This year, those acts include Keke Palmer, David Archuleta and Sasha Colby. Along with four stages for performers, there will be more than 300 LGBTQ+ vendors, including local food and drinks, artisans, merchants and nonprofits.
"It's just so much fun, and I look forward to it every year because the energy on the street is unlike anything you experience at any other street festival," Liberson said.
And he is not the only one who thinks so. Since the festival started more than 40 years ago, it's gained national attention. In fact, Liberson said it's become so popular that this year, he had to extend the festival from two to three days.
"It's a really huge festival, and it's a big footprint," he said. "It happens to be in a great location in the Lakeview area. And what's happened is it has been drawing not only the LGBTQ community but really all of Chicago."
He said over the years, Market Days has provided a safe space for all Chicagoans, but specifically for the queer community.
"With recent things that have gone on in our country and around the world, I think that there's always need for uplift, and this year, maybe more than ever," he said.
He said he hopes people walk away from the festival feeling empowered and carrying positive energy with them through the rest of their day.
"Having the ability to be celebrating together is so valuable, and in a city like Chicago, where the LGBTQ community gained its rights before it did nationally, it's such a great place to come and it's really such a safe and wonderful space," he said.
Market Days takes place Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10. General entry each day of the event is available for a $20 suggested donation that helps pay performers, event workers and funds community programs.