Biggest two-day street fair in Midwest US runs Aug 10 & 11

More than 100,000 people are expected to converge on North Halsted Street in Chicago on Aug 10 and 11 for Northalsted Market Days.

Market Days is the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest, with more than 400 food and arts-and-crafts vendors. Spanning six city blocks, between Belmont and Addison streets, the festival has 17 entrance gates, with the suggested donation for entry $8.

The festival will have three entertainment stages, with performances by Wilson Phillips, 10,000 Maniacs, KRose, former Wonder Woman Linda Carter, and current America’s Got Talent semifinalist Branden James. Check the online schedule for performance dates and times.

For more information about Northalsted Market Days, visit northalsted.com.

To kick off Northalsted Market Days, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel sponsor for the festival, will host an LGBT party on Friday, Aug 9 at Hilton Chicago featuring recently out country singer Steve Grand.

Grand became an internet sensation with the release of his same-sex country love ballad “All American Boy.” Following his performance, Grand will answer fan-submitted questions.

Hilton will also present a donation to the Point Foundation, a Chigao agency focused on supporting LGBT youth.

If you’re visiting Chicago, check out the host hotel’s “Stay Hilton. Go Out” promotion.

For the most up-to-date travel information on gay Chicago see our City Guide, Listings Guide, Events Guide and Activities Guide.