Chicago Market Days

(For other parties, see our party calendar.)

Market Days is a staple on the annual circuit calendar as it draws attendees from not only around the United States but also many international visitors. The Market Days street festival occurs in the Boystown gayborhood just north of downtown Chicago on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the day there are gay clothing, toy and accessory vendors that line the street along with various food options and entertainment stages offering drag shows and DJ performances. The Hydrate Nightclub stage is a popular spot to visit in the late afternoon into early evening as they always have a great DJ lineup that acts as a mini tea dance to get the night started. (See the Hydrate Outdoor Stage lineup)

There are many gay bars that dot along Halsted Street in Boystown that open in the afternoon and continue with parties into the evening. Hydrate Nightclub is always a popular spot among the circuit crowd. There is also a gay beach nearby (Kathy Osterman Beach) that is a great spot to hang out with friends in the afternoon and always draws a big crowd that weekend.

Market Days is known for its big parties in the evening, two of which are put on by CircuitMOM, one of the icons of the circuit party scene. The famous MEAT party by Jake Resnicow from New York makes its annual visit to Chicago on Friday night at Radius & Cermak Hall to get the weekend stated. Expect big room sound from a popular line-up to DJs and a huge crowd.

Saturday and Sunday nights are headlined by parties by CircuitMOM and CircutSON. CircuitMOM is an iconic name in the circuit party scene and always offers stellar production and performances. Located at the historic Aragon Ballroom nearby Boystown, these two parties are definitely something not to miss. These two parties by CircuitMOM always have a theme, so dress the part if you wish, but it isn’t required. Expect a night of constant performances on stage and lots of surprises as CircuitMOM herself makes a showing and always includes a trick or two up her sleeve. 

For hotel options, there aren’t many in the Boystown area. There is a Best Western nearby but many people choose to stay downtown, which is only a short car ride or ride on the Red Line subway system up to Boystown. Chicago’s downtown has plenty of hotels with the river running right through the middle that makes for a scenic walk in the afternoon or early evening with many places to eat.