Market Days 2023: The Complete Recap

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On its 41st year, Market Days is stronger than ever. The staple LGBTQ+ event brings in thousands of visitors to Chicago every summer and this year was no different.

The two-day festival takes place in the heart of Chicago's gayborhood -- Northalsted -- which is also known as the first recognized gay neighborhood in the United States.

This year, partygoers experienced high drag, incredible performances, mind-blowing circuit parties, epic bar crawls, and plenty of adult fun as well. Check out some of the highlights below!

Market Days Street Festival

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With performances on five stages by Betty Who, Crystal Waters, Cupcakke, Kylie Sonique Love, and Chicago Drag Race winner Shea Couleé, the stages at the festival had plenty of talent to gag over.

Over 200 local businesses and national brands also filled the streets of the festival to sell some iconic fans, circuit gear, household items, food, drinks, and so much more. It's safe to say many people left with their hands full of new products.

Circuit Parties

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Celebrating its 25th year, CircuitMOM brought all of the good vibes with three parties throughout Market Days weekend.

From incredible laser shows to heart pumping EDM, the circuit gays had, perhaps, too much fun at the Aragon Ballroom. I'm sure they're all taking today to relax (if they're not traveling back to their home cities).

Other circuit parties included MEAT, BRÜT, and QUEEN! at SmartBar. So the singlets, jockstraps, leather gear, and puppy hoods were in abundance in the streets of Chicago... even in the early hours of the day.

Steamworks, the massive bathhouse in the Windy City, also had lines that lasted for hours. The gays really don't rest for anything!

Bars & Drag Brunches

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It wouldn't be a party for the gays without some mimosas and go-go dancers at the clubs.

The local nightlife scene had something for everyone including karaoke parties, sickening drag performances, dance floors, dive bars, and more. A few favorites include Roscoe’s, Hydrate, Stacked, Splash, and plenty of others.

Some of the queens spotted at the bars performing included Brooke Lynn Hytes, Courtney Act, Salina EsTitties, Kennedy Davenport, Derrick Barry, Monica Beverly Hillz, and many other Drag Race alum.

Plus, fans also saw sickening local and Ru girls perform at a slew of drag brunches, including the sold-out shows at The River Kitchen + Bar.

If you're like me and didn't put earplugs in the first couple of days, then your ears might still be ringing like mine are today.

Another hotspot included Kathy Osterman Beach, known as Hollywood Beach, as the gays were seen in their Speedos at all hours day and night mingling and tanning, along with plenty of other obvious activities as well.

So rest up, drink plenty of water, and let the countdown begin til Market Days 2024.