As the end of summer approaches, Chicagoans should take advantage of the multitude of available outdoor festivals. Northalsted Market Days, held Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., provides the perfect opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors to enjoy themselves at Chicago's premiere street festival while sampling delicious food, shopping at hundreds of vendors' booths and dancing in the streets to musical performances on four different stages.\r
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The dancing, dining and shopping will all take place on North Halsted between Belmont (3200 North) and Addison (3600 North). The event spans six city blocks and has 17 different entrances. North Halsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) sponsors this event and the cost for entrance is an optional $6 dollar donation to NAMA, collected at the gates. Bud Light is the sponsor of Northalsted Market Days.\r
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Four different entertainment stages include more than 40 different live acts ranging from musical performances to fashion shows. The combination of local talent and national headliners guarantee a weekend of some of the best live entertainment in Chicago. Featured entertainers at this year's Northalsted Market Days perform a variety of musical styles including R&B, jump, rock and roll-even opera-and include Chicago favorites Cathy Richardson, Michael McDermott, and Ross Bon's Mighty Blue Kings to the white-hot sights and sounds of Los Angeles based band Powder , the powerful and compelling East Village Opera Company and the unique multi-cultural sounds of Brazilian Girls. The jazz stage features a variety of jazz artists from noon to 8 p.m. on both days. Among them, the Matt Pinizotto Quartet will perform on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.\r
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Pros: Great people watching, shopping, music and food
Cons: Crowds are large
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