Sidetrack, located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant North Halsted Street, stands as a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community and nightlife enthusiasts alike. This isn’t just another bar; Sidetrack is an institution, a cornerstone of Boystown, and a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun, inclusive, and high-energy experience. From show tune sing-alongs to high-energy dance parties, Sidetrack at 3349 North Halsted Street offers a diverse calendar of events that caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a vital part of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene and a key attraction on North Halsted Street.
A Week of Unforgettable Nights on Halsted
Sidetrack’s event schedule is packed, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening, any night of the week. Let’s take a tour through a typical week at this North Halsted Street hotspot:
Musical Monday: Broadway Magic on Halsted
Mondays at Sidetrack are transformed into a Broadway lover’s paradise with Musical Monday: Show Tunes. Starting at 8 pm and running until 2 am, the bar fills with the sounds of iconic musicals and movie musical videos displayed on Sidetrack’s signature big screens. This long-standing tradition draws crowds eager to celebrate Broadway performances and sing along to their favorite show tunes. Adding to the excitement, you never know when a Broadway In Chicago celebrity might join the chorus, making it a truly unique experience on North Halsted Street. And like all regular nights at Sidetrack, there’s no cover charge, making it an accessible and entertaining start to the week.
OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling: Authentic Voices of Chicago’s Community
The first Tuesday of each month offers a different kind of stage at Sidetrack: OUTspoken LGBTQ+ Storytelling. This monthly event, typically held on the first Tuesday, celebrates the personal narratives within the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. Doors to the MainBar open at 6 pm, with stories shared from 7 pm to 9 pm. Featuring around six storytellers with an intermission, OUTspoken provides a platform for diverse voices to share their experiences. Sidetrack’s welcoming atmosphere on North Halsted Street makes it the perfect venue for these intimate and powerful storytelling sessions. With no cover and a 21+ age requirement, it’s an opportunity to connect with the community and hear authentic stories in the heart of Boystown.
Trivia Tuesdays: Test Your Knowledge on North Halsted
Trivia Tuesdays at Sidetrack offer a fun and engaging midweek break. Themes vary, from pop culture phenomena like Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to Pokémon, ensuring there’s a Trivia Tuesday for everyone. Trivia typically starts at 8 pm, with Sidetrack opening at 3 pm on weekdays, giving you plenty of time to gather your team. Grand prizes, like Men’s Room Gift Cards, add a competitive edge to the friendly atmosphere. It’s a great way to socialize, test your knowledge, and enjoy the lively ambiance of Sidetrack on North Halsted Street.
Wednesday Theme Nights: From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé and Gaga
Wednesdays at Sidetrack are dedicated to pop royalty. The first Wednesday of each month is “All Things Taylor,” featuring Taylor Swift videos, sing-alongs, drag performances, and even stage opportunities for fans to show off their moves and win prizes. The second Wednesday belongs to Queen Bey with “All Things Beyoncé,” offering five hours of Beyoncé videos, drag performances, and stage contests. The third Wednesday turns into “All Things Gaga,” celebrating Lady Gaga with music videos and drag tributes. And to round out the month, the last Wednesday is “All Things Dua & Ariana,” dedicated to Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande. These themed nights, running from 9 pm to 2 am, transform Sidetrack into a vibrant celebration of pop music and culture, making it a Wednesday night destination on North Halsted Street.
Pink Pony Club & Let’s Go! Latin Thursdays: Pop and Latin Beats on Halsted
Thursdays at Sidetrack bring a mix of pop and Latin flavors. The Pink Pony Club, now on the first Thursday of each month, celebrates pop “brats” like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga, with DJs, drag performances, and stage contests. Select Thursdays also feature “Let’s Go! Latin,” a Latin music party in the Main, Cherry, and North Bars, featuring Latin pop stars and drag performances. Adding to the Thursday appeal are $3 Frozen Cocktails specials throughout March. With doors opening at 3 pm and themed events kicking off at 9 pm, Thursdays at Sidetrack offer diverse musical experiences across different bar areas within the venue, solidifying its place as a versatile nightlife spot on North Halsted Street.
TGIF Show Tunes & RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Parties: Friday Fun on Halsted
Fridays at Sidetrack are all about kicking off the weekend in style. TGIF: Friday Afternoon Show Tunes starts the party early, from 4 pm to 9 pm, with sing-alongs to Sidetrack’s famous show tunes. Following show tunes, starting January 3, 2025, Fridays will also host Chicago’s RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Viewing Party at 7 pm, promising games, prizes, and drag fun. The party continues with a Friday Night Dance Party until 2 am, and the rooftop opens in the early evening for more party music. With doors opening at 3 pm and no cover charge, Fridays at Sidetrack are a guaranteed good time on North Halsted Street.
Weekend Extravaganza: Sapphic Saturdays, Dog Days, and Dance Parties
Saturdays at Sidetrack offer a variety of experiences. “Sapphic Saturday,” on the last Saturday of each month, celebrates lesbian and queer women’s anthems and culture with drag performances and games from 6 pm to 9 pm. For daytime fun, “Dog Day Saturday Afternoon,” on the first Saturday of each month, is a unique playdate for pups and their owners, featuring doggy swag and a welcoming atmosphere (weather permitting, the rooftop is open for dogs!). Saturday nights ramp up with dance parties and special events like the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party, ensuring high-energy entertainment until 3 am. Sidetrack is a Saturday destination on North Halsted Street, whether you’re with your furry friend, celebrating sapphic pride, or ready to dance the night away.
Sunday Funday Show Tunes: Ending the Week with a Singalong
Sundays at Sidetrack keep the energy going with Sunday Funday Show Tunes from 4 pm to 9 pm, another opportunity to sing along to Broadway and movie musical favorites. For those preferring other genres, party music is available in the Back and Deck Bars all day. Sunday Funday After Dark Dance Party extends the weekend vibe until 2 am. Open from 1 pm to 2 am on Sundays, Sidetrack provides a relaxed yet lively way to wrap up the week on North Halsted Street.
Sidetrack: More Than Just a Bar on North Halsted Street
Sidetrack isn’t just a venue; it’s a community hub. Its location on North Halsted Street, in the heart of Chicago’s Boystown, makes it easily accessible and a central point for LGBTQ+ nightlife. The “No Cover…it’s Sidetrack!” motto emphasizes its welcoming and inclusive nature. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Sidetrack offers a guaranteed fun and accepting environment. From themed nights to storytelling events, from daytime dog meetups to late-night dance parties, Sidetrack embodies the spirit of North Halsted Street and remains a vital and vibrant part of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ culture. For anyone seeking a diverse, energetic, and welcoming bar experience, Sidetrack on North Halsted Street is the place to be.
