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WHAT: 51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival
WHERE: Old Town, Chicago, Illinois
DATES: June 13-14, 2026 | Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
NOTEWORTHY:
- 200+ Artists
- Estimated Attendance 40,000
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Ranked in Top 100 Fine Art Festivals by Sunshine Artist
- Air-Conditioned Artist Lounge
- Snacks provided from 9am to 6pm in Artist Lounge
- Booth Sitters
- Overnight Security
- Event Staff Onsite for Entire Show
- Jury Fee: $35
- Booth Fees: $750 (10'x10') | $1,050 (10'x20') | $225+ Corner
- Electricity: Additional $275 - no generators allowed
The Wells Street Arts Festival celebrates its 51st year in 2026 on the vibrant Wells Street Commercial Corridor in Old Town, one of the City's most historic and artistically rich neighborhoods. Old Town's roots as an artist enclave date back nearly a century, when creative pioneers transformed its Victorian homes into studios and courtyards filled with handcrafted detail. From the famed Carl Steeet Studios and Kogen-Miller artist spaces to the neighborhood's bohemian and countercultural eras, art has always been at the core of Old Town's identity.
Today, the legacy continues as Wells Street transforms into an open-air gallery showcasing fine art and original work from both established and emerging artists across the country. This juried festival, held on the second full weekend of June each year, attracts more than 40,000 art lovers, offering exhibitors an engaged audience and customer base, as well as a vibrant street energy in a setting steeped in creative history.
The festival also features live music, great Chicago food and beverages, and family-friendly activities. It is consistently ranked in Sunshine Artist's Top 100 Fine Arts Fairs.
The Wells Street Art Festival invites artists to be part of a celebrated Chicago tradition that honors craftsmanship, originality, and the spirit of artistic community.
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