Event Details
The 51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival, one of Chicago’s most cherished summer traditions, returns on Saturday and Sunday June 13–14, 2026.The historic Old Town neighborhood will be transformed into a vibrant open-air celebration featuring art, music, food, and community.
Spanning Wells Street from North Avenue to Division Street, the nationally recognized festival will feature more than 125 juried artists from Chicago and across the country showcasing original works in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, digital art, and more.
Festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (1400 N. Wells St.).
Consistently ranked among the top 200 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Wells Street Art Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet artists, discover one-of-a-kind works, and purchase pieces directly from creators in a lively neighborhood setting.
Returning artists and fan favorites include:
·Hiroshi Ariyama, Works on Paper - 2026 Featured Artist
·Laura Junge, Painting - 2025 Featured Artist
·Brian Mckelvey, 2D Mixed-Media
·Jurate Phillips, Painting
·Lilian Delgado, 2D Mixed-Media
·Roger Disney, Painting
·Timm Chapman, Photography
·Ashley Bushala, Ceramics
Beyond the artwork, festivalgoers can enjoy food, drinks, and patio experiences from many beloved Old Town restaurants and bars, including Benchmark, Declan’s Irish Pub, Dog House Grill, Fireplace Inn, Glunz Tavern, Kamehachi, Orso’s Restaurant, Old Town Pub, The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen, Taco Pros, and The VIG. Festival Food vendors help complete the tasty street festival culinary mosaic!
With two live music stages, interactive art experiences, and a dedicated family activity area, the festival offers entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend.
Conveniently located just steps from the CTA Brown Line Sedgwick stop and Red Line Clark/Division stop, the Wells Street Art Festival highlights the creative spirit and walkable charm that make Old Town one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing Wells Street come alive with artists, music, families, and local businesses all celebrating together,” said Marcy Huttas, Executive Director of the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. “The Wells Street Art Festival is one of the signature kickoffs to Chicago summer and a wonderful way to support artists while discovering everything Old Town has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your home, a unique gift, or simply a fun weekend in the city, this festival truly has something for everyone.”
A suggested $10 donation supports the production of the festival and helps sustain community programming from the non-profit Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. Gate donations are critical to the continued success of the Wells Street Art Festival and help keep this long-running community event accessible to the public.
Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage at North Ave
Saturday, June 13
12 pm – School of Rock
1:30 pm – Jesse White Tumblers
2 pm – Live Band Karaoke
4 pm – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
6 pm – Blue Rose Band
8 pm – 16 Candles
Sunday, June 14
12:15 pm – Alfredo & The Made Men
1:40 pm – Jesse White Tumblers
2 pm – The Strangers – Music of The Cure
4 pm – Fletcher Rockwell
6 pm – Rod Tuffcurls Presents: Tuff Taylor – An All Taylor (Swift) Tribute
Scott St Stage
Saturday, June 13
12 pm – The Lightning Bolts
12:35pm – Definition Chaos
2 pm – Fiddle Rock
3:45 pm – Caught Steelin
5:15pm – Black Oil Brothers
7 pm – 3 Martini Jeannie
Sunday, June 14
12 pm – Chase Wilkins Trio
1:30pm – Pink Raspberry Cats
3 pm – Amanda Coppotelli
4:45pm – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
6:30pm – Band Calderisi
Cobbler Square Footcourt Platform Stage
Saturday, June 13
12:00Iva Rue & Josiah - Vocals accompanied by Guitar
2:30 PM Juggling demo & lessons
5:00 PM Treble Monster DJ
7:30 -10 PM Treble Squad (Supersonic violinist, saxophonist, and DJ)
Sunday, June 14
2:30 PM Juggling Demo & Lessons
4 PM Iva Rue & Josiah - Vocals accompanied by Guitar
Learn more at: https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/
The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA) is a community development and business non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses, residents, and cultural institutions while strengthening Old Town as one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods to live, work, dine, shop, and visit.
Learn more at: oldtownchicago.org