HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park will host the 43rd annual Port Clinton Art Festival over Labor Day weekend, with artists, live music and family activities spread across several closed downtown streets.
The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 30, according to Amdur Productions.
Amdur Productions describes the event as a nationally renowned, award-winning art festival and says it is the largest suburban art festival in Illinois. This year's festival will feature 255 juried artists from around the country. Their work is expected to include paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, photography, fashion wearables, furniture, leather creations and woodworking.
The festival's family-friendly Kids Art Zone will offer hands-on activities including face painting, sand art, spin art and giant bubbles. Visitors can also watch live art demonstrations, take part in on-site "Start to Paint" classes and listen to live music on two stages throughout the weekend. Artists with "Kids Art Stop" signs will invite children into their booths to talk about their work.
Food and beverage vendors will be on site, and Highland Park's downtown restaurants will also be available for festivalgoers looking for a meal or snack.
Admission is free, and there is plenty of free nearby parking. The downtown Metra station is also steps away for people taking public transportation. Because downtown streets will be closed to traffic during the festival, visitors using strollers and wheelchairs will have access to all booths. Leashed dogs are also welcome.
Visitors are encouraged to bring gently used wall art to donate to the Chicago Furniture Bank, which helps furnish homes for people and families moving from shelters into permanent housing.
Festivalgoers can also look for artwork marked through Amdur Productions' Purple Ribbon Project. When those pieces are sold, a portion of the proceeds will benefit WINGS Program, Inc., a nonprofit focused on housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.
More information is available from Amdur Productions at 847-926-4300 and at AmdurProductions.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Highland Park Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.