Old Town Art Fair

How it was

This year's edition is over — the lineup, schedule, and notes below are kept as the record of 2026.

What to expect

77th edition of the Midwest's most prestigious juried art fair, in the Old Town Triangle Historic District, June 13–14, 2026. 230+ nationally acclaimed artists, the famous Garden Walk into the neighborhood's hidden gardens, a Community Corner for local nonprofits and emerging artists, food court, live music, and the Children's Corner with hands-on art activities. Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Transit

Brown/Purple Line to Sedgwick is one block; Red Line to Clark/Division is a 10-minute walk. The 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, and 156 LaSalle buses all stop within two blocks. Driving is rough — the Old Town Triangle has narrow residential streets. Try the Lincoln Park Zoo lots or Piper's Alley garage.

Bag policy

No formal bag check — open-air fair. Standard art-fair courtesy: don't touch displayed work.

Family-friendly

Children's Corner is the real deal — staffed art activities, not babysitting. Stroller-friendly on the wider streets but the historic-district sidewalks are uneven and brick in spots; an off-road stroller works better than a city stroller. The Garden Walk is partially stroller-accessible but some hidden gardens have steps. Restrooms at the Old Town Triangle Center on North Park.

Local tips

1. Saturday morning at 10 a.m. is the only time you'll see the artists fresh and chatty — by Saturday afternoon the crowds are 30k deep.
2. The Garden Walk is the secret weapon: 12 private gardens that are otherwise never open to the public. Allocate 90 minutes.
3. Sunday afternoon is the buyer's day — artists negotiate as they're packing up, and the crowds thin.
4. Park north on Lincoln Ave at meters or use the Lincoln Park Zoo lot at Fullerton/Cannon (rates run $35–$45/day; free first 30 min) and walk south.
5. Bring cash for the food court — lines move 2x faster.
6. The food court near Wisconsin and Crilly has the best seating; the food court at the south entrance is usually overrun.
7. Pair with a drink at Old Town Ale House (across from Second City) on the way out — fest-week vibe is special.