Printer's Row Art Fest
Amdur's South Loop art fair brings 95 juried artists to historic Printer's Row on Aug. 15-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with paintings, street art, jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodworking, live music, poems, and neighborhood cafes within steps.
- Dates: August 15–16, 2026
- Where: Dearborn St from Polk St to Harrison St
- Neighborhood: Printer's Row / South Loop
- Cost: Free
Schedule
- Aug. 15 — Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dearborn Street from Polk to Harrison.
- Aug. 16 — Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dearborn Street from Polk to Harrison.
What to expect
6th annual juried art fair on Dearborn between Polk and Harrison in the historic Printer's Row corridor of the South Loop, August 15–16, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 95 juried artists across paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodworking, and street art. Live music on a small stage, personalized poems by sidewalk poets, and the neighborhood's bookstores and cafes (Sandmeyer's Bookstore, Eleven City Diner) all open. Smaller-scale and curatorially serious — different from the much larger Printer's Row Lit Fest in September.
Tickets
Free admission. No ticket is required for the public art fair.
Transit
Red Line to Harrison or Roosevelt is a 5-minute walk. The 36 Broadway, 22 Clark, and 24 Wentworth buses serve the area. Driving is fine — South Loop has more parking than other fest neighborhoods (Roosevelt-area garages, street parking on Plymouth Court).
Bag policy
No bag check — open-air fair. Don't touch displayed work.
Family-friendly
Family-friendly daytime fair. Wide Dearborn footprint is stroller-easy. The South Loop has wide flat sidewalks, good restroom access at participating restaurants, and the proximity to Grant Park and the Lakefront Trail makes it a good pair with a longer day. No formal kids' programming but the personalized-poem booths are a hit with older kids.
Local tips
- Pair the fair with Sandmeyer's Bookstore. It is the neighborhood anchor and keeps the Printer's Row name from becoming just branding.
- Saturday morning is best for talking with artists before the browsing lanes fill.
- Sunday afternoon can be the best buying window if you want a little conversation before committing to a piece.
- Eleven City Diner and Kasey's Tavern are easy South Loop anchors if you want to turn the fair into a longer wander.
- This is more relaxed than Old Town or Wells Street art weekends; lean into that and do not rush it.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as Printers Row Lit Fest?
No. This is Printer's Row Art Fest, an Amdur-produced visual art fair in August. The literary festival is a separate event.
What are the hours?
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Where exactly is it?
On Dearborn Street from Polk Street to Harrison Street in the South Loop/Printer's Row area.
How many artists are there?
Amdur lists 95 juried artists across painting, street art, jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodworking, and more.