Southport Art Fest

Free Southport Corridor art weekend with 100 artists, food, boutiques, theaters, Kids Art Zone, face painting, and poetry.

  • Dates: July 11–12, 2026
  • Where: Southport Ave at Waveland Ave
  • Neighborhood: Lakeview / Southport Corridor
  • Cost: Free

Schedule

  1. Saturday, July 11, 2026 — Southport Art Fest: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Southport Avenue at Waveland.
  2. Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Southport Art Fest: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Southport Avenue at Waveland.

What to expect

Southport Art Fest runs July 11-12, 2026 on Southport Avenue, anchored around Waveland. Amdur lists 100 artists, free admission, extended hours, local restaurants, boutique shopping, theaters, a Kids Art Zone, face painting, personalized poems, and family activities. It is polished and strollable rather than sprawling: a good art-buying walk that can turn into brunch, Music Box, or Southport shops without moving the car.

Tickets

Free.

Transit

Brown Line to Southport is one block from the festival's south end. The 22 Clark and 152 Addison buses both serve the area. Driving is rough — Southport residential streets are permit-only. Try the Whole Foods garage on Ashland or the Wrigley-area garages.

Bag policy

No formal bag check; visual at gates. ID required at the wine/beer tents.

Family-friendly

One of the most kid-friendly art fairs in town. Kids Art Zone is genuinely staffed and substantive (not just face-painting). Wide Southport sidewalks are stroller-perfect. The corridor's family-friendly restaurants (Crosby's Kitchen, Coalfire Pizza) are great pit stops. Restrooms via porta-johns; some restaurants accommodate.

Local tips

  1. Saturday morning at 11 a.m. is peak-crowd-comfortable — by 3 p.m. it's dense.
  2. Sunday afternoon is the buyer's window for art — calmer crowds and friendlier artists.
  3. Pair with a stop at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport, right on the strip) or Crosby's Kitchen for lunch.
  4. If you're driving, try the Wrigleyville garages and walk south — closer-in parking is permit-restricted.
  5. Kids Art Zone is the differentiator vs other neighborhood art fests — bring kids, expect a 30-minute activity hold.
  6. The food booths near the Byron end have shorter lines than the Waveland end; same vendors, less waiting.
  7. Cash is faster everywhere; cards work at the bigger artist booths only.

Frequently asked questions

Is Southport Art Fest free?

Yes. Amdur lists free admission for 2026.

What are the 2026 hours?

Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, July 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Is there family programming?

Yes. The official page lists a Kids Art Zone, face painting, personalized poems, and other family activities.

Official festival information