Wine and Art Walk at Morton Arboretum

This festival has wrapped for 2026 — it typically returns August 2027.

A nature-themed juried art walk around Morton Arboretum's Meadow Lake: 67 artists, wine, ADA-accessible paved paths, public weekend admission included with Arboretum general admission, and a $25 members-only Friday preview.

  • Dates: August 15–16, 2026
  • Where: The Morton Arboretum, Meadow Lake Trail
  • Neighborhood: Lisle (West Suburbs)
  • Cost: Ticketed

How it was

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

Schedule

  1. Aug. 14 — Member Preview: 5-7:30 p.m. Friday. $25 member-event ticket, with entry times at 5, 5:30, or 6 p.m.
  2. Aug. 15 — Public Wine and Art Walk: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Included with Arboretum general admission.
  3. Aug. 16 — Public Wine and Art Walk: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Included with Arboretum general admission.

What to expect

Morton Arboretum's signature summer art-and-wine event, August 15–16, 2026 in Lisle (DuPage County, NOT Chicago — it's a 45-min drive west). Sip wine while walking the Meadow Lake Trail, browsing 50+ Midwest-and-beyond juried artists' nature-themed work: photography, woodturning, jewelry, painting, ceramics, fused glass, fiber arts. Friday August 14 is a member-exclusive preview night. Stunning lakeside setting; this is the Arboretum's most picturesque event.

Transit

Drive — there's no useful CTA/Metra access. Metra BNSF to Lisle is the closest train but a 25-minute walk to the Arboretum entrance. Driving from Chicago: I-290 W to I-355 S to the Arboretum exit (~45–60 min depending on traffic). Free Arboretum parking included with admission.

Bag policy

Standard Arboretum policies: no outside food/alcohol on event grounds, no glass except the Arboretum's own wine glass, small bags fine. Strollers welcome. ID required at all wine pours.

Family-friendly

Workable with kids during daytime — the Arboretum is one of the most kid-friendly destinations in metro Chicago (4-Mile loop, Children's Garden, etc.). The wine event is fundamentally adult, but kids enjoy the trail walk and art booths. Stroller-friendly on the Meadow Lake paved trail. Indoor restrooms with changing tables at the visitor center.

Local tips

  1. This is more elegant than boozy. Think slow art walk, Meadow Lake views, and wine as an accent rather than a tasting marathon.
  2. The path is paved and ADA accessible, but comfortable shoes still matter; booths stretch along the lake trail and Tram Road.
  3. Buy Arboretum admission online ahead if you are not a member; Morton says online tickets save $2.
  4. Members should consider Friday preview if they are serious buyers. First look plus a glass of wine is the civilized version of festival shopping.
  5. Pair it with the Children's Garden if you are bringing kids; the event footprint sits near the Visitor Center side of the Arboretum.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wine and Art Walk included with admission?

Yes. The public August 15-16 Wine and Art Walk is included with Morton Arboretum general admission.

Are members free?

Arboretum members can enter free. Member guests can use a $10 add-on admission, and the Friday member preview is a separate $25 ticket.

What are the 2026 hours?

Public hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The members-only preview is Friday, August 14 from 5-7:30 p.m.

Is the route accessible?

Yes. Morton says booths are along Meadow Lake Trail, a paved ADA-accessible 0.6-mile loop, and along paved Tram Road behind the Children's Garden.

How many artists are featured?

The 2026 official page lists 67 selected artists working with natural materials or nature-inspired themes.

Official festival information