51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival in Old Town June 13, 2026

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Art enthusiasts will be surrounded by creativity and find plenty of inspiration at the prestigious 51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival. This annual summer tradition transforms the historic Old Town neighborhood into a vibrant open-air gallery. Festivalgoers can browse and shop breathtaking works of art from more than 125 juried artists. This Festival will be held, on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division, June 13-14, Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m (1400 N. Wells).

Stroll through artist-lined streets and discover an extraordinary range of creative talent from across the country. Art lovers will see a variety of disciplines featured—traditional painting and sculpture, artisan woodworking and metalsmithing, ceramics, jewelcraft, photography, digital arts, and more. The Wells Street Art Festival continues to rank in the top 200 art festivals in the U.S. according to Sunshine Artist Magazine
Returning artists and fan favorites are:
• Hiroshi Ariyama, Works-on-Paper
• Brian Mckelvey, 2D Mixed-Media
• Jurate Phillips, Painting
• Lilian Delgado, 2D Mixed-Media
• Roger Disney, Painting
• Timm Chapman, Photography
• Ashley Bushala, Ceramics
Visitors can also sample and expanded array of tasty treats and savory bites from local restaurants and drink vendors including: Taco Pros, Declan’s Irish Pub, Dog House Grill, Old Town Pub, Scout Waterhouse, Benchmark, Fireplace Inn, Glunz Tavern, Kamehachi, Orso’s Restaurant The Vig, Greek Delights, El Campeon, Lee Concessions, Banges, Cafe TOLA and the
Roasted Corn Company.
Conveniently located steps away from the brown line “EL” train’s Sedgwick stop or the red line train’s Clark & Division stop, the festival takes over the heart of the popular Old Town neighborhood. Be sure to check out the Family Activity Area by the Franklin School (on Evergreen & Wells) for arts, crafts and more. In addition to artist booths and delicious food, visitors can enjoy entertainment on two stages from local bands and the Jesse White Tumblers.

A $10 suggested donation upon entry benefits Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. “We’re thrilled to welcome the community back for this prestigious festival celebrating creativity, culture, and the incredible talent of the art community,” said Marcy Huttas. “The continued support from festival attendees through the suggested gate donation helps ensure these beloved annual events remain vibrant traditions for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

As a non-profit organization and not city funded, donations will help these festivals stay around for all to enjoy.

To learn more visit: https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/

Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage Entertainment at North Ave.
Saturday, June 13
12 pm – School of Rock
1:30 pm – Jesse White Tumblers
2 pm – Live Band Karaoke
4 pm – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
6 pm – Blue Rose Band
8 pm – 16 Candles

Sunday, June 14
12:15 pm – Alfredo & The Made Men
1:40 pm – Jesse White Tumblers
2 pm – The Strangers – Music of The Cure
4 pm – Fletcher Rockwell
6 pm – Rod Tuffcurls Presents: Tuff Taylor – An All Taylor Tribute

Community Stage at Scott St.
Saturday, June 13
12 pm – The Lightning Bolts
12:35pm – Definition Chaos
2 pm – Fiddle Rock
3:45 pm – Caught Steelin
5:15pm – Black Oil Brothers
7 pm – 3 Martini Jeannie

Sunday, June 14
12 pm – Chase Wilkins Trio
1:30pm – Pink Raspberry Cats
3 pm – Amanda Coppotelli
4:45pm – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
6:30pm – Band Calderisi

The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA) connects area residents, small businesses, and cultural organizations. Our goal is to continue Old Town’s evolution as a safe and vibrant location to live, work and laugh. The Old Town neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago is bordered by Clark Street to the east, Division Street to the south, Halsted Street to the west and Eugenie Street/North Avenue to the north. Learn more about OTMRA as well as Old Town’s vibrant shops and restaurants by visiting oldtownchicago.org
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