Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
Wells Street Art Festival June 13, 2026
The 51st Annual Wells Street Art Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday June 13–14! The historic Old Town neighborhood will be transformed into a vibrant open-air celebration featuring art, music, food, and community.
Festival hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Spanning Wells Street from North Avenue to Division Street, the nationally recognized festival will feature more than 125 juried artists from Chicago and across the country showcasing original works in painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, digital art, and more.
Consistently ranked among the top 200 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Wells Street Art Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet artists, discover one-of-a-kind works, and purchase pieces directly from creators in a lively neighborhood setting.
This year’s featured artist is Hiroshi Ariyama, whose prints capture many scenes that Chicagoan’s will find relatable or nostalgic.
With tasty local and festival food, two live music stages, interactive art experiences, and a dedicated family activity area, the festival offers entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend.
A suggested $10 donation supports the production of the festival and helps sustain community programming. Gate donations are critical to the continued success of the Wells Street Art Festival and help keep this long-running community event accessible to the public.
Entertainment Schedule
Main Stage 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 (Swift) Tribute
Scott St Stage
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
Learn more at: https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/
The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA) is a community development and business non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local businesses, residents, and cultural institutions while strengthening Old Town as one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods to live, work, dine, shop, and visit.
Learn more at: oldtownchicago.org
