Summer art festival season will be in full swing when the Wells Street Art Festival returns for its 39th year. One of the City’s largest and most acclaimed fine arts happenings, it’s Held in the heart of Chicago’s old Town neighborhood. The annual art extravaganza features the works of more than 250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from painting, sculptures and glasswork to photography, ceramics, woodwork and much, much more. It also features the tasty cuisine of Old Town restaurants, the always-hoppin’ music stage, and a silent auction.
Main Stage Music
Saturday, June 8th
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Happiness Club
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Todd Kessler
2:00 PM – 2:20 PM Jesse White Tumblers
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sophie B. Hawkins
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM The Smithereens
7:45 PM – 9:45 PM Trippin Billies
Sunday, June 9th
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM Stache
2:00 PM – 2:20 PM Jesse White Tumblers
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM The Hat Guys
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Generation
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM American English
Entertainment & Attractions
Besides the main attraction of world-class art, The Wells Street Art Festival offers a vast array of entertainment. A main music stage features continuous live rock, jazz, and top-name, nationally-renowned headline entertainment. In addition, the festival boasts a vast assortment of Chicago’s best food, live musicians along Wells Street, a silent auction and more!
Silent Auction
Saturday & Sunday, 1:00pm to 6:00pm Place your bids on beautiful, original works of art donated by artists exhibiting in this year’s art festival. Collage, photography, works on paper, paintings, sculptures, glasswork and jewelry will be on exhibit both days during the festival. Fifty percent of each auction sale benefits the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association.
NEW! Student Artists’ Showcase
For the first time ever, the Wells Street Art Festival is inviting local high school and college students (including junior colleges) to submit art entries for the festival’s new “Student Artist Showcase.” Up to 10 selected applicants will display their artwork in a special designated area at the 39th Annual Wells Street Art Festival in Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. The Student Artist Showcase provides promising student artists with an exceptional opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional venue, interact with established artists and experience the jury process.
How To Get Here
Ride the Brown Line train to Sedgwick and head east on north Avenue to Wells Street. Ride the Red Line train to Clark/Division and head west on Division Street to Wells Street. Take any of the 22/36/156/72/73/9 buses to North Avenue and walk to Wells Street. For other routes, directions and connections, call 312.836.7000 or visit www.transitchicago.com.
Beneficiary – Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
Your gate donation benefits the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. Since its establishment in 1971, the Old Town Merchants& Residents Association has served as the voice of the Old Town community, advocating city services for businesses and residents including: community policing, street/sidewalk cleaning, lighting, beautification and community planning. Members are both business owners, property owners and residents of Old Town. A majority of the Association’s membership is made up of business/property owners who also live in Old Town. Members are kept informed of Association projects and community issues through regular meetings, newsletters and networking events. Members are automatically included in the Association’s neighborhood directory and website. Members can opt to participate in various neighborhood-wide advertising/marketing efforts at a discount rate and the popular street banner program. To learn more about membership, please contact the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association at 312.951.6106.