The Wells Street Art Festival returns for its 2025 edition on the second full weekend of June, bringing life, creativity, and community spirit to the historic Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. With an annual attendance of approximately 50,000 visitors, this vibrant two-day event is one of the most anticipated art celebrations in the Midwest.
Juried artists from across North America line the Wells Street corridor, showcasing an exciting mix of mediums—ranging from fine art painting and sculpture to jewelry, woodworking, digital art, metalsmithing, ceramics, and more.
🎶 Live Entertainment:
A full weekend of performances awaits on the festival’s dedicated stage, located in the rear lot of O’Briens Restaurant (1528 N. Wells). Enjoy performances by local musicians, tribute bands, and dynamic performance artists that keep the energy alive all day long.
🎨 Family Fun:
Families are invited to explore the Children’s Play Area at the corner of Wells Street and Evergreen Street, where kids can get hands-on with arts and crafts, live performances, and engaging activities tailored just for them.
🍴 Food & Drink:
Treat yourself to delicious offerings from over 20 food and beverage vendors, including some of Old Town’s favorite local restaurants. From gourmet snacks to refreshing summer sips, there's something for every craving.
Conveniently located just minutes away from downtown's iconic Magnificent Mile and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, Wells Street is easily accessible via the Red Line (Clark/Division Station) and Brown Line (Sedgwick Station) public transit systems.
EXPLORE PARKING CHOICES
Unearth additional parking selections conveniently positioned within walking distance of the art festival:
333 W Institute Pl.: Just a 5-minute walk from the festival.
300 W Locust St.: Only a 6-minute walk from the festival.
100 W Chestnut St.: Approximately a 7-minute walk from the festival.
361 W Chestnut St.: Around a 7-minute walk from the festival.
734 N Clark St.: A 9-minute walk from the festival.
310 W Huron St.: A 10-minute walk from the festival.
Flair Tower: Also a 10-minute walk from the festival.
Prepare your parking in advance for a smooth festival experience!