50th Annual Wells Street Art Festival (Part 3 of 3)

The Wells Street Art Festival is where art enthusiasts are guaranteed to find plenty of inspiration for this early summer showcase. Held on the eponymous strip of Wells Street between North Avenue and Division in Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood, it’s a treasure trove of creativity and much more. Lots of great live music at this event!

Suggested Donation is $8.00 Entry for one person on Saturday June 14th. Remember, this is a donation and NOT required, so you can pay less or nothing if you want!

I am being adventurous & want to do all 3 events on Saturday with Brunch & BOTH ART Fairs - Old Town & Wells Street - so it will be a FULL DAY. Please come for 1 portion or all 3! (yes, it is a full day!)

Tentative Itinerary:
9:30 am - 11:00 am - Breakfast at Gemini (Part 1)
11:15 AM - NORTH GATE, located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue at Wisconsin (this is the MAIN GATE). If the line is too long, we will go to the West Gate
11:15 - 1:30 pm - Check the Old Art Fair Vendors & Garden Walk (Part 2)
1:30 -1:45 pm walk over to Wells Street Art Fair
1:45 - 4 pm - check out Wells Street Art & see several live bands! (Part 3)

We will ENTER the fair at the NORTH AVE & WELLS STREET ENTRANCE! If you are not doing the brunch before or the Old Art Fair before, then meet at this gate. I would suggest trying to attend at least the Old Town Art Fair as it may be difficult to find the group with the crowds at this Well Street Art fest!

I am scheduling the BRUNCH portion BEFORE the fair as a separate event, to make it easier for all & space is limited. It'll be at Gemini. If you want to join the BRUNCH portion @Gemini before the art fair, then please sign up for that separately at this link below: https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307409598/

I am scheduling the Old Town Art Fair BEFORE as a separate event from brunch & Wells Street Art Festival, to make it easier for all & since numbers are limited. If you want to join the art fair portion as well, please sign up for that at this link: https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307409604/

The Wells Street Art Festival is an annual community art event held outdoors in Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. Old Town is well known throughout the United States for its historic landmarks and Victorian-era buildings. Each year, the festival’s proceeds go towards securing its continuing development and beautification. Attendees of the summer-time extravaganza are treated to an eclectic array of artwork as well as tasty local cuisine and live music performances by local musicians. Whether you’re looking for a unique painting to accentuate your home or one-of-a-kind jewelry, the festival’s 200+ artists are sure to have something that will strike your fancy.

The annual art extravaganza features the works of more than “250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from paintings, sculptures and glasswork to photography, ceramics, woodwork and much more. It also features the tasty cuisine of Old Town restaurants, the always-hoppin music stage, and a silent auction.

The Wells Street Art Festival has a 2 dedicated music stages. The musical lineup for Saturday 6/14/25 is as follows:

Main Stage Saturday
Noon – School of Rock
1:30pm – Jesse White Tumblers
2:00pm – Super Creeps
4:00pm – Stache
6:00pm – Trippin Billies
8:00pm – 16 Candles

Side Street Stage Saturday
1:00pm – XOChI
2:00pm – RAVIV Electric Cellos
3:45pm – Pink Raspberry Cats (Jazz)
5:15pm – Sam Fazio 4
7:00pm – Rosie & The Rivets

https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us
https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/festival-guide

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ -

Note that parking can be difficult during the art fair or in Wells Street Art Fair in general, so it is best to use public transportation. brown line trains run near the fair & CTA bus routes. Use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for the cheapest & safest options. Metered parking on North Ave, LaSalle & Clark streets, but can be a challenge if not familiar with the area

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:

1. 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp, and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
2. cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
3. not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type events)
4. continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!