OLD TOWN — This weekend, the historic neighborhood of Old Town will come alive with the 75th Old Town Art Fair, an event that attracts hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors.
The art fair runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, regardless of weather conditions.
Nestled in a community rich with history, the fair showcases not just art but also the spirit of a neighborhood that dates back to the 1880s.
Visitors will stroll along Menomonee Street, where homes once inhabited by notable figures like Edward Boarini, a Swiss watchmaker, and Charles Wacker, son of the beer baron and a key city planner, still stand.
Diane Gonzalez, the owner and principal researcher of Chicago House Histories, emphasizes the historical significance of the area, citing the row of Queen Anne homes built between 1884 and 1885 and designed by the renowned architecture firm Adler & Sullivan.
Gonzalez stated, “If you use your imagination when you’re in Old Town, you could feel like you could go back 100 years. There’s a spirit here.”
This year’s art fair is particularly special, as it marks a milestone for an event that began in 1948 and has grown to be recognized as one of the top juried art fairs in the United States.
Organizers have ensconced an impressive selection of 230 artists from across the nation, chosen from over 700 applicants. Their diverse work encompasses various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and jewelry.
Chris Nelson, chair of the 2025 Old Town Art Fair, remarked on the event’s enduring appeal, noting, “The vibrant and inviting programming we create in collaboration with the local community each year has contributed to the fair’s longevity and legacy over the past 75 years.”
Nelson added, “From exceptional art to strolling Old Town’s historic gardens, there will be something for everyone to discover in this year’s fair.”
One of the highlights of the event, the popular Garden Walk, is set to expand this year.
It will feature 57 stops, including eight new ones, guiding attendees through private and hidden gardens scattered throughout Old Town.
Gonzalez and other volunteers will be available to share insights into the historical significance of many homes and gardens along the route.
The weekend lineup promises an array of entertainment, including two music stages, where local blues, jazz, folk, and rock musicians will perform.
Families can also enjoy a dedicated kids’ activity area while sampling various offerings from food and drink vendors positioned throughout the fairgrounds.
Moreover, the Garden Walk complements the neighborhood’s rich history, serving as a reflection of how past stories continue to live on in the present.
The Old Town Art Fair charges a suggested donation of $12 for adults, while children can enter for free.
Proceeds will benefit local schools, neighborhood programs, and historic preservation efforts through the Old Town Triangle Association, the organizing body behind the fair.
The main entrance to the event is located at Lincoln and Wisconsin streets. It is important to note that the Old Town Art Fair is a distinct event from the Wells Street Art Festival, which takes place nearby.
For additional information, including a full schedule of performances and details about the artist lineup and Garden Walk highlights, attendees can visit the fair’s official website.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/13/old-town-art-fair-turns-75-with-its-biggest-garden-walk-yet/
