Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the below question and answer section to find out additional information about the Wells Street Art Festival. If your question isn't addressed here, you can email festival organizers via this site's Contact page.
01
What's the Address for the Wells Street Art Festival?
The Wells Street Art Festival extends for six blocks on Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street. Intersecting streets at Scott, Goethe, Evergreen and Schiiler are also considered part of the festival. To map your route, we recommend using "1560 N. Wells" or "1202 N. Wells" for the main gate(s)
02
How are artists selected for the Wells Street Art Festival?
We pride ourselves in curating a roster of artists that is both varied in form and high in quality. To that end, each artist applicant is reviewed by a professional panel of jurors. On average, only 60% of juried applicants are offered inclusion in the festival.
03
Is there a fee to attend the Wells Street Art Festival?
In short, no. We do however suggest attendees give a $10 gate donation to support the festival and the many community projects and organizations it funds. Gate donations at the Wells Street Art Festival account for a large percentage of our operating budget and are vital in retaining services for Old Town.
04
How do I access Wells Street Art Festival via public transit?
The Wells Street Art Festival is easily accessible via several CTA bus or rail routes. the Sedgwick Brown Line stop is located four blocks west near the corner of North/Sedgwick. The Clark/Division Red Line stop is accessible at LaSalle/Division. Bus routes #72 North, #156 LaSalle, #22 Clark, #36 Broadway, #73 Armitage, #37 Sedgwick, #8 Division and #70 Division are all located near the festival footprint.
05
Where's the best place to park for the Wells Street Art Festival?
Street parking meters exist around the periphery of the festival grounds, with private open-air lots and garages also available. Your closest option is one of the locations along North Avenue between LaSalle Street and Sedgwick, with additional lots and garages on Evergreen, Division and Clark.
06
What is the Wells Street Art Festival policy on dogs?
Owners are welcome to bring their dogs within the festival grounds as long as they are leashed, up-to-date on all required shots, and of a docile demeanor. The festival shall not be held accountable for any injuries done to or inflicted by any pets during the event.
07
What is the Wells Street Art Festival policy on outside food/beverages?
We encourage you instead to sample some of the great menu items supplied by street vendors, but outside food or non-alcoholic beverages is not prohibited. Any alcoholic products will be confiscated upon arrival, as will any free-standing grilling and/or cooking devices. Violators are subject to removal from the festival footprint.