Best Summer Art Festivals In Chicago

Do you enjoy creative endeavors and the beautiful summer weather in Chicago? If so, summer is a great time to explore Chicago and take in all the art festivals going on in The Windy City. Attending an art festival in Chicago is a great way to explore the creative side of Chicago and/or purchase artwork while supporting local individuals and communities. Here are the best summer art festivals happening in Chicago this summer.

Gold Coast Art Fair At Grant Park
Grant Park's Butler Field
Corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(847) 926-4300
www.goldcoastartfair.com
Date: June 20-21, 2015 at 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

This art festival is considered the "Granddaddy of American Art Festivals," and is rated one of top 40 juried art festivals in the country. More than 300 artists come to the festival to share their works of art and prices range from $25 through $25,000. Not only are incredible artwork available, but visitors can also find great food, live music and lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy. View artists at work and artistic activities taking place all weekend. There is a suggested donation of $5 for Chicago Park District's art programs.

The Art Center's Festival Of Fine Arts
The Art Center Highland Park
1957 Sheridan Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-1888
www.theartcenterhp.org
Date: June 27-28, 2015 at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Art Center's Festival of Fine Arts will offer outstanding crafts from talented artists and will also have fun art activities for kids and families. Visitors will be able to see how artists produce their works and live demonstrations will be taking place all weekend. There will also be live entertainment and delicious festival treats to eat. A $5 donation is suggested to support The Art Center of Highland Park and parking is free.

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
Esplanade in the Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 926-4300
www.ChicagoBotanicGardenArtFestival.com
Date: July 3-5, 2015-Friday at 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

There will be artwork from approximately 95 artists at Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, and all artwork will embody a botanic theme, use or material. Visitors will have the opportunity to see artists at work, and there will also be interactive demos and art chats going on all weekend. Admission will be free, but regular parking fees apply.

Related: Best Sketching Classes In Chicago

Artfest Michigan Avenue
Base of Chicago Tribune Building
435 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(847) 926-4300
www.ArtFestMichiganAvenue.com
Date: July 10-12, 2015- Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This new art show will take place right near the Chicago Tribune building overlooking the Chicago River and will feature about 100 juried artists. Admission will be free and the "all art" show will be sure to feature a wide variety of creativity by talented artists.

West Loop Art Fest
N. Halsted & W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60661
(847) 926-4300
www.WestLoopArtFest.com

Date: August 22-23, 2015 at 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The first annual West Loop Art Fest will take place on Washington Street and will consist of four blocks of creative fun. A music stage and food will also highlight the fest along with the creative artwork presented by local artists. This is a joint adventure of Amdur Productions and Star Events, each providing their knowledge in art and music. There is a suggested donation to attend this art festival.

Related: Best Art Walks In Chicago 

Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.