Chesterton Art Fair 2026

In its 67th year, Chesterton Art Fair draws artists and patrons from all over the Midwest and beyond. The fair is held the first full weekend in August at Dogwood Park, a municipal park with shade trees and amenities. The 2026 fair dates are August 1-2, with hours 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. The fair features 90+ artists, live music, family activities, food vendors, and free parking for approximately four thousand visitors. Proceeds support Chesterton Art Center (CAC), a non-profit arts organization.

The application deadline is April 30, 2026. All applicants must be artists 18 years or older who create original work in 2D, 3D, fiber, glass, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, or wood. A non-refundable $35.00 jury fee is required per application. Artists may apply in multiple media categories but must pay the $35.00 fee for each application, with a limit of three applications per artist. Accepted artists will be notified by May 8, 2026. Participation confirmation and booth fees are due by May 29, 2026.

All work must be designed and hand-made by the accepted artist. Commercially cast jewelry, molds, imported or commercially made products, production studio pieces, and DIY kits are not eligible. No artworks generated by or produced with AI assistance are eligible. Artists in 2D categories (except Photography) may sell high-quality reproductions of original work in limited amounts, labeled as reproductions, but reproductions may not represent the majority of booth work. Only work consistent with accepted juried images may be exhibited and sold.

Artists must provide their own professional tents and weather protection. Single booths are 10 x 10 feet ($250.00 for CAC members, $300.00 for non-members). Double booths are 10 x 20 feet ($425.00 for CAC members, $525.00 for non-members). Setup is Friday, July 31, 2026. Artists must be present at fair check-in with their work for the duration of the weekend. Overnight police security is provided Friday and Saturday nights. Water and snacks are provided at no cost to artists, and staff and volunteers assist with setup and takedown.

Three artist prizes will be awarded: $500.00 for Best in Show, $300.00 for 1st Prize, and $200.00 for 2nd Prize, awarded Saturday after the fair opens. Artists are responsible for collecting and paying 7% Indiana sales tax. Application/jury fees are non-refundable. Accepted artist booth fees are non-refundable unless the fair is canceled by organizers.