Gold Coast Art Fair 2026

The "Granddaddy of American Art Festivals," the 68th Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Grant Park. The Gold Coast Art Fair is the 3rd oldest and one of the most well attended art fests in Chicago. Located within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, The Bean, and Buckingham Fountain, Gold Coast Art Fair draws hundreds of thousands of art enthusiasts from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs annually. The festival features about 250 artists in a lovely setting with both lake views and park vistas backed by the Chicago skyline.

The festival runs from November 30, 2025 to January 16, 2026, with applications due January 16, 2026. Notifications are sent February 16, 2026. The application is free and emerging artists are accepted. Paved walks lead to every booth and every artist is on the main loop. Food, beverage and music oasis are located in each corner of the fest. A special Artist VIP tent provides backup support during the festival, and discounted parking is made available to artists.

Exhibit spaces are 12' wide by 10' deep for $775 or 20' wide by 10' deep for $1,475 (includes permit fee). Corner upgrades are available for an additional $200. Set up is dolly in and out the Friday before the show or Saturday morning, with security on site from load in through load out. Artists keep all their sales income from the show. Additional services include booth sitting, equipment rental, valet service, hotel discounts, artist break room, awards, extensive marketing support, and overnight security.