Art Fairs and Festivals
Throughout the year, the art scene gets more colorful, as fests, fairs, and shows set up shop:
One of a Kind Show, at Merchandise Mart (tel. 312/527-4141; http://oneofakindshowchicago.com), draws hundreds of talented artists, jewelry makers, clothing producers, and other crafty entrepreneurs twice a year in early December and late April.
The 57th Street Art Fair, 57th Street in downtown Hyde Park (tel. 773/234-3247; www.57thstreetartfair.org), is a long-standing fair in early June that’s a natural outgrowth of the intellectual and artsy enclave of Hyde Park.
Old Town Art Fair, Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street (tel. 312/337-1938; www.oldtownartfair.org), in early June, is the most high-end of Chicago’s art-fair offerings, boasting art prices to match.
Farmers’ Markets
From mid-May to late October, Chicago’s downtown plazas and neighborhoods overflow with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and food from nearby farms. Markets in residential neighborhoods, such as the can’t-miss Green City Market that packs Lincoln Park on Saturdays (1817 N. Clark St.; www.greencitymarket.org), usually take place on weekends. The farmers’ markets downtown—including those listed here—take place during the week. Schedules may vary, so contact the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (tel. 312/744-3316) for details.
* Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., on Thursdays
* Federal Plaza, Adams Street and Dearborn Street, on Tuesdays
* SOAR, 220 E. Chicago, on Tuesdays
* South Loop, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. on Thursdays
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
