Fairs/Festivals
West Loop Art Fest 2026
Chicago, Illinois
Application Fee: $30
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
Bash Creates is proud to lead the next chapter of the West Loop Art Fest as we continue to evolve this beloved neighborhood event. In partnership with the West Central Association, we’re reimagining the festival into a premier, art-forward experience in the heart of Fulton Market—one of Chicago’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.
Located along Fulton Street, the fest is surrounded by a vibrant mix of renowned restaurants, design-forward spaces, and a community that values creativity and craftsmanship. With a strong local following and an audience with real buying power, this is an opportunity to connect directly with engaged art lovers in an energetic, high-traffic environment. A thoughtful and targeted marketing campaign will ensure strong visibility and attendance throughout the weekend.
This two-day, outdoor festival (rain or shine) celebrates all levels of artistic expression—from emerging creators and skilled makers to established fine artists. Showcase your signature work or take the opportunity to explore something new. At West Loop Art Fest, originality and creativity take center stage.
Located along Fulton Street, the fest is surrounded by a vibrant mix of renowned restaurants, design-forward spaces, and a community that values creativity and craftsmanship. With a strong local following and an audience with real buying power, this is an opportunity to connect directly with engaged art lovers in an energetic, high-traffic environment. A thoughtful and targeted marketing campaign will ensure strong visibility and attendance throughout the weekend.
This two-day, outdoor festival (rain or shine) celebrates all levels of artistic expression—from emerging creators and skilled makers to established fine artists. Showcase your signature work or take the opportunity to explore something new. At West Loop Art Fest, originality and creativity take center stage.
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General Information
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES
Accept applications through June 23, 2026
Accept invitation & purchase deadline: July 6, 2026
Event Dates: August 22-23, 2026
Fest Hours: Saturday/Sunday, 10am-7pm
Load In Date: Staggered, Saturday morning (No Friday Load In)
Load Out: Sunday evening
Accepted Media 2D
Drawing • Digital Art • Painting • Photography • Printmaking • 2D Mixed Media
Accepted Media 3D
Ceramics • Fiber • Fashion/Wearables • Glass • Jewelry • Metal • Paper • Sculpture • Stone • 3D Mixed Media • Wood • Bath/Body/Spa • Candles • Folk/Traditional Art
Artist/Artisan Amenities
- No commission on sales
- Designated artist area with restrooms, drinks and snacks
- Boothsitting
- Load In and Load Out specifics will be sent prior to the fest
- All booths on pavement. Booth spaces are approximately 12' wide by 10" deep. Corner and double booths are also available on a limited basis.
- Security - 24/7 security is provided, but we strongly encourage removal of any valuables overnight. Bash and WCA are not responsible for personal injury and loss or damage to work displayed. Artists should insure their own work.
Your displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye, No music in booths.
You must display within your allocated space and not infringe on your neighbors.
If invited, your booth display should reflect your submitted jury photos. NO EXCEPTIONS!
EXTRAS:
Rentals
Tent Single (10'x10') - $525 (includes barrel weights)
Tent Sides (10'x20') - $55 (require 2 sides for full wrap on single)
Tent Double (10'x20') - $725 (includes barrel weights)
Chair - $25
Table, 8ft - $50
Sign Pole - 2 poles, to hold a single 10' banner - $30
Application Requirements
FOR ARTISTS
Please make sure you meet the fest eligibility before applying.
1. Contract Cancellation: BASH reserves the right to cancel any vendor agreement at its discretion, including at the direction of the WCA, for the overall benefit of the festival. Cancellations due to improper licensing, non-compliance, or failure to meet guidelines are not eligible for refunds.
2. Eligibility: All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the prospectus. Only original, handcrafted work is permitted. Commercially manufactured items, kits, molds, or buy/sell products are strictly prohibited.
3. Acceptance: A completed registration is a commitment to show, and no refund will be made for cancellations or no shows. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Participation Requirements
5. Electricity: Personal generators and car batteries are prohibited.
6. Music in Booths: Recorded or live music is not permitted inside artist booths unless expressly approved by BASH.
7. Compliance with Laws
10. No-Show Policy: Artists who fail to check in by the designated time will be considered no-shows. No refunds will be issued and booth space will be forfeited.
11. Family-Friendly Standards: This is a family-oriented event. Exhibited work must reflect this atmosphere. BASH reserves the right to remove inappropriate content.
Noncompliance may result in removal from current and future events without refund.
12. Indemnification: BASH, WCA, sponsors, and service providers are not liable for loss, injury, or damages before, during, or after the event. Artists are responsible for their equipment and operations. Liability/property insurance is strongly recommended. By signing, artists agree to indemnify all event producers and partners.
13. Miscellaneous
15. Third-Party Participation: Booth spaces may not be subleased or shared without prior written approval.
16. Weather & Safety: In the event of inclement weather, public safety concerns, or other emergencies, BASH may cancel or postpone the event. These circumstances do not qualify for refunds.
Please make sure you meet the fest eligibility before applying.
1. Contract Cancellation: BASH reserves the right to cancel any vendor agreement at its discretion, including at the direction of the WCA, for the overall benefit of the festival. Cancellations due to improper licensing, non-compliance, or failure to meet guidelines are not eligible for refunds.
2. Eligibility: All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the prospectus. Only original, handcrafted work is permitted. Commercially manufactured items, kits, molds, or buy/sell products are strictly prohibited.
3. Acceptance: A completed registration is a commitment to show, and no refund will be made for cancellations or no shows. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Participation Requirements
- Only the artist or crafter who created the work may exhibit.
- Exhibitors must participate both days and remain open 10am-7pm.
- Noncompliance may result in exclusion from future events.
- All work must match the quality and category approved by the jury.
- BASH reserves the right to request removal of non-compliant items.
- All work exhibited must be of the quality and type of that shown in the juried images. West Loop Art Fest reserves the right to ask an artist to remove work that does not meet this requirement.
5. Electricity: Personal generators and car batteries are prohibited.
6. Music in Booths: Recorded or live music is not permitted inside artist booths unless expressly approved by BASH.
7. Compliance with Laws
- Drilling into city streets is prohibited and subject to fines and removal.
- Artists are responsible for any violations incurred.
- THC-based product sales are prohibited.
- All tents must be white and weighted with 50 lbs per leg (no bricks, water jugs, or sandbags).
- Artists are responsible for setup, teardown, and booth cleanliness.
- Vehicles are allowed for loading only during designated times.
- Load-in schedules will be emailed one week prior.
- Artists must vacate within 2 hours of event closure.
- Booth sharing is prohibited.
- Multi-person teams producing a single product may qualify as one exhibitor.
- No gas-powered generators or amplified music allowed.
10. No-Show Policy: Artists who fail to check in by the designated time will be considered no-shows. No refunds will be issued and booth space will be forfeited.
11. Family-Friendly Standards: This is a family-oriented event. Exhibited work must reflect this atmosphere. BASH reserves the right to remove inappropriate content.
Noncompliance may result in removal from current and future events without refund.
12. Indemnification: BASH, WCA, sponsors, and service providers are not liable for loss, injury, or damages before, during, or after the event. Artists are responsible for their equipment and operations. Liability/property insurance is strongly recommended. By signing, artists agree to indemnify all event producers and partners.
13. Miscellaneous
- Accepted artists grant BASH and WCA permission to use submitted images for promotional purposes.
- Artists are responsible for cleaning their booth area and disposing of all waste properly.
- Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, firearms, weapons, overnight camping, individual music, and non-service animals are prohibited.
- Violations may result in removal from the event.
- All artists must collect and remit Illinois sales tax within 10 days of the event.
- Artists must use only their assigned space.
- Items may not be stored on sidewalks.
- BASH reserves the right to relocate artists.
- Artists are responsible for any damage or loss to their own equipment.
15. Third-Party Participation: Booth spaces may not be subleased or shared without prior written approval.
16. Weather & Safety: In the event of inclement weather, public safety concerns, or other emergencies, BASH may cancel or postpone the event. These circumstances do not qualify for refunds.
Jury Details
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
100
Booth Information
ARTIST/ARTISAN BOOTHS
Spaces are approximately 12'x10' with limited usage space behind each tent. All art must be contained within each assigned space. Please do not infringe on your neighbor's space. All tents are required to be white and weighted with 50 lb. per leg.
Single space: 10'x10' - $495
Double space: 20'x10' - $895
Corner space: 10'x10', open one side - $695
Center of Street: 10'x10' - $795
All artists/artisans are required to purchase a $25 pop-up retail permit from the City of Chicago at time of registration.
Pop-Up Retail User License uploaded OR request Bash Creates to secure license ($25 fee)
Double and corner spaces cannot be guaranteed, and are assigned by the West Loop Art Fest. Corner spaces must have an open wall, or have art displayed on the open booth side.
Sponsor
Sponsorships, please contact Todd@bashcreates.com for more information or 312.282.7998
Spaces are approximately 12'x10' with limited usage space behind each tent. All art must be contained within each assigned space. Please do not infringe on your neighbor's space. All tents are required to be white and weighted with 50 lb. per leg.
Single space: 10'x10' - $495
Double space: 20'x10' - $895
Corner space: 10'x10', open one side - $695
Center of Street: 10'x10' - $795
All artists/artisans are required to purchase a $25 pop-up retail permit from the City of Chicago at time of registration.
Pop-Up Retail User License uploaded OR request Bash Creates to secure license ($25 fee)
Double and corner spaces cannot be guaranteed, and are assigned by the West Loop Art Fest. Corner spaces must have an open wall, or have art displayed on the open booth side.
Sponsor
Sponsorships, please contact Todd@bashcreates.com for more information or 312.282.7998
Refund Policy
Application fee is non-refundable.
At this time, all booth fees are final and non-refundable, except in the case of event cancellation.
A "no-show" automatically forfeits any and all collected fees.
At this time, all booth fees are final and non-refundable, except in the case of event cancellation.
A "no-show" automatically forfeits any and all collected fees.
Additional Fees
Double Booth + Permit: $920
Center of the Street and Permit: $820
Corner Booth + Permit: $720
Single Booth + Permit: $520
Rental-Tent Double - 10 ft. x 20 ft.: $725
Rent-Tent Single - 10 ft. x 10 ft.: $525
Tent Sides - 10 ft. x 20 ft. (require 2 sides for full wrap): $55
Sign Pole - 2 poles, designed for a single 10 ft. banner: $30
Rental-Table - 8 ft.: $50
Rental-Chair : $25
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $30