OLD TOWN — This weekend both of Old Town's dueling art-based festivals are set to take place with a few new twists.
The older of the two, the Old Town Art Fair, is celebrating its 65th year in the neighborhood.
The "newcomer" to Old Town, the Wells Street Art Festival, will be celebrating its 40th year.
Both festivals will be held Saturday and Sunday.
The Old Town Art Fair continues to be run by the Old Town Triangle Association and is known for its emphasis on the arts, with 250 nationally acclaimed artists expected this weekend. The fair is recognized as one of the top three juried fine art fairs in America.
The Wells Street Art Festival also includes plenty of art, but also musical acts throughout the day. It typically draws a younger crowd.
In addition to the two festivals, St. Michael's of Old Town is hosting a BYOB food truck block party Saturday and Sunday.
St. Michael's will be featuring food trucks including Gino's Steaks, Pierogi Wagon, Porkchop and Chicago Cupcake with music from Vanilla Extract, Radium Swing Bank and Beatnik Ramble.
The BYOB aspect of the fest is for those 21 and older, and the festivities will be open to the public from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The main gate for the Old Town Art Fair is at Lincoln avenue and Wisconsin avenues and the festival well be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with a $7 suggested donation.
About 100 of the artists are new to the Old Town Art Fair this year.
The festival will also include a garden walk, a food court and a live music stage.
The Wells Street Are Festival will feature 225 juried artists on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street.
The festival runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and will include food from 15 vendors from the neighborhood including Fireplace Inn, Bistro Margot, Kamehachi, Adobo Grill and more.
Headlining bands include the Trippin' Billies Saturday and American English Sunday.
The suggested donation is $7 before 5 p.m., $10 after 5 p.m.
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