What Is the Chicago Art Fair, and How Do You Plan a Visit?

Chicago Art Fair is a new contemporary art fair at THE MART, October 7 to 10, 2026. Hours, tickets from $25, how to get there, and what is on.

By The Antre team · · 4 min read

Antre card: Chicago Art Fair, October 7 to 10, 2026 at THE MART.

Short answer

Chicago Art Fair is a new contemporary and modern art fair taking place October 7 to 10, 2026 at THE MART in Chicago, with nearly 50 galleries. Public hours are Thursday and Friday 11 am to 8 pm and Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, and the fair says single-day tickets start at $25.

Key facts

  • What it is: the inaugural edition of Chicago Art Fair, a gallery-driven contemporary and modern art fair (per the fair)
  • Dates: October 7 to 10, 2026
  • Venue: THE MART (Merchandise Mart), 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Galleries: nearly 50 local, national and international galleries, per the fair’s September 17 announcement
  • Wednesday, Oct 7: VIP/press preview 4 to 5 pm; opening night preview 5 to 8 pm
  • Public hours: Thursday Oct 8 and Friday Oct 9, 11 am to 8 pm; Saturday Oct 10, 11 am to 6 pm
  • Tickets: single-day tickets start at $25, per the fair’s announcement. Check chicagoartfair.com for current prices.
  • Getting there: THE MART is walking distance from Metra stations and close to the Ohio Street ramp off 90/94, per the fair

What is the Chicago Art Fair?

It is a new fair. The fair describes its first edition as a gallery-driven showcase of contemporary and modern painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, glass and more, with Chicago-based galleries alongside galleries from elsewhere in the United States and abroad. Because it is the first edition, there is no earlier year to compare it with. If you want the other big Chicago art fair, EXPO CHICAGO is a separate fair, listed for April at Navy Pier.

Which galleries are taking part?

The fair’s announcement names Chicago-based exhibitors including Carousel Fine Art, F.L. Braswell Fine Art, Hilton Contemporary, Jean Albano Gallery, McCormick Gallery and Stephen Daiter Gallery. New York-based exhibitors include Camp Z, George Billis Gallery, Lawrence Fine Art, Nancy Hoffman Gallery and Treat Gallery. International exhibitors include Galleria Barbara Paci, GX Gallery and TSEKH Gallery. Special projects by Agnes Beleznay and Graham Hobart are also listed. See the fair’s gallery list for the full roster.

What is there to see besides the booths?

The fair’s schedule page lists a sculpture garden and cafe, presented by Aspen Art Gallery, with large aluminum sculptures by Scott Gerber, and “artists in person” sessions at booths including Timothy Yarger Fine Art, Camp Z and Artavita. The fair also mentions conversations with art and design voices and nonprofit organizations. Times change by day, so read the schedule page before you go.

How do you get to THE MART?

THE MART is at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in River North. The fair says it is walking distance from Metra stations and moments from the Ohio Street ramp off 90/94. For other routes, check CTA and Metra trip planners.

How do you plan your visit?

  • Pick a day: Thursday and Friday run to 8 pm, Saturday closes earlier at 6 pm
  • Decide how long you want to stay. A fair with nearly 50 galleries is a lot to take in; walking the floor once and then returning to two or three booths is one way to do it
  • Look at the “artists in person” times on the schedule if you want to talk to an artist
  • Prices: the fair says it offers a range of price points. Ask a gallery about prices at the booth; you are not expected to buy

What does the fair offer art spaces and artists?

The fair’s site lists exhibiting galleries and a booth packages page for galleries that want to take part. For small galleries, artist-run spaces and artists, a fair can be a way to meet visitors outside their usual circle. Whether this fair does that is not yet known; it is a first edition.

FAQ

When is Chicago Art Fair?

October 7 to 10, 2026. Public hours are Thursday and Friday 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm.

Where is it?

THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.

How much are tickets?

The fair says single-day tickets start at $25. Check chicagoartfair.com for current prices.

Is it the same as EXPO CHICAGO?

No. EXPO CHICAGO is a separate fair, listed for April at Navy Pier.

Do I need to buy art to go?

No. You can look, ask questions and leave.

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