Contemporary Art Galleries, Artist-Run Spaces and Open Studios in Chicago This October (2026)

Where to see contemporary art in Chicago this October: Cornelia Arts Building and Pilsen Open Studios, the West Town Art Walk, and galleries from West Loop to the South Side.

By The Antre team · · 3 min read

Antre blog card: Chicago, galleries, artist-run spaces and open studios, October 2026

Short answer: The big dates are the open studio weekends. Cornelia Arts Building opens its studios on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, and Pilsen Open Studios runs October 23 to 25. The West Town Art Walk is October 2 to 4. In between, galleries like Woman Made Gallery, OH Art Foundation and moniquemeloche open or keep new shows.

Where are the open studios in Chicago this October?

  • Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W Cornelia Ave. October Open Studios, Friday, October 16, 5 to 9 PM, and Saturday, October 17, 12 to 4 PM. Free.
  • Pilsen Open Studios, run by Pilsen Arts & Community House. Kick-off Friday, October 23, 6 to 9 PM. Open studios Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 12 to 6 PM.
  • West Town Art Walk (16th annual), October 2 to 4, free. Neighborhood galleries and studios. Some tours need an RSVP.
  • Evanston Made Artist Studio Tour, October 3 and 4, 12 to 5 PM. Evanston is a suburb just north of Chicago.

Which galleries and artist-run spaces are worth the trip?

  • moniquemeloche. Brendan Fernandes, “The Noise Will Sound,” September 17 to October 24. His work sits between dance and visual art.
  • Woman Made Gallery, 1332 S. Halsted St. “In Full View,” a group show by artists aged 65 and over about visibility and aging. Opens Saturday, October 10 and runs to November 7.
  • OH Art Foundation, Storefront Gallery, 3314 S Morgan St. Jonathan Michael Castillo, “Immigrant Owned.” Opening reception Friday, October 16, 6 to 9 PM. On view to November 13.
  • Dana De Giulio and Matthew Girson, “Paintings that have the look of paintings that are looked at,” 2025 W. Belmont Ave. September 25 to October 24.
  • VSG Contemporary, 673 N Milwaukee Ave. R. Justin Stewart’s first Chicago solo show, “Between Layers,” felt works, listed for October. The gallery’s current show, “Terra Machina: Lefty Out There,” runs to October 10. Check the gallery for the opening date.
  • Tiger Strikes Asteroid Chicago (artist-run). “Parallel Visions” by its newest members closes October 3.

Key facts

  • City: Chicago. Month: October 2026.
  • Open studios: Cornelia, October 16 and 17. Pilsen, October 23 to 25. All free.
  • Openings: Woman Made Gallery (October 10), OH Art Foundation (October 16, 6 to 9 PM).
  • Closing: Tiger Strikes Asteroid (October 3), moniquemeloche and De Giulio/Girson (October 24).
  • Hours vary. Many galleries are open Wednesday to Saturday, so confirm before you go.

How do you plan an open studio weekend?

Pick one building or one neighborhood. At Cornelia and in Pilsen, studios sit close together, so you can see many artists in an afternoon. Go early on the Friday kick-offs to meet people. Ask each artist what they are working on now, and note one work you want to see again. Studios are where you can talk to the artist about process.

FAQ

Are the open studios free?

Cornelia, Pilsen and the West Town Art Walk are listed as free. Confirm with each organizer.

What is the best weekend?

October 16 and 17 for Cornelia plus the OH Art Foundation opening, or October 23 to 25 for Pilsen.

Which spaces are artist-run?

Tiger Strikes Asteroid Chicago is artist-run. Cornelia and Pilsen open studios are artist-led events.

Is Evanston in Chicago?

No, it is a suburb just north of the city.

Sources

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