Elmhurst Art Museum Presents: Art in Wilder Park

Be part of this annual tradition in Elmhurst!

Date: May 2nd-3rd, 2026

Time: 10 am-5 pm. 

The only outdoor art festival of its kind hosted by an art museum, Art in Wilder Park values artistic expression and strives to provide a strong platform for artists to fund their creative practice forward. The festival garnered standout coverage last year in outlets such as the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald. Attracting a multigenerational and diverse crowd— the festival is not only a cultural highlight but an economic boost for participating artists and community businesses.

Festival programming features nearly 130 booths of one-of-a-kind art, food vendors, and hands-on kid’s activities. The festival also debuts a newly commissioned temporary public art installation in the park by a Chicago-based contemporary artist that corresponds to the Elmhurst Art Museum's summer exhibition. Partnerships with dozens of businesses and organizations expands the festival's family-friendly offerings while inviting festival goers to experience what makes Art in Wilder Park so vibrant, creative, and welcoming to all.

By the numbers:

• 11,000+ visitors over 2 days
• 50+ local businesses and sponsors on exhibit at the festival
• The museum’s PR team Silverman and Associates will promote the event with a campaign
• Major preview coverage by WGN TV, the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Suburban Life, Elmhurst Independent and more
• Direct marketing efforts include: Postcards distributed through local businesses, mailings, and our front desk. Direct email campaigns to over 15,500 members, donors and EAM’s general list. The Museum's extensive social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) of 18,000+ followers will be leveraged for maximum exposure and interaction, with template posts provided to all exhibitors

New Public Art Installation in 2026: "Near Immortality", abstract mixed media sculptures by contemporary artist, Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford.

This purchase includes a non-refundable jury fee of $25.
$425 for a 10 x 10 foot space. Includes the $25 jury fee.
$525 for a 10 x 10 foot end space. Includes the $25 jury fee. Limited availability (First come, first served).
$525 for an outdoor sculpture space along Cottage Hill Ave. Includes the $25 jury fee.

Completed applications must be submitted online by Wednesday Feb. 18, 2026. Notification of acceptance will be emailed by Friday, March 13, 2026. If your work is not accepted, you will be refunded the booth fee, minus the jury fee. No other refunds are given for the participation fee. No exceptions will be made.

Sign up HERE --  Art In Wilder Park 2026 - ARTIST Application, Booth & Jury Fee – EAM Shop

In partnership with Elmhurst Park District.

NOTE: 

Application Process: Both PARTS 1 & 2 must be submitted online by Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026.

Part 1 is an online payment form. Within 24-48 hours of your booth purchase, you will receive a link to Part 2 of the artist application form.

Part 2 is an artist application. The application will include contact information for yourself and your business, classifying your medium, and uploading 5 images of your work for jury consideration. We anticipate the application will take between 10-20 minutes to complete

If you require any accessibility accommodations or assistance to complete this application, please let us know. We are committed to providing reasonable support to ensure an inclusive and accessible application process for all individuals.