Libertyville Festival Update:
After 44 years of bringing artists and neighbors together through the Festival of the Arts in Libertyville, the Adler Arts Center will not host the Festival of the Arts in 2026. Ongoing uncertainty around our use of the historic Adler Estate, including the absence of a long-term lease from the Village of Libertyville, makes it impossible to responsibly plan and produce this event.
While this chapter is changing, our commitment to supporting artists and expanding access to the arts remains strong. We are especially excited to collaborate this summer with Mundelein Community Connection on the Mundelein Arts Festival and to continue building creative partnerships across the region.
Mundelein Arts Festival
September 12 & 13, 2026
10am - 5pm
Courtland Commons
On the weekend of September 12 & 13, 2026 Mundelein Community Connection announces the 15th Mundelein Fine Arts Festival, a juried art festival that will showcase the unique talents of 50 fine artists who work in a variety of media. The two-day event will be held from 10 am to 5 pm daily and will feature top-notch artists, local musicians and tasty food.
In addition to professional artists, The Mundelein Fine Arts Festival will also highlight artwork by select students from Carmel Catholic and Mundelein High Schools.
A committee of well-known judges will award a cash prize for Best of Show and Best in Category (six categories). The Kirk Players will award a $500 Emerging Artist Award. There are also Purchase Awards including the Village of Mundelein’s Annual Purchase Award. In addition, Mundelein High School and Carmel Catholic High School will receive scholarship money to award to students.
The Festival is located in Courtland Commons in downtown Mundelein, (N.E. Corner of E. Courtland St & Seymour Ave) Artists will be located in the paved area for easy access by visitors. Musicians will perform throughout the weekend.
Our Mission is to support the arts, provide scholarship money to deserving art students at Carmel Catholic and Mundelein High School, and bring more attention to Mundelein as an excellent place to live and visit.
Artist Information:
Exhibitor Information
Creators of original art and fine crafts are invited to apply. We are seeking approximately 45 fine artists and craftspeople for our juried show. Mundelein, Illinois, a town of 31,000 people, is located 45 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago. This is more than just an arts festival! Not only will you have the opportunity to sell your art and bring awareness of your talents to the greater public, but also, by participating, you will; expand awareness of the arts; have an opportunity to meet our high school artists and share sage advice; and be the means of providing scholarships to high school students that are pursuing the arts in college. By helping our youth pursue the arts we keep the arts strong and alive for the future!
- Application Fee: $25
- Booth Fee is $175. You can save $20 if you apply by March 31, 2026.
- All entries to the show will be juried.
- All art work shown in festival must match design and execution quality represented in pictures. Commission-free sales.
- Artists are responsible for providing their own tents, display tables, materials, etc. All tents must be white and properly weighted in place.
- All spaces are assigned. Each standard display space is 11 x 13 to fit a 10×10 tent.
- Special needs should be noted on the application form.
- Art Fest program brochure listing artists, media and artist location will be provided.
- No pets please.
Publicity
- Major advertising and publicity including, eblasts from Mundelein Community Connection, Village of Mundelein and the GLMV as well as and social media ads and outdoor signage.
- Live musical entertainment will be scheduled throughout the two day event.
- Food will be available from festival food vendors as well as area restaurants.
Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: Postmarked on or before March 31, 2026. Early applicants save $20 on the booth fee. Upon acceptance, Early Bird applicants will receive a coupon code via email to reflect the savings.
Early Bird Deadline: March 31, 2026
Application Deadline*: May 1, 2026
Jurying of all applicants: May 26 – June 5, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: June 10, 2026
Acceptance Deadline: July 1, 2026
No refunds
*Late applications may be accepted based on space availability.
Email or call below to inquire.
Awards
Judges and jury are Chicago-area professional artists and art educators. Cash awards and ribbons will be given to honor:
Best of Show: $200
Cash awards for Best of Category:
Drawing & Painting
Ceramics & Sculpture
Photo & Digital Media
Glass & Mixed Media
Wearables
Other
Emerging Artist – Awarded by the Kirk Players ($500)
Village of Mundelein Purchase Award ($500)