Art Fairs as a destination

 

Sometimes you get lucky when traveling and come across a fun place to stop, and even shop. Such is Ann Arbor, MI which merits a drive for its triple art fairs but combined under the name Ann Arbor Art Fair, July 18-20, 2024.

They are three separate non-profit fairs that fill the streets from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. that Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. 

Drawing about half a million visitors, they combine to be the country’s largest juried art showing of works by about 1,000 artists and cover about 30 city blocks, so wear comfortable shoes.

Where to take a break: Zingerman’s Deli which has a barrel of the old fashion kind of pickles and yummy corned beef. For more art fiar info click on Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original, The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair.

For places to stay and other places to eat visit Destination Ann Arbor | Visit Ann Arbor, MI.

booth at Port Clinton Art Festival (J Jacobs photo)
Booth at Port Clinton Art Festival (J Jacobs photo)

Another good art fair destination is the Port Clinton Art Festival in downtown Highland Park, IL, Aug 24-25, 2024. It is a third smaller than the triple AA Fair at nearly 300 booths, but the fair is also juried and ranked among the best in the country.

For a break look for That Little French Guy Patisserie on St. Johns Ave. across from the Metra train station. Everything is good here so take something to go along with the art.