Old Capitol Art Fair

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Arts & CultureSpringfield
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe fair's defining feature is its setting
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield

The Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair is a juried, two-day outdoor fine arts fair held each May in downtown Springfield, Illinois, around the historic Illinois Old State Capitol building. Running for more than 60 years, it draws artists and shoppers from across the country to sell original work in a wide range of media, alongside a children's shopping tent, live music, food vendors, and a community mural project.

Its historic square setting and longevity make it a strong central Illinois arts row.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The fair's defining feature is its setting: booths are arranged directly around the Illinois Old State Capitol, a restored 19th-century statehouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law and delivered his House Divided speech, giving the event a backdrop few art fairs can match

02

The mystery stays covered

It is a juried show, with participating artists selected through an application and review process rather than open registration, building a collector following over more than six decades

03

The city starts moving

Distinctive programming sets it apart from typical craft fairs too: a dedicated Children's Tent lets kids shop for original art with their own money, a community mural project invites attendees to help paint a piece inspired by a participating artist's work, and proceeds have funded a growing civic art collection that the City of Springfield displays year-round

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Children's Tent

Water and renewal

Living ritual

where kids browse and buy original art with money of their own

The sacred route

Living ritual

is one of the fair's most distinctive and consistently returning features

The local code

Living ritual

aimed at building young collectors rather than simply entertaining children on the sidelines

Tradition 5

Living ritual

An annual poster contest and a parallel student art contest for young artists are recurring traditions that tie the professional fair to the next generation of Springfield-area artists

Tradition 6

Living ritual

The fair's community mural project

Tradition 7

Living ritual

painted collaboratively by attendees each year based on a participating artist's work

Tradition 8

Living ritual

is a newer but now expected feature of the weekend

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Walking downtown is easiest.

What to wear

Comfortable spring clothing suits a full day of outdoor walking: light layers for cool May mornings that warm into the afternoon, closed-toe shoes for standing and walking on downtown...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Springfield

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.22 N, 93.30 WOpen in Google Maps

Springfield, IL

TransportWalking downtown is easiest.
Stay areaSpringfield

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Springfield via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Springfield, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearComfortable spring clothing suits a full day of outdoor walking: light layers for cool May mornings that warm into the afternoon, closed-toe shoes for standing and walking on downtown sidewalks and plaza pavement, and a hat or sunglasses for sunny stretches without much shade around the Capitol grounds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Old Capitol Art Fair?

Old Capitol Art Fair is listed for Past edition: 17–18 May 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Old Capitol Art Fair take place?

The festival is listed in Springfield, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Springfield, IL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLspringfieldoldcapitolartfair.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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