Local artists can apply through Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a booth at Niles' annual Last Call Art & Music Fest, a free outdoor celebration returning to Niles Civic Center Plaza on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The application fee is $50, according to the Village of Niles and the festival's application portal. The event runs noon to 5 p.m. at 1000 Civic Center Drive.
The festival, organized by the village's Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council, draws roughly 100 artist applications each year. A three-person jury selects 50 visual artists to participate, rating entries "yes," "no" or "maybe," Journal & Topics reported. A small number of exempted artists are also invited directly to display work.
Unlike many traditional juried shows, the festival does not award first-, second- or third-place honors.
Work on display spans paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and ceramics, alongside live music, food trucks and family activities. The village's event page references jazz and rock bands among the musical offerings.
First held in 2022 under the name "Last Call Before Fall," the event has grown into a fixture on Niles' fall calendar. At that inaugural festival, Niles firefighter Daniel Homan displayed ceramic and pottery pieces he creates in his off time, and Niles resident Jose Reyes brought his 3-year-old son to browse horse drawings by artist Kim Kwan of Kimmico Art.
The outdoor festival takes place rain or shine. No refunds are issued for bad weather, and participating artists are responsible for protecting their own artwork and equipment.
Artists can submit applications through the Niles Public Arts & Culture Council's portal on EntryThingy. Information on musician performance slots was not listed on the application portal; residents interested in performing can check the village website for updates.
What to know:
- What: Last Call Art & Music Fest
- When: Sunday, Oct. 11, noon–5 p.m.
- Where: Niles Civic Center Plaza, 1000 Civic Center Drive
- Cost: Free to attend; $50 artist application fee
- Artist deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 1
