Parking
Where do I park?
Free Parking. Free Parking will return to the State Fairgrounds this year. A shuttle will run to and from Newfields’ main entrance on 38th St and 40th St.
Please note the change from last year: no parking at Lafayette Square Mall.
There will also be a limited number of free spots at Light of the World Christian Church, at 4646 N Michigan Rd. The shuttle will run to Newfields’ 40th St entrance.
Paid Parking. A limited number of paid parking spots are available on a first come first served basis on Newfields' campus for $40 per vehicle, until the lot is full. For paid parking, please use Newfields' main entrance along 38th Street, located at 1300 W. 38th St.
Handicap Parking. Vehicles with state-issued disability placards or license plates may park on a first come first served basis, for free, on Newfields' campus. For handicap parking, please use Newfields' main entrance along 38th Street, located at 1300 W. 38th St.
What payment methods are accepted?
This year’s Fair will be primarily cashless. Paid parking, day-of ticket sales, alcohol sales, Penrod gear, and food from the Penrod Grill will not accept cash. There will not be an ATM onsite. Specific food vendors may accept cash.
Is there bicycle parking?
Yes. “Pedal & Park” operates a free bike corral for those patrons who want to ride their bikes to the Fair. The corral will be located off the Central Canal Towpath at the Pony Truss Bridge (Red Bridge) entrance to the Newfields campus.
Which entrance do I use if providing my own parking/walking?
42nd St will be a pedestrian-only gate, though you are welcome to still enter at 38th or 40th.
Other FAQ's
Do children need tickets?
Admission to the Penrod Arts Fair is FREE for kids who are 10 years old and younger. Evening with Penrod is only for ticket holders that are 21 and over.
Are Pets Allowed?
Our Pet Policy aligns with Newfields' campus Pet Policy, available here: https://discovernewfields.org/visit
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed on the Newfields campus on the day of the Penrod Arts Fair, except that guests who rely on service animals or who train service animals may bring them to the Newfields campus on the day of the Penrod Arts Fair and must comply with the provisions outlined in Newfields' Service Dog Policy.
Please do not leave your dog (or any other pet) in your car when attending the Penrod Arts Fair or Evening with Penrod.
Service Animals: Service dogs or service dogs-in-training are welcome to visit the Newfields campus on the date of the Penrod Arts Fair and Evening with Penrod. The service dog must be under physical or voice control of the patron at all times.
Please note that emotional support, comfort, and companionship are not qualified as service tasks for a person with a disability; therapy dogs are also not considered service dogs.
What time do the gates open on Saturday?
The Penrod Arts Fair begins at 9:00 am on the day of the Fair.
What time does the fair close on Saturday?
The Penrod Arts Fair closes at 5:00 pm on the day of the Fair.
Is there a list of Fair artists?
Yes, it can be found on via this link!
Is there a Map of the Fairgrounds?
Yes, the Arts Fair is on the Newfields campus and a Fair Map can be found HERE!
Is there a list of the Entertainment lineup?
Every year, the Penrod Arts Fair offers a variety of live entertainment. The Penrod Arts Fair Entertainment lineup can be found HERE!
Is there a digital program?
Yes, the digital programs can be found at these links Evening with Penrod (EWP) and the Penrod Art Fair.
Is there a bag policy?
The safety and security of all our patrons is important. Therefore, all bags will be searched by hired third-party security firm.