I’m Returning to Nightmare on Chicago Street in 2026!

It’s almost time for one of my favorite events of the year!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be returning as a vendor at Nightmare on Chicago Street in downtown Elgin on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

This will be my 14th year vending at Nightmare on Chicago Street, and as usual, I’ve been working on upgrading my booth for this year’s event. Every year I try to improve the setup a little more, and 2026 will be no exception.

I’ll be bringing my surreal, dark, macabre, strange and phantasmagorical artwork, along with an upgraded display featuring new banners, lighting, sound, effects and more.

Prints & Glow-Up Goodies

My prints will once again be $20 each at Nightmare.

I’ll have a selection of artwork from across my collection, including some of my more colorful surreal pieces as well as darker and macabre imagery. If you’ve followed my work online but haven't had a chance to see the prints in person, Nightmare is one of the best opportunities to do that.

And because it wouldn't be my Nightmare booth without something that lights up:

Buy two prints and you can choose a pair of light-up shutter shades or a glow-stick bracelet!

While supplies last, of course.

Don't Be Shy — Come Say Hi!

One of my favorite parts of Nightmare isn't just selling artwork—it’s getting to meet the people who come through the event.

So if you see me at my booth, don't be shy! Come say hi. Even if you're just stopping by to look at the artwork, I'd love to talk with you.

And if you want to take a photo with me at the booth, absolutely do it! Whether you're in an awesome costume, dressed up for the night, or just want a picture to remember the event, you're welcome to stop by and take a photo.

If you've met me at Nightmare before, come back and say hello again. If we've only interacted online, I'd love to finally meet you in person.

Prognosticator AnimationModel: Romany Suicide
 

What Is Nightmare on Chicago Street?

If you haven't been to Nightmare before, 2026 is bringing some changes to the event.

Nightmare on Chicago Street is returning October 16–17 in downtown Elgin. This year the event has expanded to two nights.

Friday, October 16 is Nightmare on Chicago Street: The Arrival, a new concert-focused experience featuring Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T's and The Ataris, along with a haunted attraction, food and beverage vendors, roaming performers and Cirq D' Freak.

Saturday, October 17 is the traditional Nightmare on Chicago Street experience—the night I'll be vending—which transforms eight blocks of downtown Elgin into an immersive post-apocalyptic world featuring themed zones, live entertainment, specialty performers, food and beverage vendors, and Nightmare Alley, the event's signature haunted attraction.

The event is intended for a mature audience. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by a paid adult for the entire event, and costumes are encouraged.

Come Find My Booth!

I've been participating in Nightmare on Chicago Street for 14 years now, and it's become an annual tradition for me.

It's one of those events where I get to combine a bunch of things I enjoy: art, Halloween, music, costumes, lighting, special effects and meeting people who appreciate unusual artwork.

So if you're coming to Nightmare this year, come find me!

Stop by to browse the artwork, pick up a print, grab something that glows, take a photo, or just come over and say hello.

Don't be shy—I genuinely love meeting the people who come to my booth, so come say hi and get a picture with me!

Nightmare on Chicago Street 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Downtown Elgin, Illinois
8 blocks of immersive Halloween entertainment

For official event information, tickets, parking and schedules, visit the Nightmare on Chicago Street website.

Hope to see you there!

— A.J. Olson

Fine Art Prints • Dark • Macabre • Surreal • Strange • Phantasmagorical