Nightmare on Chicago Street (NOCS)

Nightmare on Chicago Street (NOCS) is an annual event hosted by the City of Elgin. The streets come alive with immersive attractions such as Plaza Mictlan, Cirq D’ Freak, Kingdom of Plantae, The Thunder-Dome, and Svengoolie’s B-Movie Boulevard, among many others.

One of the event’s long-standing features is the Graffiti Section, which has been a part of NOCS since 2011. This area celebrates creativity and urban artistry, welcoming artists from all backgrounds and styles.

This website serves as an information hub for artists interested in participating in the Graffiti Section. Here, you can:

  • Learn about event details and guidelines

  • Submit your artist application

  • Explore galleries from past NOCS events

We welcome all types of artists—there are no medium restrictions. The only requirement is to show us examples of your work. Please note that due to the high volume of submissions, some applicants may be placed on a waiting list.

If you’re interested in joining us, fill out the artist application form—we’d love to hear from you!

Looking to hire an artist for a project? Feel free to reach out, and we’ll help connect you with the right creative talent.

SIGN-UP

Submit your artist application today for a chance to reserve your spot in the Graffiti Section.

Artist Application

GALLERY

Explore our gallery to see the amazing talent that has transformed downtown Elgin year after year.

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FAQ

Check out our FAQ section for quick answers about applications, event details, setup, and more.

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🌟 Discover Our Mission & Vision

SUBHEADING

Discover our mission and vision — the creative force that brings artists, community, and imagination together every year.

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