California Chalk Art and Street Painting Festivals

If you lived in Italy during the 16th century you would have seen the Italian madonnari, vagabond artists, who traveled between festivals, painting tributes to the Madonna for coins. Their craft has been continued for hundreds of years and today, continues to entertain at festivals. Santa Barbara boasts that it's the first to bring this romantic festival to the western hemisphere from its sister festival in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy to the Old Mission Santa Barbara. However, there are many street painting festivals in California with less focus on tradition and more emphasis on contemporary themes.

PALM SPRINGS: Chalk Arts Festival March 16, 2019, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Downtown Palm Springs
Museum Way
palmspringssunuprotary.org
Professional artists from around Southern California and students from Palm Springs Unified School District compete for cash prizes and student honor awards in an exciting event that transforms Museum Way into a giant work of art.

AMERICAN CANYON: Spring Celebration Chalk Art Contest March 23, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: 20 Benton Way, American Canyon, CA. cityofamericancanyon.org

INDIO: Art on the Square March 3, 2019, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
10th annual chalk art festival.
Miles Avenue
Indio, CA
Free, gcvcc.org
A day of art and fun for all ages. Chalk provided for everyone wishing to participate. Music, activities, and food vendors Attendance is free and all are welcome at this community event.

LA VERNE: Sidewalk Coloring Contest Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 9:30 a.m. Kids draw with chalk on their own sidewalk square. Prizes awarded in age groups. Chalk is provided for all participants. PRE-REGISTER: March 4 to March 28 at the Community Services Office or by calling (909) 596-8700. LATE REGISTRATION: Wednesday, April 3 from 9:00 to 9:25 AM at Mainero Square (corner of Third and D Street).   Ages 1-12 years. Admission is Free, ci.la-verne.ca.us

COVINA: Chalk Art Family Festival & Summer Talent Show April 13, 2019, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
covinaca.gov
Heritage Plaza, 400 N. Citrus Ave., Covina, CA
Sponsored by Covina Cultural Arts Advisory Commission
and Covina Parks & Recreation Department
Vendors, arts & craft booths, great food, Chalk Art Competition, music, and more! Music, vendors and great art displays! Join us as artists transform the expanse of cement in Heritage Plaza into a bright and colorful street museum. Over the course of the day, artists from all over the area - professional, amateur, and students will captivate audiences as they take to the pavement armed with vivid pastel chalks and spend hours on their hands and knees recreating major masterpieces. Artists will be awarded prizes for "Fan Favorites"� in different categories. All proceeds benefit children and adults on the Autism Spectrum by providing opportunities for creativity and community inclusion. Supporting personal fulfillment and success through the Arts, Music and Movement. For event information or for an Artist or Vendor Application, contact the Covina Parks & Recreation Department  covinaca.gov

VISALIA: Chalk Walk April 13, 2019, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Perry Family Park, Visalia, CA
Free, supportvisaliaparks.com
Professionals and amateurs and of all ages, come join the chalk walk along Packwood Creek Trail and into Perry Park. Chalk  provided to those under age 12 years, and available for everyone else in return for a donation of at least $5. Professional artists work on their masterpieces on the perimeter of the park, while amateurs create along the trial. Food vendors on site.

WILMINGTON: Chalk Festival on the LA Waterfront April 20, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wilmington Waterfront Park Main Plaza
640 West C Street
Wilmington, CA
Free, portoflosangeles.org
Join the Port of Los Angeles in the Main Plaza at Wilmington Waterfront Park and create family-friendly art with an Earth Day theme! Bring your own biodegradable chalk (the first 100 attendees will be provided free chalk) and let your creativity flow. Participate in a do-it-yourself mini desert garden workshop and learn about California native plants. Build a succulent plant garden to take home, while supplies last.

KERNVILLE:  Children's Sidewalk Art Contest April 27, 2019, 1-3 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park, Kernville, CA
The Children's Sidewalk Art Contest takes place at the south end of Riverside Park in Kernville. There is no entry fee and chalk will be provided or contestants can bring their own. Each contestant can create artwork from 1 to 3 p.m. Prizes awarded at the end of the contest in the following age groups: Ages 4 & under, Ages 5 & 6, Ages 7 & 8, Ages 9 & 10, Ages 12 and over.

OAKLEY: Rock the Chalk April 27, 2019, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: City Hall 3231 Main Street, Oakley Rock the Chalk is an art contest that gives budding artists a place to create their artwork in a public setting. Registration is FREE and is open to ages 6+. Participants will be assigned a 3' x 4' area on the concrete dance floor or stage outside in Civic Center Plaza. The only medium permitted is chalk and all artwork must be family-friendly. Space is limited so pre-registration is highly recommended. Prizes will be awarded in each category: Ages 6 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 18, 19+ AND group entries. Registration forms are available at City Hall, 3231 Main Street and at online. In the case of rain, the event would be rescheduled. For more information, contact Cindy at (925) 625-7044 or email: coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us

BURBANK: Art Show May 18-19, 2019. Chalk element not confirmed in 2019. Contact: jackalopeartfair.com/applyburbank
Chalk artists create paintings directly on sidewalks and streets in front of Burbank Town Center and Magnolia Blvd. This event has built a large following over a decade. Art for sale by approximately 100 regional artists will be on display along with numerous chalk artists applying their creative skills to large-scale masterpieces drawn on city streets. Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed-media and photography. Founded by Downtown Burbank Partnership in 2003, the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival is a semi-annual event.

KERNVILLE: Kernville River Festival Children's Sidewalk Art Contest April 27, 2019, 1-4 p.m.
Riverside Park
Free, kernfestival.com
There is no entry fee and chalk will be provided or contestants can bring their own. Each contestant will have from 1 to 3 p.m. to create their artwork. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest in the following age groups: Ages 4 & under, Ages 5 & 6, Ages 7 & 8, Ages 9 & 10, Ages 12 and over.

MISSION VIEJO: Arts Alive & Street Painting Festival April 28-29, 2018, 12-5 p.m. No event 2019, back in 2020
Arts Alive & Street Painting Festival features art workshops, musical and dance performances and incredible street painting artists who transform the pavement into vivid works of art. This fun-filled family festival features tasty fare, a beer and wine garden, and arts and crafts. Location: Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green and neighboring Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. FREE  cityofmissionviejo.org  | chalk art

SANTA BARBARA: I Madonnari May 25-27, 2019
Festival hours are 10-6 daily. Admission is free.
Street painters transform the Mission plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. We are proud to be the first to bring this romantic festival to the western hemisphere from our sister festival in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy. The festival benefits the Children's Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office. The Project serves 50,000 children in more than 100 schools with visual and performing arts workshops and performances throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. imadonnarifestival.com

TEMECULA: Art & Street Painting Festival June 8-9, 2019, 10 a.m.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Temecula's Street Painting Festival draws thousands of visitors a year and is part of the City of Temecula's Arts Festival. Over 100 muralists and fine artists create giant pastel murals on Main Street and Mercedes in Old Town Temecula during the event. Families, children, and beginners join in the creative endeavor   temeculaca.gov

PASADENA: Pasadena Chalk Festival June 15-16, 2019
The Paseo
300 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA
 pasadenachalkfestival.com
Paseo Colorado. Each year thousands of spectators enjoy the annual festival that is open to the public and free of charge. Watch over 600 artists create masterpieces at Paseo Colorado's outdoor setting with fountains and garden promenades. It's a venue for the Pasadena Chalk Festival to continue the legacy of the street painting art form by offering festival visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as the works of art come to life. Hundreds of artists come from all across Southern California to spend two days on their hands and knees creating spectacular chalk murals on concrete areas in every style imaginable. In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, guests are treated to live music an entertainment throughout the weekend. Families shared the day with each other as children create their own chalk artwork in KIDS CHALKLAND, a designated area for the children. The Pasadena Chalk Festival benefits the community arts programs of the Light Bringer Project, a Pasadena-based nonprofit arts organization founded by local residents who were interested in the role the arts, architecture and design played in the growth and development of their community.  Paseo Colorado is located between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues  in the heart of Pasadena's historic downtown Civic Center.

SAN RAFAEL: Italian Street Painting 2019 returns for 2 days TBA, likely in June
All Day Downtown San Rafael
5th and A
San Rafael, CA 94901
italianstreetpaintingmarin.org
Over 100 renowned Madonnari (street painters) from the United States, Canada and Mexico will come together over art � transforming the streets into an awe-inspiring quilt of talent, color, and local history. 

REDWOOD CITY: Chalk Full of Fun on the Square 5th Annual Event July 3-4, 2021 | July 3, 2021, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
| July 4, 2021, dawn to dusk (sunrise to sunset)
The Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation presents Chalk Full of Fun on the Square!  part of the fabulous 4th of July festivities in downtown Redwood City. rwcpaf.org
Courthouse Square and Hamilton Street @ Broadway. Free, but Pre-registration required: rwcpaf.org 
Courthouse Square  2200 Broadway St.,
Main Library 1044 Middlefield Rd., serve as the endpoints of the half-mile chalk art walk. On July 3, 12 professional and 60 non-professional groups use their artistic vision to transform concrete sidewalks into works of chalk art. On July 4, see the completed temporary pavement masterpieces.

TEHACHAPI:  Chalk on the Walk Saturday, August 10, 2019, 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.   Location: Downtown Tehachapi  This annual event sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and Gallery 'N' Gifts, draws big crowds of artists to the streets of Tehachapi. The sidewalks burst into color as artists armed with chalk, create fabulous works of art. Participants get a T-shirt, box of chalk and a 4x4 square to draw in with their registration. Proceeds from this event raise money for art scholarships and project grants for local area art classes. Sponsors get their name on the back of the vent T-shirt and an entry to the event. For more information, please contact Galley 'N' Gifts, galleryngifts.com | tehachapi.com

PALO ALTO:  Italian Street Painting Expo August 24-25, 2019, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA
mlaproductions.com
And, always a crowd-pleaser, the Italian Street Painting Expo will again offer fifty chalk artists creating larger-than-life works of art all weekend long on Tasso Street. Each year there's a beneficiary of the Italian Street Painting Expo . This high quality, community-friendly event is sponsored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palo Alto. In the past it has attracted over 150,000 people every year from throughout California and the West Coast. The festival-now celebrating its thirty-first year-takes place on tree-lined University Avenue in beautiful downtown Palo Alto, a vital economic area 35 miles south of San Francisco.
The backbone of the festival and the key to its success are the three hundred fine artists and crafters whose display booths are placed back-to-back along University Avenue. These exhibitors are the reason why this festival attracts such a high percentage of fine artists and crafters whose work you'll see only at a few select shows on the West Coast.

SACRAMENTO: Chalk it Up August 31-September 2, 2019
Labor Day Weekend at Fremont Park, and throughout the year as Chalk It Up to Sacramento works to support the vibrant talent of young artists. The festival features over 200 sidewalk paintings created at the festival by local artists who donate their time, energy, and talent in support of youth art activities. The pieces are done with soft chalk pastel mixed with water. These concrete masterpieces are there for public to enjoy throughout the weekend festival. chalkitup.org

VENTURA: Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival September 7-8, 2019
Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
venturaharborvillage.com | venturaartfestival.com
Ventura Harbor Village A juried show featuring fine artists from Ventura and beyond" Stroll through the park and appreciate art in a relaxed outdoor setting Listen to live music by local musicians perform for you entertainment. Ventura Harbor Village - Main Lawn Purchase a 4'x6' square for yourself, business or organization. Your name or your company's name will be featured on top of the square throughout the event!

BELMONT SHORE: Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest  October 19, 2019, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
on 2nd Street | Long Beach, Calif. justinrudd.com/chalk.html | belmontshore.org

BAKERSFIELD: Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival October 19-20, 2019
Marketplace, 900 Ming Ave., Corner of Ming Avenue and Haggin Oaks Boulevard- Bakersfield, CA - Free event, must apply for art participation and be accepted, see: viaartebakersfield.com

POMONA: Chalk Art Festival November 9, 2019, 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Shaun Diamond Plaza
W. 2nd & Thomas St.
Pomona, CA
Free but must pre-register for chalk art participation
downtownpomona.org

 

No future dates determined

REDONDO BEACH: Annual Chalk Art Festival  redondopier.com
The Redondo Pier Association

SAN JOSE Luna Park Chalk Art Festival Saturday September 21-22, 2019, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
lunaparkchalkart.org
Backesto Park,  13th and Empire Street, San Jose 95112in San Jose, Ca
lunaparkchalkart.org  Artist Registration is now open! The Luna Park Chalk Art Festival attracts over 6,000 artists, students, vendors, and community members for a colorful day in Backesto Park in San Jose. Artists, students and chalk enthusiasts create over 150 pieces of diverse art throughout the park's pathways, including original works, classical re-creations, 3D realistic works, cartoons, modern abstractions and more. In addition to the artwork, the festival features a main stage of local musicians, dancers and performers, as well as local food trucks and vendor booths. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Luna Park Arts Foundation K-12 School Grants Program, where schools and youth programs who participate in the festival are are eligible to apply for grants for various art programs and projects in their schools. The foundation also hosts workshops, demonstrations and interactive chalk areas at local events and schools throughout the year.

EL MONTE: Chalk it Up June 29, 2018, 3-6:45 p.m.
Arceo Park
El Monte, CA
$5, ages 7-17 years
ci.el-monte.ca.us
Trophy and sidewalk chalk kit to winners for Most Original, Most Creative, Best Design, Most Colorful and Best of Show. First place winners will also receive a gift card. Limited Sign ups at Arceo Park, Baldwin Mini Park, Gibson Mariposa Park, Lambert Park, Mt. View Park, and Zamora Park. Sponsored by City of El Monte Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department.

VENICE: Chalk Art Festival, November 17, 2018, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pacific Ave. Parking Lot between North and South Venice Ave.
vchcorp.org
Community and Children's Art Project, Food Trucks and Music. Free, come see! Art Community Collective (Venice Community Housing) sponsors this event.

WHITTIER: Chalktastic November 17, 2018. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Road, Whittier, CA. City of Whittier sponsors this event for ages 5 to 17 years with age categories for prizes. cityofwhittier.org

MONROVIA: Celebrate the Arts and Chalkfest  October 7- 8, 2017. Location:  Monrovia Library Park, Monrovia, CA  

TWENTYNINE PALMS: 8th Annual Chalkfest November 4-5, 2017 10 am to 3 pm When 
Community Services Building
Joe Davis Dr
29 Palms, CA
yuccavalley.org

Carlsbad Art Splash
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday/10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Chalk art by: James Stewart (left), Everado Galvez (right) Armada Drive above The Flower Fields
in Carlsbad, California

ARCATA: Pastels on the Plaza October 7, 2017, 9 a.m.
Artists create pastel works of art on the sidewalk. Farmers Market will also be open The first Saturday in October is the day families, farmers, art aficionados and sponsors gather on the Arcata Plaza for the largest "art show"� of the year. The gallery sidewalk is surrounded by music and the fresh produce. Location: 8th & 9th Sts bet. G & H Sts Arcata, CA. ncsheadstart.org

TWENTYNINE PALMS:
Competition and art demonstrations take place the first full weekend of November as a complement to the Weed Show. Professional and amateur chalk artists from California and the west are invited to work their magic on the pavement and compete for prize money. Children are included in this event, too, with plenty of chalking opportunities and instruction. Booths, food, beverages, music, and other artistic activities take place adjacent to the Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive. Contact Action Council for 29 Palms, Inc., action29palms@gmail.com, or the Chamber of Commerce (760)367-3445.

SAN DIEGO Chalk The Walk Festival
Mira Mesa Recreation Center Park
8575 New Salem St.
San Diego, CA 92126
Admission is free
Mira Mesa Women's Club invites you to 5th Chalk the Walk Festival which includes a new event, a Craft Fair.
Sidewalk squares and the artists are sponsored by corporations, small businesses, non-profits or individual donors. Net proceeds are donated to local school art programs in the form of a grant. Come for a fun day. This is our Location: Mira Mesa Recreation Center Park

SOUTH EL MONTE: Chalk Art Festival April 29, 2017, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
South El Monte Community Center
1530 Central Ave.
El Monte, CA
.ci.south-el-monte.ca.us
(626) 579-2043
Free to participate, registration required. Event held at the Community Center.  All ages welcome, family and age group categories.

SAN FRANCISCO: North Beach Festival
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The 60th Annual North Beach Festival Saturday & Sunday, FREE North Beach District, San Francisco, CA RAIN OR SHINE! This is a smoke-free event. Kids' Chalk Art Area: Let your kids creativity shine in North Beach and buy a square and street chalk at our kids chalk art area on Vallejo St between Grant Ave & Columbus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. sresproductions.com

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.