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Save the Date | July 27, 2024

Chalkfest is a day-long firestorm of creativity and positive community energy, culminating in over a quarter mile of sidewalk space displaying amazing chalk artwork! Created by Volume One, this event is hosted on the beautiful UW-Eau Claire campus along the Chippewa River. Chalkfest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer and it's a free urban art festival with tons of family-friendly fun! 

Events Schedule
Saturday, July 27

7am-10am: Artist check-in and artwork begins

11am-7pm: Art is open to the public. Food vendors and activities will be on the campus mall.

11am- 5pm: Audience Choice voting 

3pm-5pm: Judging 

5:30pm: Live announcement of winners on the campus mall

7pm: Event Conclusion 

If there is rain/inclement weather, we will move the entire festival to Sunday, July 28. 

Artists

How it works

Join us as an artist!
Artist Registration opens May 1, 2024 at 9am here!

Day of Registration
    • $20 | Square only (various sizes)
    • $35 | Square + Chalk (48 Piece Koss International Artists soft pastels)
    • Artists must be at least 12 years old to participate. Younger artists can join us in our free Family Area.
What’s included
    • One Chalkfest branded cooling towel
    • One (1) sponge for blending
    • One (1) set of latex gloves (small, medium or large available)

Sidewalk Square Sizes

Artists

During the registration process, the squares are listed as numbers only. This document includes the exact sizes of each square by corresponding number.

Chalkfest Square Sizes

 

Artist Details
Check-in

Saturday from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the check-in Tent. We’ll provide registration materials and show you your assigned space.

You may not check in or begin chalking before 7 a.m. This is to ensure all artists are judged fairly.

General suggestions
    • Be Ready | Completing a drawing can be physically challenging depending on the complexity and size. Be ready to work hard and consider using friends as help!
    • Protect Yourself | Wear a hat and sunblock to prevent sunburn.
    • Focus on comfort | Knee pads are strongly recommended, and old pillows or other comfort devices are also encouraged. Perhaps a folding yard chair. The grass around the chalking area is hilly, so please not that when planning.
    • Consider Extra Chalk | Pastels will be provided for those who choose the $30 square, however if you are using a predominant color in your design you may want to purchase that color before the festival. Some swapping of colors with other artists may be possible. Additionally, we will have some pastels available for sale on site (cash only).
Rules + guidelines
    • Artists must be at least twelve (12) years old to participate. A parent or guardian must be present with those under 18 years old. 
    • Artwork must be appropriate for public viewing. Nudes, advertising or overt political statements are not allowed.
    • Oil pastels are not allowed.
    • Artists must stay within space provided, though the whole space does not have to be used.
    • Non-compliance with these rules may result in removal from the festival.
    • Chalkfest organizers may use photos or reproductions of your artwork for future advertising and media purposes.

We will have an artists lounge located in Centennial Hall for you to take a break from the sun. Refreshments will be provided at no cost. 

Weather/Rain Plan

In case of severe weather, the festival will be moved to Sunday, July 28. Artists registration will be moved to that day instead of Saturday, July 27. Schedule events will stay the same and judging will take place. Refunds will not be available due to costs incurred by Chalkfest.

It is the artist's responsibility to bring materials to cover their drawings and to weigh down the materials so they don't blow away.

Public

Chalkfest

Amazing Art

The UW-Eau Claire campus is covered with several large sidewalks where registered artists of all ages from throughout the community will create elaborate, large-scale chalk artwork. Throughout the day, artists will create their work as thousands of visitors watch their drawings come to life. Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a spot. 

Fantastic Food & Drinks

We feature some of the best food, snacks and drinks in the Chippewa Valley.

Family Fun & Live Music presented by S.C. Swiderski & TDS Fiber

Thank you to the sponsors who make Chalkfest an amazing community event!

Chalkfest Sponsors 2024
Become a sponsor

Chalkfest attracts thousands of people from the Chippewa Valley and beyond, and is covered widely in local and regional media. Sponsors are recognized through extensive local advertising, on social media and at the event. Contact us to learn more about joining us as a sponsor!

Email us to learn more

  • Contact Us Email us with any questions or to ask about opportunities to participate
  • Volume One Learn more about Chalkfest from our co- presenters!