The Chalk Festival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cultural arts organization that is run and managed 100% by volunteers who work very hard to support the global pavement art community. The organization raises funds to pay for the expenses for the artists to participate that includes travel expenses, airfare, hotels, art supplies, food, insurance, security, amenities, t-shirts, promotion and events. The artists donate their talent and time to our community because of all the work we do together to make the Chalk Festival come to life, which advances the pavement arts in general. Spectators get the chance to be a part of the festival success, by purchasing a ticket to attend, click HERE. Together we build and support our Chalk Family. Thank you for appreciating what we do!
Is the festival handicap accessible?
Yes, the festival is located at the Venice Airport Fairgrounds and all the artwork can be viewed from the ground. Access to view the artwork is all on pavement. There is grass areas with vendors, food, beverages and parking is in the grass too. You are welcome to drive up to the entrance for drop off or pick up. We also provide Handicap Parking close to the entrance.
Will there be live music?
Yes, the Pavement Music Festival will be back in full swing each day from 10AM till 6PM. Lots of under a big tent seating for eating and relaxing.
Will there be interactive areas?
Yes, we have several interactive areas. The Young and Young at Heart where anyone can give chalk art a try, we provide the space and chalk - you provide the creativity. The Zombie field is a bright colored field of zombies that has Augmented Reality and lots of zombies to TikTok your new viral video. Dancing to live Music is a must... try the Thriller dance! Costume Contests and Pumpkin Carving Contests each day! A safe place for Trick or Treating for kids on Monday from 4-6PM.
Can I bring my pet or Dog?
We allow ONLY trained service dogs who accompany a person with a disability per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please do not try to pass off an untrained service pet as you will be turned away at the entrance.
Absolutely NO pets allowed. No emotional support animals, which is an animal (typically a dog or cat though this can include other species) that provides a therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship.
Will there be food at the Chalk Festival?
YES, because this is a remote location, we have a variety of food trucks, vendors, desserts, beverages and spirits onsite. More than we had previously!
Parking?
On-site and free.
What is NOT allowed inside the festival?
No food or beverages are allowed to be brought in. You can purchase beverages and food inside the festival.
Bags and purses should be left at home or may be subject to search prior to entering.
No bicycles, skateboards or anything of its type (can be left outside entrance).
No pets or emotion support animals of any kind.
No firearms, or weapons of any kind.
No solicitation of any kind.
What amenities are there?
The festival is set up like a mini-town for the festival. We have an on-site ATM and take credit cards at almost all stands. We provide over 35 restrooms that are cleaned several times a day. We provide a large tent with seating. We have food and beverages available to purchase and lots of vendors and craft booths. There are various vendors selling art, crafts and more!
What happens if it rains?
We make every attempt to protect artwork by covering it with plastic should it rain. The artists will stop when it starts to rain and then start again as soon as the rain stops. Water can completely wash away the artwork in a matter of seconds, and it can also change the artwork, sometimes mixing the colors, resulting in an added beauty to the painting. Most of our artists are professionals and have dealt with rain many times, the results are always magnificent.
What else can damage the artwork?
Walking on the art makes footprints and your shoes carry the colors to areas they are not meant to be. Sweat from your soda can or spilling a drink will mix colors were they are not meant to be mixed. We ask everyone to be cautious when viewing and getting close to the artwork.
The elements outdoors such as the wind will wisp away the top layers of chalk. Too hot or too cold certainly makes this art form more challenging for the artists as the pavement generally is 10-20 degrees hotter than it is outside.
How do artists get approved to participate in the festival?
Artists who want to participate sign up online by clicking HERE. Everyone who wants to participate in the festival are automatically approved - including those who have never tried it before! All artists requesting stipend for travel and lodging are approved on an individual basis through our scholarship funding. All attends can participate in the Young and Young at Heart public interactive fun chalk area where we provided chalk, the same kind that the artists use to create mini-masterpiece.
Can students participate in the festival?
We love students! All students are approved to participate in the festival regardless of skill level and must fill out the artist application. Students are provided a class from a professional pavement artist prior to participating, art supplies, student artist t-shirt, lunch, ticket to events, and space to participate.
What does the money collected go to?
We are a 100% volunteer organization and all funds raised goes to the Avenida de Colores 501c3 nonprofit for scholarships so the artists can participate and to pay the costs to host the international festival.
What is the this years theme and what were the past themes?
The Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2022 will be 'A SPIRITED Museum in Motion.' Visitors can expect a wide variety of cultures and subjects surrounding the meaning of SPIRITED. Of course the theme will celebrate the Spirit of Halloween and All Saints Day, and it could include the spirit of a team or country, spirited attitudes, drinking spirits, or religious spirits to name a few. Chalk Festival artists will create an abundance of imagery and 3D illusions as the public becomes an integral part as the observer.
The Festival past themes:
- 2022 - Resilience
- 2021 - Avenue of Art (painted sidewalks - continued into 2022)
- 2020 - 3-D Illusion Museum
- 2019 - Garden of Wonder
- 2019 - Sarasota
- 2017 - Evenescent
- 2016 - Love & Peace
- 2015 - Eat Drink & Be Merry
- 2014 - Extinct and Endangered Species
- 2013 - Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Patriotism & Embracing Freedom
- 2012 - Circus City, USA
- 2011 - Pavement Art Through the Ages
- 2010 - Halloween/Fall
- 2009 - Goddess Flora/Spring
- 2007 - Movies
What is the Admission Price for the Chalk Festival in Venice October 28-31, 2022?
FREE Parking Children 5 years old and younger are FREE
Friday $10 Adult, $5 17yrs and under (Artists are 1/2 - 2/3)
Saturday $15 Adult, $5 17yrs and under (Artists are completing their artwork throughout the day)
Sunday $20 Adult, $5 17yrs and under (Viewing Day with Artists)
Monday $15 Adult, $5 17yrs and under (Viewing Day with Artists)
What else is there at the festival?
NEW: Floralia Infiorata - delegations of floral carpet artists from several different countries
3D Immersion Spaces
The Pavement Music Festival - features national and local bands from opening to closing.
The Young and Young at Heart provides space and chalk for anyone of any age to give chalking a try.
Sarasota Largest Pumpkin Carving Contest
Scarecrow & Zombie Field with Augmented Reality
Costume Contests for the Young and Young at Heart
Tented seating areas for Food Trucks and Beverages as well as Arts and Craft Vendors.