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!
$45 | Square and Chalk (48 piece Blick Artist Soft Pastels)
Artists must be at least 12 years old to participate. Younger artists can join us in our free Family Area.
Chalk Artist Details
Check in
Saturday from 7am-10am at the check-in tent. We will provide registration materials and show you to your assigned space. You may not check in or begin chalking before 7am. 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. A shade tent is allowed, but must be weighted down. No stakes allowed.
Focus on Comfort | Knee pads are strongly recommended. An old pillow or other comfort devises are also encouraged. Perhaps a folding yard chair. The grass around the chalking area is hilly, so please note this when planning.
Consider Extra Chalk | Artist Soft Pastels will be provided for those who choose the $30 square + chalk, 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.
Chalkfest organizers may use photos or reproductions of your artworkfor future advertising and media purposes.
Non-compliance with these rules may result in removal from festival.
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 to artists.
Weather/Rain Plan
In case of severe weather, the festival will be moved to Sunday, July 27. Scheduled 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 materials so they don't blow away.
Volunteer
Interested in volunteering at Chalkfest? It's an awesome way to get involved with a fun community event and check out some great local art! We have shifts from 7am-6pm and they vary from registration tent assistance to chalk sales.
Check out the available opportunities here!
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. Also check out the second year of our Chalkfest Artist Market near the chalk art.
Fantastic Food & Drinks
We feature some of the best food, snacks and drinks in the Chippewa Valley.
From a local Artist Market to live local music and a family friendly kids zone, we have a little something for everyone.
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!
Registration fees for 2025 are: $35 which includes a concrete sidewalk square, 48 box of colored artist soft pastels, 1- Chalfkest branded knee cushion, 1 pair of gloves and 1 blending sponge or $20 for just the concrete sidewalk square and branded knee pad.
Parking is available behind the Davies Student Center and Hibbard Hall. Please note: Zorn Arena demolition will be underway, so please be mindful of construction fencing.
Yes artists can bring a shade tent! However, to ensure there is no damage to our campus mall, we ask everyone to either use sandbags or small weights for stabilization. No stakes, please!
In the instance of bad weather on Saturday, July 26, we will postpone the event to Sunday, July 27. If weather is bad on Sunday, we will not hold the event. No refunds will be given. Event schedule on Sunday will mirror the event schedule from Saturday.
We will plan to make the weather call 24-48 hours in advance of Saturday, July 26.
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University Centers/Davies Student Center
Davies Student Center 77 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, WI54701 United States
