Drawing with sidewalk chalk is more than just a summer pastime for kids. It’s a gateway to creating incredible, one-of-a-kind works that can disappear as quickly as they were created—and Chalkfest Maple Grove truly puts the street in street art.
The free event welcomes 50-plus professionals, amateurs, students, and art enthusiasts from around the world to transform Maple Grove’s Main Street into a public art gallery; with over 25,000 spectators annually, it’s the largest chalk festival in the Midwest. With the pavement as their playground, the artists create stunning 3D works and optical illusions that you can’t find anywhere else.
Artwork by Ever Galvez, Photo courtesy of Chalkfest Maple Grove
This year’s festival, taking place June 7-8, marks the 10th anniversary of Chalkfest Maple Grove. Visitors can browse the incredible works on Main Street or head to the Chalk Zone area by Maple Grove Arts Center for art activities, chalk classes, chalking squares, a mandala chalk design, and more.
Artists will take to the street at dawn on Saturday, June 7, with just two days to complete their masterpieces. Attendees can watch the beginning stages of the creative process on Saturday, and come back for the finish products on Sunday. (Main Street will remain closed on Monday, June 9 for public viewing.) Chalk Art winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
Courtesy of Chalkfest Maple Grove
Families should head to the Kids Zone to find festivities for kids of all ages, including inflatables, a warped climb wall challenge, dance party, ice cream, snow cones, kids’ activities, yard games, caricatures, and a live performance stage. Or, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks and concession options on-site.
To get to know this year’s artists and plan your visit, check out Chalkfest Maple Grove’s website and Event Guide.
