Pasadena Chalk Festival

Set your eyes on an array of colorful artworks in this annual Pasadena tradition, where creativity and artistry is celebrated with chalk.

Take in the eye-catching works of this Pasadena festival that goes beyond sidewalk chalk. Over 500 skilled chalk artists come together to create masterful artwork in Pasadena, California annually. Celebrating 33 years in 2026, The Pasadena Chalk Festival receives over 20,000 visitors and raises funds for local nonprofit organizations benefiting arts programs for underprivileged youth.

When & Where
Tickets
What to Expect
FAQ

When & Where

The 33rd Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival on September 26 & 27, 2026 (10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) welcomes over 20,000 attendees to the heart of Pasadena, California. This year's family-friendly event will be hosted at Kidspace Children's Museum. Over 500 skilled chalk artists participate in the festival to support nonprofit organizations benefiting arts programs for underprivileged youth.

People walk through the Pasadena Chalk Festival at the Paseo.

Tickets

The Pasadena Chalk Festival is free and open to the public.

Chalk murals at the Pasadena Chalk Festival in Pasadena, California.
Credit
Visit Pasadena

What to Expect

  • Vivid Chalk Murals - Marvel at the breathtaking works of chalk artists, honoring a diverse array of cultures, films, music, and more.
  • Entertainment - Live tunes, activities for kids and concessions will also be a part of the upcoming festival.
  • Food & Drinks - Take a break and treat yourself to refreshing beverages and mouthwatering eats from local vendors and food trucks.
Artists drawing chalk murals under umbrellas at Pasadena Chalk Festival in Pasadena, California.
Credit
Visit Pasadena

FAQ

Parking

Free parking in Rose Bowl Lot I near the Jackie Robinson Field and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center.

Bike racks are within Brookside Park adjacent to the museum, but there are no bike racks inside the museum facility. Personal bike locks are required.

Public Transit: Metro A Line

  • Take the Metro A Line to Memorial Park Station
  • Walk for 3 minutes to Raymond Ave. and Holly St.
  • Take the Northbound 51 bus to Seco St. and Linda Vista Ave.
  • Walk northeast on Seco St. for ten minutes and the Kidspace Children's Museum will be on your right-hand side.

What is the Silent Auction?

Blick Art Materials donated 1' x 1' canvases for each participating artist, who is then asked to donate a painted version of their proposed mural for the Silent Auction. The proceeds will go towards nonprofits for arts in public schools. They fund art education programs for schools in Pasadena and Los Angeles. More information is available online at www.lightbringerproject.org. Final bids will happen at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Artist Questions

  • New artist applications will need to provide a one-time $35 non-refundable entry fee. Fees do not apply after the artists' first year.
  • Lead artists must be 16 years and older; those who are under the age of 16 can help a qualifying lead artist, but they cannot be lead artists themselves
  • Chalk and umbrella over the mural will be provided
  • Canvas will be provided for each artist to donate a finished 1' x 1' piece of art that will be used for fundraising at the Silent Auction
  • Artists should sign up ASAP at the official website of the Pasadena Chalk Festival here
  • Provide a sketch for approval

Additional Artist Questions should be directed to: Pasadena Chalk Festival

Award Categories

  • Best of Festival (as voted by artists). Grand Prizes: 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
  • "People's Choice" Award (as voted by the public)
  • Best Technique (as voted by artists)
  • Best 3-D Effect (a visual 3-D effect or achieving a 3-D effect by using tangible elements and objects) (as voted by artists)
  • Best Use of Color (as voted by artists)
  • Best Rendition of a Masterpiece (as voted by artists)
  • Most Humorous (as voted by artists)
  • Most Inspirational (as voted by artists)
  • On the Way to MOCA (as voted by artists)
  • Best in Animation (as voted by artists)
  • Best New Artist (will provide placement card) (as voted by artists)
  • Best of the Silent Auction (highest bid achieved for artist canvas)
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