2025 Chalk Fest Underwriter:

Chalk Fest 2025
Emporia Street Painting Festival

September 27, 2025 · 9 – 7 pm · 800 Commercial

Get ready to bring the sidewalks of Emporia to life with color and creativity! Chalk Fest is back and we can’t wait to see your imagination take shape on the pavement. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or want to have fun with friends and family, this community event is open to all ages and skill levels. What to Expect:

  • Vibrant chalk art creations on downtown sidewalks
  • Live music
  • Food Trucks & Vendors
  • Family-friendly Activities
  • Featured Artists
  • NEW! Art Market
  • A chance to showcase your talent and win fun prizes!

We are excited for this year’s 2025 Chalk Fest! Register early today to secure your spot and receive a set of pastels the day of the event.

  • Location: Downtown Emporia – 800 Block Commercial St.
  • Date: September 27, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Who Can Participate? Everyone! Artists, families, kids, and anyone who loves to create.

Important Dates/Information:
  • Early Registration $30.00 July 18th – September 13th, discount price & receives a pack of pastels
  • Regular registration – $35.00 September 14th – 26th
  • Walk-up spaces – available if we have space but at a smaller section than those who register.

Want to be part of the fun – sign up now!

Chalk Fest Schedule of Events
September 27, 2025

9:00 – 3:00 PM – Chalk Fest

  • 8:30 AM – Registration opens
  • 9:00 AM – Chalk Fest officially begins
  • 1:00 PM – Cut off for walk ups
  • 3:00 PM – Chalking ends
  • 3:30 PM – Presentation of awards

4:00 – 7:00 PM – Chalk Fest Evening Events

Stroll through the finished chalk art, enjoy the Kids Zone, grab a drink from the Granada Theatre, have dinner at the food trucks, and explore local art!

7:00 PM – Movie at the Emporia Granada Theatre

Harold and the Purple Crayon – Open donation event!

Register Now

Noreen Schroder

Noreen moved to Wichita from Denver about eight months ago and brings over 13 years of experience in chalk festivals. Throughout their career, they have earned multiple awards and have been honored as a featured artist twice. Most recently, they received 1st place at the Lindsborg festival earlier this month. Included are several photos showcasing some of their most recent chalk creations.

Casey Ligon

Casey Ligon is a multidisciplinary artist with over a decade of experience creating playful, eye-catching work for brands like Disney, Intel, Wendy’s, and many more. While chalk remains one of her favorite mediums, her creative output shifts constantly: from elaborate portraits drawn on whiteboard, to stop-motion animations crafted entirely from paper, to hand lettering sculpted from cake and ice cream. Casey is passionate about the imperfect beauty of human craftsmanship and takes joy in creating colorful, tactile experiences that delight viewers of all ages.

Suggested Supplies to Bring

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  • Gloves to protect your hands
  • Plenty of water
  • Knee Pad, fabric/towel, cardboard, or carpet to sit or kneel
  • Small broom or brush to clean your space
  • Blending tools: rag, foam, chalk eraser, brush
  • Water and a sponge for cleanup
  • Extra towels or rags
  • Extra chalk (especially if you need a lot of certain colors)
Register Now

Helpful Tips for Participants

Sun Protection: It gets hot! Wear sunscreen, bring shade, and stay hydrated.
Start with an Outline: Sketch the whole design first, then fill in with color.
Check Your Work: Step back often to see your art from a distance.
Protect Your Hands: Use gloves or tools like erasers and brushes to blend instead of fingers.

Register Now

🎨 Chalk Fest Rules

Eligibility & Check-In:

  1. Age Requirement: Participants must be 12 or older to enter individually.
    Children 11 & under may participate in the Children’s Chalk Fest or a group space but must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
  2. Check-In Time: Check in by 10:00 AM or your space may be reassigned.
    No refunds or holds for late arrivals.
  3. Weather Plan: If it rains, the event will move indoors. Watch for announcements.

Artwork & Materials:

  1. Art Type: You may create original work or a reproduction.
    Reproductions must include the original artist’s name and artwork title, displayed next to your piece.
  2. Family-Friendly Content: All art must be suitable for public viewing.
    No nudity, political or religious messaging, inappropriate content, or advertising.
    The Emporia Arts Center has final say on what is appropriate.
  3. *Chalk Provided: Artists receive a 72-pack of soft pastels – if you register early!
    You may bring more soft chalk if you need extra colors. Communal chalk is limited and first come, first served. Participants that registered after early registration will have use of the communal chalk.
  4. Approved Materials Only:
    • Only soft, non-oil-based chalks/pastels are allowed.
    • No oil pastels, glitter, fixatives, spray chalk, paint, crayon, ink, or permanent materials.
    • All chalk must be water-based and applied by hand.
  5. No Stencils: All art must be freehand.

Space & Equipment:

  1. Chalk Spaces: Your drawing will be done in a pre-marked rectangle.
    Space is assigned at check-in by staff.
  2. Drawing Surfaces: All art must stay within your marked area.
    No chalk on walls, steps, or any vertical surfaces.
  3. Tents & Awnings: Allowed but must not block other artists or the public’s view.
    Tents must be weighed down in case of wind. Staff may ask you to adjust or remove them.
  4. Judging Deadline: Art must be completed by 3:00 PM on Saturday to be eligible for judging.

Behavior & Etiquette:

  1. Respect Others:
    • Do not step on others’ artwork.
    • Keep drinks secured to prevent spills.
    • Keep your supplies contained in your space.
    • Share or trade chalk when possible.
  2. Music: Personal music is fine with headphones. No loud music or speakers. Live music will be provided.
  3. Dress Code: Wear appropriate, family-friendly clothing.

Festival Experience:

    1. Photos & Promotion: The Emporia Arts Center may use photos of your work for promotional purposes.
    2. Engage the Public: Onlookers are an important part of the event—feel free to chat with them when you can.
    3. Sponsor Recognition: A sponsor’s name may appear near your space. Please keep it clean and visible. You’re welcome to draw a frame around it or incorporate it into your design. If you’re introduced to a sponsor, please thank them for their support.