IT'S BACK! Chalkfest is one of the Chippewa Valley's favorite annual events, both for spectators and participating artists. Whether you're a chalk master or just lookin' to have some fun in the sun, registration is now open and ready for your artistic vision!

The UW-Eau Claire campus will become a sea of color once again on Saturday, July 26, when it hosts the 18th annual Chalkfest! In this year's Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll, locals voted Chalkfest the No. 1 Best Event of the Past Year – so you know it's gonna be good.

Registration is now open to secure one of 184 sidewalk squares, ready to become a colorful masterpiece! (Sign up is available just to reserve one square ($20), or to reserve one square plus chalk ($35).) Every registration includes a kneeling pad plus some other goodies to help you create your best piece, beginning bright and early at 7am the day of.

From 2-4pm, a jury of local artists will issue the Adult Jury Prize to one artist, with additional prizes for Audience Choice – open to voting from 11am-4:30pm the day of – Youth Jury Prize, and others!

Even Deadpool comes to Chalkfest. Just saying.

Even if you’re not looking to be one of the chalk artists, you're still invited to come out and watch the art unfold. Listen to live music, enjoy lunch and snacks from local food trucks – including Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets, Big Papa BBQ, and others – and beat the heat with a frosty cold beer. Plus, a local artists' market will also be hosted on-site for perusing. 

Chalkfest artists must be at least 12 years old to participate. Younger kids and families can enjoy the free family area on site, set up with games, drawing spaces, and more. In case of cruddy weather, the entire event will be rescheduled for the following day, on Sunday, July 27.

This year's Chalkfest is presented by Volume One, Xcel Energy, and UW-Eau Claire, with support from major sponsors TDS, Asher Lasting Exteriors, Visit Eau Claire, and the Wisconsin Arts Board. It's gonna be a blast. So, see you there?

Check out the 2024 Chalkfest award winners and participants in this huge photoset!

Chalkfest will be held at UW-Eau Claire's campus mall on July 26 from 11am-7pm. Interested in volunteering at Chalkfest? Learn more online. View additional information about Chalkfest and registration online at volumeone.org/chalkfest.