LET'S CHALK IT UP TO... Oh, yeah, it's that time of year again: Chalkfest is back! Returning for its 19th year on Saturday, Aug. 1, there's still time to get in on the colorful explosion of Chalkfest by snagging your own square to design! 

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus will once again become a riot of color and community, as the 19th annual Chalkfest event returns to the Valley.

Over the years (since we launched Chalkfest in 2008), Volume One readers have consistently voted this shindig as one of the Best Of the Chippewa Valley, so you know it’s gonna be a good time! Visual artists from across Eau Claire, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls transform walkways surrounding the Campus Mall with abstract visual art, depictions of flora and fauna, plus the additional local reference or two.

Registration to reserve one of 180-plus sidewalk squares at the university (105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire) is open now through day-of, or until slots sell out.

Participants can choose just one square for $20/person or a square-plus-chalk bundle for $35/person; fees increase the day of the event. Each registration also includes a kneeling pad, gloves, a blending sponge, plus some other tools to help create your next masterpiece.

Chalkfest artists must be 12 years or older, though young kiddos and families are encouraged to enjoy the free family area – complete with games, drawing spaces and other interactive activities.

Artists at Chalkfest often arrive as early as 7am to begin creating. As the afternoon progresses, a jury of local artists will issue the Adult Individual Jury Prize to one artist. Additional prizes are issued for Audience Choice, Youth Individual Jury Prize, Group Jury Prize and others.

Hungry for more? Don't worry, Chalkfest will have you covered with grub to satisfy from area food trucks such as Brooklyn Mike’s, Olson’s Ice Cream, Big Papa BBQ and more!

Whether you have an artistic itch to create – or are simply curious to see how one sidewalk square conveys a world of imagination – come on out to watch the art unfold, listen to music, browse the companion artists’ market and more reasons to celebrate summertime in the Valley.

In case of severe weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, Aug. 2.

The 19th iteration of Chalkfest, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus, will take on August 1 on-campus (105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire). For more information and to register, visit volumeone.org/chalkfest. Interested in volunteering? Check out the available opportunities online!