Sarasota Chalk Festival

Welcome to the Sarasota Chalk Festival! We are a cultural festival celebrating all forms of street and performance art. Our 2012 theme was “Circus City, USA” celebrating a time when Sarasota’s serene seaside shores became the winter home for the circus. When local residents would glow with anticipation as trains rolled into town carrying circus families from around the world, along with their elaborate costumes, massive tents, and exciting props with which to practice their fearless acts. Over 500 artists participated creating giant paintings in 3D and 2D using chalk as their medium and the road surface as their canvas. Going Vertical artists turned walls into massive murals. Our performance stages showcased music, drama, dance, magic, acrobatic and aerial performances!

The festival is free for all to participate in and attend, and draws customers to local businesses by refusing to sell space to outside vendors. The organization works to pay for travel expenses, lodging, and supplies of artists who are approved early and uses quality sustainable products so that while our artists may get dirty, everything else is kept clean. The Sarasota Chalk Festival’s success relies on 4 different contributors: dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, passionate artists, and enthusiastic visitors. The experience is rewarding, so why not consider joining us in spreading art, happiness, and creativity in Sarasota?