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ABOUT CHALKFEST BUFFALO

AUTUMN 2023 THEME: OCTOBER

2023 AUTUMN THEME: OCTOBER!

We have wanted to do two festivals per year since the first year we had this event at RiverWorks, so by popular demand….here it is!

The theme for this autumn will be: October! Get creative with that in any way you choose! The dates are a holiday weekend SUNDAY and MONDAY October 8th and 9th!

ChalkFest Buffalo! is a free annual event in the heart of Downtown Buffalo. For years it was hosted by the 500 Block of Main Street Association, and we are forever grateful to them for helping us make this dream a reality. In 2018 we almost were not able to continue the event. But the folks at Buffalo RiverWorks heard about our troubles and offered to step in and not only save the Chalkfest, but add to it in some amazing ways!

The event will be both inside and outside of the GLF grain silos at Buffalo RiverWorks! Outside on the blacktop artists will be able to draw their creations then ZIP LINE over top of them or see them from the top of the Ferris Wheel!

Inside the grain elevators & silos gives artists a smooth concrete canvas that is protected from the elements of weather. It also gives artists the ability to draw not just on the ground, but on the walls of the historic silos. This is not just a unique opportunity for artists, but a uniquely Buffalo opportunity as the historic grain elevators were invented here and have largely gone abandoned for the past few decades.

Artists inside will be chosen by the following criteria:

1) Expertise level (higher increases your chances)

2) Returning artists (we want to support artists who have supported our festival in the past

3) Order of signing up (sooner is better). Also, we will send a confirmation email that artists must respond to. If you do not respond your inside spot will be given away.

ChalkFest Buffalo! not only provides a variety of activities for adults and children but also gives local artists the chance to win cash prizes and show off their gallery worthy artwork. Please check each event but many will also have an affordable vendor / artisan market for people to sell crafts and art.

Hope to see you there!!

23 Comments

  1. Welcome 716
    April 2, 2019 @ 7:12 pm

    What are the times for this event?

  2. Andi Baker
    July 8, 2019 @ 5:02 pm

    Hi! I was there last year and would like to reserve a space to sell my paintings. I was set up by the stage last year. If I could get that again, I would truly appreciate it. Thank you!!!

  3. Gerri M Glover
    August 25, 2019 @ 3:13 am

    Is this a free event for spectators?

  4. admin
    September 5, 2019 @ 8:55 pm

    Yes, FREE to attend

  5. admin
    September 5, 2019 @ 8:56 pm

    did you get ahold of someone for the vendors?

  6. admin
    September 5, 2019 @ 8:57 pm

    September 14th & 15th 2019 11am – 6pm

  7. Sharon Blake
    September 9, 2019 @ 7:52 pm

    What time can artist come to start drawing?

  8. Laurie Read
    September 11, 2019 @ 6:02 pm

    Where should spectators park?

  9. Dianne Cooper
    September 14, 2019 @ 1:21 pm

    Is it dog friendly? I have a small dog I’d like to bring with me.

  10. Josh Blakeslee
    September 14, 2019 @ 7:38 pm

    Stopped by today. This was great for families! Traveled with our grandma and 2 y/o daughter.

  11. admin
    September 28, 2019 @ 9:04 pm

    For future reference, no RiverWorks is not dog friendly. Sorry about that..

  12. admin
    September 28, 2019 @ 9:05 pm

    There is on site parking, for future reference

  13. admin
    September 28, 2019 @ 9:05 pm

    9am for future reference

  14. Kristen
    June 10, 2021 @ 10:35 pm

    What if any Restrictions are in place due to covid?

  15. admin
    June 11, 2021 @ 3:28 pm

    If you are vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask, if you are not you will need to wear a mask. Those are the only restrictions.

  16. Bridget Mcwilson
    June 12, 2021 @ 4:50 am

    Hello, I was a vendor at this event before I would love to come again both days.
    Glitterbybridget Paparazzi Accessories
    716-880-0736 Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

  17. Samantha Hunter
    June 17, 2021 @ 6:39 pm

    How much is the entrance fee for a beginner chalk artist?

  18. admin
    June 17, 2021 @ 6:48 pm

    We have very limited vendor space this year due to construction and previously scheduled events on the rinks

  19. admin
    June 17, 2021 @ 6:48 pm

    Chalkfest is always FREE for artists of any skill level

  20. Briana Johnson
    June 20, 2021 @ 8:07 pm

    Is there an age limit for the participating artists? And I’d a minor is participating, does the adult fill out the form in their name w/the adult’s contact information?

  21. admin
    June 23, 2021 @ 2:28 pm

    Yes the parent can fill out the info for the person participating. There is no age limit.

  22. Sam
    August 8, 2021 @ 5:42 pm

    Are the vendors all outdoor?

  23. admin
    August 16, 2021 @ 2:46 pm

    They are all inside