Celebrating ‘New Haven:' 8th Annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival Oct. 11 Downtown

NEW HAVEN, CT — Art will cover the Broadway District of Downtown New Haven as The Shops at Yale host the 8th Annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event will transform the Broadway District into an open-air gallery filled with chalk art, live music, food, and fun for all ages.

Visitors will be able to observe nearly 65 professional and amateur artists as they create intricate chalk murals with New Haven themes. Attendees may to vote for their favorite works for a chance to win $50 gift cards, and enjoy live music from The RumRunners, a strolling magician, crafts, and complimentary kettle corn and Italian ice.

Shoppers and diners may take advantage of exclusive deals at participating stores and restaurants, with discounts of up to 25% and $1.99 dining specials.

New this year, the festival will be held entirely in the Broadway District, with a street closure on Elm Street in front of Maison B Café, Nice Day Chinese, and Tomatillo to create a second artist area in addition to Broadway Island.

Families will find plenty to enjoy at the Family Fun Zone in the Ezra Stiles College courtyard behind the Apple Store. Children will be invited to create their own chalk art with supplies provided by the Broadway Merchants Association. Other activities include free drawing lessons from professional artist Elizabeth Taylor, crafts with The Giggling Pig Art & Party Studio, and free face painting.

Artists of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in one of three divisions: teen (ages 13–17), adult (18+), and adult group (13+ with two or more artists). More than $2,800 in gift cards will be awarded to top winners. There is no entry fee, but advance registration at theshopsatyale.com/chalkart is required to reserve a space. Walk-up entries will be accepted on Broadway Island starting at noon as space allows.

The New Haven Chalk Art Festival is presented by The Shops at Yale in partnership with Hull’s Art Supply & Framing, Market New Haven, the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and the City of New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism.

Admission is free, and complimentary parking is available at the 150 York Street Garage with validation at The Shops at Yale tent on Broadway Island.

For more information or to register as an artist, visit theshopsatyale.com/chalkart.

Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 12