NEW HAVEN, CT —Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of art, music, food, and free activities as The Shops at Yale hosts the 9th Annual New Haven Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 4 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 4.
The free, family-friendly festival will transform the Broadway District of Downtown New Haven into a colorful open-air gallery.
A highlight for families will be the Family Fun Zone, located in the courtyard behind Apple and Sherkaan Indian Street Food at 65 Broadway. Children can create their own chalk art, with free chalk for the first 200 kids, and enjoy free drawing lessons, crafts with The Giggling Pig Art & Party Studio, face painting, and music.
Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy live music from Hitlist, a roaming magician, complimentary Italian ice and Kettle King kettle corn, and vote for their favorite chalk art. Everyone who votes will be entered for a chance to win one of five $50 restaurant gift cards. Participating stores and restaurants will also offer exclusive sales and $.99 and $1.99 food specials.
The festival will span Broadway Island at 56 Broadway, Elm Street between Park Street and Broadway, and the Family Fun Zone. Elm Street will be closed to traffic to create additional space for artists and festival activities.
Artists will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and gift cards, including a $1,000 Hull's Art Supply gift card for the Grand Prize winner, along with awards for teen, adult, and group artists and several specialty categories.
There is no entry fee for artists, but advance registration is required to reserve a space. Artist check-in will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, with artwork completed by 3:30 p.m. for judging.
Admission and parking are free. Complimentary all-day 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.
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