Julio Jimenez. Photo courtesy Ventura Art and Chalk Festival
Two-day waterfront festival brings together spectacular chalk art, family activities and giving back to the community
VENTURA — The sidewalks of Ventura Harbor Village will become colorful canvases when the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by Rotary Club of Ventura, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates creativity, community and giving back against the beautiful backdrop of the Ventura waterfront.
Throughout the weekend, talented chalk artists will transform ordinary pavement into extraordinary works of art, creating colorful, large-scale pieces right before visitors’ eyes. Guests can stroll along the harbor, meet artists, watch their creations take shape and experience the fascinating process behind this unique form of temporary public art. This year’s festival will feature more than 30 chalk and craft artists, bringing together an exciting variety of artistic styles and mediums, including artist duos and 3D artists.
Among the featured artists is Rotary Club of Ventura Member Greg Wray, known for his iconic work on Sonic the Hedgehog. Wray will be crafting a Sonic-themed scene, inviting spectators to observe his process and engage with him during the creation.
Art Comes to Life at the Harbor
One of the most popular aspects of the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival is the opportunity to see art being created from beginning to end. Rather than simply viewing finished artwork, festival goers can watch artists sketch, blend and layer colorful chalk to turn stretches of pavement into elaborate works of art.
The festival will also feature an Art & Crafts Marketplace, where visitors can browse and purchase original works and handcrafted items from talented artists and artisans. Previous festivals have featured everything from paintings, ceramics and photography to glasswork, handmade wooden pieces, wearable art and more.
Families can enjoy hands-on and interactive activities designed to inspire creativity in younger festivalgoers, along with the shops, restaurants and waterfront attractions that make Ventura Harbor Village a favorite local destination.
Creating Art — and Supporting the Community
Saurabh Bajaj, Festival Chair and Past President for Rotary Club of Ventura says, “We are dedicated to promoting the arts, providing a platform for local talent to shine and inspiring the next generation of creators. 100% of the funds raised support community service projects right here is Ventura. Thanks to our sponsors, this day is free to the public AND together, we make a difference in our community.”
Ventura Art & Chalk Festival
Saturday & Sunday, September 12–13, 2026
10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA
Admission: Free
About the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival: The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival is an annual celebration of art, creativity and community held at Ventura Harbor Village. Presented by the Rotary Club of Ventura, the festival brings together chalk artists, artisans, families and visitors for a weekend of live art, activities and entertainment while raising funds to support charitable organizations in Ventura County. VenturaArtandChalkFestival.com
About Rotary Club of Ventura: Rotary Club of Ventura, serving Ventura for 107 years, is a part of Rotary International. Rotary is a global network of over 35000 clubs and 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take
action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. VenturaRotary.org