Ventura County Art Events, Inc., Rotary Club of Ventura Present the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival
Event Dates: Sept. 14-15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura, CA
Website: venturaartfestival.com
VENTURA— The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a beloved event in Ventura County, is making its return this September, featuring over 50 talented chalk artists and craftsmen who will transform Ventura Harbor Village into a colorful spectacle along the waterfront. Set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14-15, this year’s festival promises to be a joyful celebration of art, community and giving.
Festival Highlights: The festival invites families and art lovers to witness expert chalk artists from California and beyond as they create large-scale, vivid murals along the seaside promenade. The artwork will be displayed throughout the village, particularly along the walkway from Le Petit Café & Bakery to Island Packers, offering a stunning visual experience for all attendees. Among the featured artists is Greg Wray, renowned for his iconic work on Sonic the Hedgehog video games. Wray will craft a Sonic-themed beach scene, inviting spectators to watch his creative process and, when possible, engage with him during his work.
Activities & Entertainment
- Craftsman’s Marketplace: Discover and purchase original works from California artists, including paintings, ceramics, photography, glasswork, handmade wooden toys and wearable art. Vendors will be located between Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar.
- Children’s Art Area: A special area will be available for children to unleash their creativity, inspired by the professional artists at the festival.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy face painting, unique shops and diverse dining options at Ventura Harbor Village.
- Live Music: Relax with musical performances from 1-4 p.m., providing a soothing backdrop for festival-goers.
Community Impact: The festival is also a key fundraiser for local charities. This year, proceeds will support free art projects, scholarships and various charitable organizations within Ventura County. Over the past decade, Ventura County Art Events, Inc. has donated over $50,000 to VC FOOD Share through this festival.
Tribute to Co-Founder Randy Hinton: This year’s festival is dedicated to Randy Hinton, a festival co-founder, who recently died after a battle with cancer. He was a passionate advocate for Ventura County charities, and his legacy continues through the Ventura Rotary Club and the newly restructured Ventura County Art Events, Inc. board, ensuring the festival remains a cherished community tradition.
“My favorite part of the Art & Chalk Festival is seeing the awe-struck spectators. There’s nothing more magical than watching artists create masterpieces, one stroke at a time,” says Valerie Garbe, a key organizer and Board Member of Ventura County Art Events, Inc.
Join the Celebration: Don’t miss your chance to be part of this community tradition. As veteran street painter Lysa Ashley shares, “The Ventura festival is probably my favorite! The organizers are tireless and wonderful, and there is always a fun group of artists. It feels like one big happy family.”
“My favorite part of the Art & Chalk Festival is seeing the awe-struck spectators. There’s nothing more magical than watching artists create masterpieces, one stroke at a time,” says Valerie Garbe, a key organizer and board member of Ventura County Art Events, Inc.
Sponsors: They include Mathis Wealth Management (Premier Sponsor), Crowne Plaza Ventura, Rotary Club of Ventura, Tastes & Tales Hospitality Group, Fastsigns and Ventura County Art Events, Inc.
For more information, please visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/.