Chalkfest is back at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove for 2026!

I’m so excited about this! We’ve gone to this event for years – last year it was supposed to be the last year but it was now brought back by a new collaborative Maple Grove partnership.

What is Chalkfest?

This FREE 2-day street festival features incredible chalk art, family activities, entertainment, food vendors, and interactive art experiences for all ages. Professional chalk artists from around the world will transform the streets into stunning works of art — including amazing 3D creations perfect for photos.

Chalkfest takes place Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, 2026 in Maple Grove, MN.

We’ve attended Chalkfest several times over the years, and it’s always one of the most unique summer events in the Twin Cities. The artwork is incredible to see in person, and kids love all the hands-on activities and colorful displays.

This year’s event marks an exciting new chapter for Chalkfest. Experience Maple Grove, Maple Grove Arts Center, and internationally recognized chalk artist and co-founder Shawn McCann have partnered together to revive and grow the festival while continuing its artistic legacy.

Festival Highlights

Spectacular 3D Chalk Art

See massive chalk masterpieces created live by professional artists from around the world. Many of the pieces create incredible optical illusions that make for unforgettable photos. 

And the BEST photo opps!

Expanded Festival Area

Chalkfest continues to grow with expanded activity areas and more family-friendly experiences throughout the festival.

Kids Zone

A fun, creative space where children can explore art and interactive activities.

Free Chalk Zone

Hosted by Maple Grove Arts Center, this area lets visitors create their own chalk art.

Interactive Community Art

Guests can help contribute to collaborative chalk creations and community art projects.

Food Vendors & Entertainment

Enjoy food, music, entertainment, and a lively festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.

More Family Fun

Additional activities may include:

• Digital Photo Booth
• Caricature Artists
• Free Balloon Creations
• Interactive Art Stations
• Martial Arts Demonstrations
• Inflatable Activities & Obstacle Courses
• Dance Performances & Music

Where Is Chalkfest?

Chalkfest takes place in Maple Grove at Arbor Lakes on Main Street between Elm Creek Boulevard and one block north of Arbor Lakes Parkway.

When Is Chalkfest?

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026

Festival hours are expected to run from 10:00am – 6:00pm both days.

Tips for Visiting Chalkfest

Having attended Chalkfest multiple years, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of your visit:

✅ Visit Both Days
Watching the artists create the artwork in progress is fascinating, and the completed pieces look completely different by the end of the festival.

✅ Bring Your Camera
There are tons of fun photo opportunities, especially with the 3D chalk art illusions.

✅ Park Smart
Parking farther from the main entrance can help avoid traffic congestion. We’ve had good luck parking near Total Wine and Nordstrom Rack and walking over.

✅ Check the Weather
Since the art is outdoors, weather can affect the chalk creations.

✅ Plan Extra Time
There’s much more than just chalk art — kids activities, entertainment, food, and interactive stations can easily turn this into a half-day outing.

✅ Come back Monday, June 15th
This is a bonus viewing day after the festivities are over. This also means shorter lines to get pictures!

More Information

For festival updates, artist announcements, and additional event details, visit the official Chalkfest website.

Looking for More FREE Summer Fun in the Twin Cities?

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There are 8 pages of summer planning fun:

• Summer Bucket List (32 ideas for summer fun!)
• Summer Schedules with themes and ideas
• “10 Things I Want to Do this Summer” Worksheet
• 3 Coloring Pages

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