If you're planning a trip around the Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2026, here's the short answer: the festival is not taking place this year. The good news is that its art hasn't gone anywhere. Hundreds of hand-painted sidewalk pieces from the festival's Avenue of Art project still line the streets of Burns Square downtown, open to walk any time, day or night. This guide covers the festival's current status, where to see its work now, a little history, and other art events to plan around this November.
Chalk Festival 2026 at a Glance
- 2026 festival: not happening this year, according to a June 2026 report in the Observer.
- What you can still see: the Avenue of Art, about 300 sidewalk paintings by artists from 20 countries.
- Where: Burns Square, the small historic neighborhood around South Pineapple Avenue and Burns Court in downtown Sarasota.
- Hours: it's outdoors and open around the clock.
- Start point: the official walking route begins at Oak Street and South Orange Avenue, by The Exchange at 539 S. Orange Ave.
- Future festivals: watch ChalkFestival.org for announcements.
Is There a Sarasota Chalk Festival in 2026?
No full festival is scheduled. In June 2026, the Observer reported that the festival was not taking place this year. Instead, founder Denise Kowal led volunteers in building an infiorata, a traditional Italian carpet made of flower petals, outside the Burns Square Hotel. It was the first such carpet created entirely by a local team, and Kowal said more could be made around the city through the year.
At the time of writing, the festival's website shows a "stay tuned" message rather than a 2026 festival date. If you're hoping to catch a future edition, ChalkFestival.org is the place to watch. We'll update this guide if a new date is announced.
Walk the Avenue of Art in Burns Square
The Avenue of Art began in 2021, when the Chalk Festival needed a socially distanced way to celebrate Sarasota County's 100th anniversary. Artists painted directly on the sidewalks, and the collection grew from 100 pieces to about 300 over three years, made by 240 artists from 20 countries. It's now part of the city's Public Art Plan, and it won a Heritage Award from the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation.
How to see it. The self-guided route starts at the corner of Oak Street and South Orange Avenue and winds through Laurel Street, South Pineapple Avenue, Dolphin Street, Burns Court and Selby Lane before returning to Oak Street. Many paintings have a QR code in the corner that pulls up details about the piece and its artist, but you don't need a phone to enjoy the walk.
Our tips:
- Look down. The paintings are underfoot, so it's easy to walk right past them. Slow down and scan the sidewalk ahead.
- Go in the morning. Soft light makes the colors pop in photos, and the streets are quieter.
- Allow about an hour. That's enough to walk the route without rushing and stop at the cafes and shops along the way.
- Bring water and a hat. Most of the walk is in the open, and the sun is strong even in winter.
A Short History of the Chalk Festival
Denise Kowal started the festival in Burns Court in the late 2000s, and it quickly grew into an international gathering of street painters known for 3D pavement illusions, the kind that look like holes in the ground when you stand in the right spot. In 2014, after disputes over the city's event policies and fees, the festival moved to Venice, where it was held at the Venice Municipal Airport festival grounds.
The festival came back to Burns Square for a spring edition in April 2019, then returned to Venice that fall. After Hurricane Ian damaged the Venice airport grounds in 2022, Kowal brought events back to her hometown. The most recent full festival ran November 8 to 10, 2024, in Burns Square, billed as the festival's 17th year. Its theme, Floralia Infiorata, brought teams from Italy, the Canary Islands, Japan and India to make flower carpets alongside pavement artists. That edition was ticketed.
What a Festival Weekend Looked Like
If the festival returns, the 2024 edition gives a good idea of what to expect. Sarasota Magazine described nine teams working side by side on flower carpets, returning 3D pavement illusions, interactive illusion rooms, digital murals and a floral storefront contest among Burns Square merchants. A wine tasting was offered for an extra fee, and the festival's Grow the Heart program gave free tickets to local nonprofit groups. Because the art takes shape over the weekend, it can be worth stopping by on more than one day.
Exploring Burns Square and Downtown
Burns Square is one of the most charming corners of downtown, with Spanish-style buildings, small shops and places to eat along South Pineapple Avenue. Pair the Avenue of Art with a stroll toward Main Street and the bayfront. Our downtown guide covers parking, dining and what else to see nearby.
Other Art and Festivals This November
If you were planning a November trip around the Chalk Festival, there's still plenty going on:
- November 8 to 15: Living Arts Festival. A week of performances and arts programming from Sarasota Rising, at venues around the region.
- November 13 to 16: Siesta Key Crystal Classic. Master sand sculptors build on Siesta Key Beach, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. See our Crystal Classic guide.
- November 14 to 15: two art festivals in one weekend. The 37th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival on the Circle, and Paragon's Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival at J.D. Hamel Park on the bayfront.
For every show through spring 2027, see our art festivals calendar.
What to Bring for an Art Walk
A walking art tour is mostly sun and pavement, so pack light and smart. If you're coming from the beaches, our shop at 410 St. Armands Circle is on the way downtown and open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- A hat. The Lido Key Cap Trucker in power blue is light and breathable for a long walk. See all hats and visors.
- Water. A Sarasota Water Bottle keeps you going between cafes.
- A layer for cool mornings. The Longboat Timber Crew is a soft crewneck sweatshirt for a breezy winter start.
- A souvenir of the keys. The Keys Tee has a map of the islands, a nice keepsake from an art-filled trip.
Sarasota Chalk Festival 2026 FAQ
Is the Sarasota Chalk Festival happening in 2026?
No. The Observer reported in June 2026 that the festival is not taking place this year. Check ChalkFestival.org for future announcements.
When was the last Sarasota Chalk Festival?
The most recent full festival ran November 8 to 10, 2024, in Burns Square in downtown Sarasota, with the theme Floralia Infiorata.
Where can I see chalk festival art in Sarasota now?
Walk the Avenue of Art in Burns Square, about 300 sidewalk paintings created through the Chalk Festival. The route starts at Oak Street and South Orange Avenue.
Is the Avenue of Art free?
It's an outdoor, self-guided walk on public sidewalks, open 24/7, so you can see it any time. Check ChalkFestival.org for any guided tours.
How long does it take to walk the Avenue of Art?
Plan about an hour to walk the route at an easy pace, longer if you stop to scan the QR codes or visit shops along the way.
Where is Burns Square in Sarasota?
Burns Square is in downtown Sarasota around South Pineapple Avenue, South Orange Avenue and Burns Court, a short walk south of Main Street.
Who founded the Sarasota Chalk Festival?
Denise Kowal founded the festival, which started in Burns Court downtown and later spent several years in Venice before returning to Sarasota.
Did the Chalk Festival move to Venice?
Yes. It moved to Venice in 2014 and was held at the Venice Municipal Airport festival grounds. After Hurricane Ian damaged that site in 2022, events returned to Sarasota.
Was the Chalk Festival free?
The 2024 festival was ticketed. Details for any future festival will be posted at ChalkFestival.org.
What else is happening in Sarasota in November 2026?
The Living Arts Festival runs November 8 to 15, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic is November 13 to 16, and two art festivals take place November 14 to 15 on St. Armands Circle and at J.D. Hamel Park.
Plan Your Visit
The Chalk Festival may be on pause, but the Avenue of Art is a free, any-time way to see the work it left behind, and November is full of other art to enjoy. When you head out to the islands, stop by 410 St. Armands Circle and say hello. Not in town yet? You can shop the Keys online anytime.
Top photo: Sarasota Chalk Festival 2011, Zinnia Jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.