11th Annual Chalkfest at The Island in Pigeon Forge
About this Event
📅 Event Details
Once Upon a Sidewalk
Step into a world where stories leap from the pages and onto the pavement.
From long-told fairy tales and beloved storybook characters to magical kingdoms, myths, folklore, and original fantasy worlds, artists are invited to interpret the theme in their own unique style.
Whether your inspiration comes from dragons, castles, enchanted forests, whimsical adventures, or your own imagination, we encourage creativity that makes every sidewalk square feel like the beginning of a new story.
🖍 Creating Your Artwork
Working Time
Artists will have 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM to complete their artwork.
You may continue working after 4:00 PM if needed, but judging will begin promptly at 4:00 PM.
Check-In
Our check-in tent will be located in front of Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
After checking in, you will be able to pick your square. They will be first come, first serve.
Working Space
Each participant will receive a designated concrete square.
To qualify for judging, your artwork must cover at least a 4' x 4' area.
Base Coat (Tempera)
Artists are welcome to use a white tempera base beneath their artwork.
The Island will apply tempera to every competition square before the event, but you're also welcome to bring your own if you prefer to apply it yourself. If doing so, we recommend arriving early.
🎨 Chalk
Each artist will receive:
- One box of assorted soft pastel chalk
- You're also welcome to bring your own chalk.
- Need a different color?
- Visit the check-in tent to exchange colors. Extra black and white chalk will also be available for larger areas.
🏆 Judging
Judging begins at 4:00 PM.
Artwork will be evaluated on:
• Creativity
• Composition
• Artistic Technique
• Theme Interpretation
• Overall Presentation
🥇 Awards
Awards will be presented at 5:30 PM on the Ole Smoky Moonshine Stage.
Categories include:
🏆 Best in Show
❤️ People's Choice
🥇 Overall Winners
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• Adult
🎒 Suggested Supplies
We recommend bringing:
• Cardboard or foam board to kneel on
• Chalkboard eraser for blending
• Foam brushes or paint brushes
• Measuring tape or string
• Masking tape or blue painter's tape
• Tarp (in case of rain)
• Disposable gloves
• Baby wipes
• Sunscreen
• Hat or umbrella
• Water and snacks (or money for lunch)
Please do not use duct tape.
📋 Artist Guidelines
To keep the competition fun and fair, please remember:
Originality & Copyright: Artists are encouraged to use the "Once Upon a Sidewalk" theme as inspiration while creating their own original artwork. Direct copies of copyrighted artwork, illustrations, photographs, logos, or other protected intellectual property are not permitted. Fan-inspired interpretations are welcome, but entries should demonstrate the artist's own creativity and artistic expression. Any artwork determined to infringe on another creator's copyright may be disqualified.
• Family-friendly artwork only
• Original artwork is encouraged. If referencing another artist's work, please credit the original creator and make it your own.
• Business logos are not permitted, although sponsor recognition may be incorporated tastefully.
• Permanent fixatives (such as hairspray) are prohibited.
• Sugar water may be used to help chalk adhere.
• Water may be used for blending.
• No three-dimensional embellishments (flowers, toys, gems, etc.).
• Please remain within your assigned chalk square.
📚 Tell Your Story
Every great story begins with "Once Upon a Time…"
Now it's your turn to finish it.
Bring your imagination, your creativity, and your favorite story to life as we transform the sidewalks of The Island into an unforgettable storybook.
We can't wait to see what chapter you'll create!
📍 Location The Island in Pigeon Forge
📆 Date Saturday, September 26
Rain Date: September 27
⏰ Time 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Check-in begins at 8:00 AM
💲 Registration FREE
👕 Artist T-Shirt One complimentary event T-shirt per registered participant. Please select your size during registration.
👥 Team Information
Teams of two are welcome to compete. The age category will be based on the eldest of the two.
Groups of three or more must register under the Team Category.
✨ This Year's Theme
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
