Summer is in full swing as artists take over Broad St. in downtown St. Joe during Chalk the Block, August 6-8! St. Joe Today is inviting the community to watch as both amateur and professional artists showcase their chalk masterpieces in an art-filled weekend.
This family-friendly festival showcases regional, national and international artists, using downtown St. Joseph as their backdrop. Attendees can stroll along Broad St, between Lake Blvd. and State St. and view as artists prepare their squares on Friday, work all day Saturday and add finishing touches on Sunday.
Event goers can also vote for their favorite artist’s renderings in the People’s Choice vote. Tickets will be sold at the People’s Choice Tent on Broad St. for one dollar each from 12:00p-8:00p on Saturday and 11:00a-2:00p on Sunday. One dollar equals one vote towards the favored artist; the artist with the most tickets by the end of the weekend wins the People’s Choice Award. To learn more about this year’s artists, visit stjoetoday.com/chalktheblock.
Event organizers encourage attendees to celebrate the beauty of St. Joseph throughout Chalk the Block weekend. “Not only can you see awesome chalk art around town, folks can shop at beautiful boutiques and stores, walk to the Whirlpool Compass Fountain and downtown beaches, jam to live music or catch a movie outdoors by Lake Michigan.” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joe Today.
On Friday, the weekend kicks off with St. Joe Lighthouse Tours with The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center at the North Pier Lighthouse, with a guided tour at 10:00a and open hours from 11:00a-2:00p and 5:00p-8:00p will be available. Heading into the early evening, chalk artists will start gridding and/or outlining their pieces along Broad Street.
On Saturday, visitors can check out the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park, featuring everything from fresh cut flowers, meats, cheese, local produce and more! For more information visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket. Saturday morning, artists will start working on their pieces, so attendees can stop back throughout the day to view their progress. To vote for your favorite artist(s), purchase tickets at the People’s Choice Tent between 12:00p-8:00p. Later Saturday evening, check out the Summer Movie Series, hosted by the City of St. Joseph. Saturday’s movie, Monsters vs. Aliens, will begin at 7:00p at St. Joseph High School (Drive-In). Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete summer movie schedule. Wrap up Saturday night with Relay for Life of Berrien County as they celebrate the end of their Cancer Week (August 1-7) with a Luminaria Walk along Lake Bluff Park at 8:00p.
On Sunday, August 8, view the completed chalk masterpieces all day long! Artists will finalize their pieces by 1:00p. Voting will be available from 11:00a-2:00p at the People’s Choice Tent. Sunday evening, the City of St. Joseph Municipal Band hosts a free concert that begins at 7:00p.
Chalk the Block is sponsored by Frederick S. Upton, Mutual of America, TCF Bank, Vail Rubber, Silver Beach Pizza, Silver Harbor Brewing, Caffe Tosi and Cook Nuclear Indiana Michigan Power.
