Chalk the Walk
Mount Vernon Chalk the Walk returns May 2–3, 2026! Hosted by Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation, this signature event transforms Main Street into a vibrant outdoor gallery with hundreds of chalk artists, plus food, music, and family-friendly fun all day long. One of Mount Vernon’s most beloved and well-attended traditions.
Press Release
“Chalk the Walk announces 2026 dates, times, application links; festival to honor the 250th Anniversary of the United States while showcasing internationally-recognized artist, author, and motivational speaker John Bramblitt.
The City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation and the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) have announced the dates for the 21st annual Chalk the Walk, Iowa’s first and largest Madonnari Festival. The two-day festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day along Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street.
The committee has chosen John Bramblitt’s “Lady Liberty” as its large community piece this year. For a $10 donation to the festival, any interested festival participant will be given a set of chalk sticks to create a single 2’ by 2’ square of a portion of this giant 40’ x 80’ colorful depiction of our Country’s Statue of Liberty. When finished, a re-creation of the artwork will appear on Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street—created by dozens of artists of all ages and abilities.
This year’s event also will feature the work of up to 166 artists creating original art in 8’ by 10’ rectangles chalked directly onto Mount Vernon’s historic 1st Street. Last year’s 1st Place Winner, Autumn Zaehringer has been invited back to the event as the 2026 featured artist. Outdoor food vendors, children’s activities and live music also will take place throughout both days of the event.
More than $1,375 in cash prizes will be awarded to chalk artists this year, with a formal check presentation ceremony to take place Sunday afternoon, May 3.”
Get Involved!
Application questions can be directed to [email protected].
● An artist application is available: bit.ly/Artists2026CTW
● A food vendor application (opens a pdf) is available: bit.ly/Vendors2026CTW
● A volunteer application is available: bit.ly/Volunteer2026CTW
● A sponsorship packet (opens a pdf) is available: bit.ly/Sponsorship2026CTW
