‘Imagination as a pathway to connection’

FITCHBURG — The community is invited to attend the fourth annual Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival this coming weekend.

The event on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lowe Playground, 174 Elm St., will once again feature art, music, food, prizes, resources, and engagement.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sidewalks of Possibility,’ reflects our belief that art can open new ways of imagining what is possible while bringing artists of all ages together in a family-friendly environment for a day of creativity, community, and fun,” said Kimrâh Munty, one of the organizers.

According to a press release, the rain date for the free celebration that brings professional chalk artists, local groups, families, young people, and neighbors together for a day of creativity is Saturday, Sept. 19, at the same time and location. Participants and visitors of all ages are invited to watch sidewalks become colorful public works of art and to add their own creativity in community drawing areas.

“The festival is designed to make art visible and accessible beyond traditional gallery walls,” Munty shared in the release. “It creates space for professional artists to showcase their work, for young and emerging artists to participate, and for families and community organizations to create alongside one another.”

Festival highlights include professional chalk artists creating original sidewalk murals, stipends and cash awards for participating professional artists, youth, family, community, and business art squares, live music and entertainment, giveaways and community-resource tables, and open chalk-drawing areas for children and families.

“The official 2026 theme celebrates imagination as a pathway to connection, opportunity, and community pride and invites artists and community participants to envision what becomes possible when public space is transformed through creativity, inclusion, and shared experience,” Munty relayed.

Community participation in the yearly Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival is free and chalk and materials will be provided. The creative affair is made possible through the support of many funders, sponsors, and partners including the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance, Fidelity Bank, NewVue Communities, Fitchburg Art Museum, the City of Fitchburg, Fitchburg Parks and Recreation, WORK Inc., R.C. Excitement, Espresso Pizza, and additional community supporters and volunteers.

The event is supported in part by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information follow Lowe Park Chalk Art Festival on Facebook.