Chalk It Up!

It was HOT!!! I know this is an annual event, but I wish they could pick a cooler time. The heat has kept me away for years. This year a friend really wanted to go so I joined him. It was hot and very crowded. You inched along to view the many drawings. They were beautiful. I’m glad I got to see them, but I don’t think I’ll be back. It was too hot and crowded. I also learned that the drawings will be posted on their website. The collection of food was wonderful. We found some Mexican corn and that was a fun new treat. They also had Mexican fruit. Such as mangos cut into beautiful flowers and chili powder. There were ATMs available and lots of port-​a-​potties. I loved the free picture booth. They emailed us to us and if you wanted a copy I think it was 2 for $ 5 or something close. Either way we got to. You have to have a picture. The nice thing about the bands were they weren’t too loud so you can have fun chat and weren’t drowned out. There were lots of vendors. The one that stood out was the local author. He had books for sale about midtown and Sacramento. A great find.

New Chalk Works Of Art AND Expanded Festival Amenities!
SITREP
Every Labor Day Weekend for going on a decade now, the Fremont Park @ 15^th & 16^th Streets by P & Q Streets is taken over by many diversely interested chalk artists, who take their section of sidewalk along the perimeter of the park and design some pretty amazing works of art that are completely created by CHALK.
THE SETUP
Chalk It Up 2015 this was a huge success, not only because of the energy and the talent, but also because there seems to be a deeper community spirit at work here.
Not only terms of exemplary chalk art being put out there by many new artists and sponsors, but also in the number of fun festival-​related vendors, food trucks and bands participating this year compared to past years.
All these new logistical pieces really add to the depth of what is provided both in support for the chalk-​artists themselves, but also for the spectators who come to appreciate the beauty of what is being created.
CHARITABLE CAUSES
This year — like past years, but seemingly more so for me this year — I noticed that the sponsorships are really promoting some pretty significant causes, ranging for better health among people, and raising animal awareness & preventing cruelty.
But there were many corporate sponsors as well, and who couldn’t recognize the vested interest that Midtown’s HOT ITALIAN had in making sure they were represented as well in getting their name out since they are just on the next block!
SHOUTOUTS
I have to give my friend Denise B. some mad props because has been dedicated and at every Chalk It Up these last few years with very creative, and stylistic pieces of art! [And who doesn’t love R2D2, I asks ya!]
And kudos to my friend Julie who comes up with some very realistic portraitures of people with chalk!
And of course, me having fun with the CABBY GIRLS!
THE LOWDOWN
A lot of truly amazing chalk art was created this year!

I can’t believe it’s been already 25 years in the making? Really? Where did the time go?
Okay I have to confess it was a Unilocal picture of clothing shopping that brought me here!
I know the event is held every year here at Fremont Park that parking here can be a challenge. Another true confession I had not come every year. Maybe because I had worked a majority of those Labor Day weekends. It’s the premium holidays you guys!
I do admit it was well worth it. Beside seeing all the supercool chalk art on the sidewalk, they do have entertainment but not what I normally listen to. But that shouldn’t stop anyone else from going. They also have shopping of different arts and crafts plus food trucks galore as well as food tents. I’m not going to list them here as sometimes food trucks may not appear the next day as I have found that out from a recent festival I attended this past month.
I would advise coming earlier in the day as parking could be easier and it is cooler in Sacramento in the mornings. It might be difficult if you have a stroller because there are signs everywhere saying do not walk on the sidewalk where there is artwork of course!!! It’s the first time I noticed across the street there was Magpie, Orchid Thai and Insight Coffee roasters. Whoa, I need to take a walk around here in midtown to start noticing these businesses!!!
I did see that Fremont Park has a playground for the children so I can see families come. The chalk drawings remind me of my father who was the sign painter back in the day before computers were around. I still remember the Shatkins Guild House van parked at home while Dad penciled in his sketch of what he was going to paint. Then later I was wowed by the final product. He definitely was an artist himself!!! Somehow I didn’t take after him but I totally appreciated his talent!
This final day may be the best day to go because by now most of the artwork is completed. We really were impressed and I highly recommend attending. I mean it is a free event just advise against wearing high heels as it would be very inconvenient. Plus I did trip but luckily I didn’t fall flat on my face like I did last year and happened to hold my iphone 6 plus tightly that it didn’t drop. Got to remember that walking downtown the sidewalks are not smooth and even. I learned that the hard way!!! Enjoy and I will be back next year! OMG I have other events that I missed this year so we will play it by ear! Like the Reno BBQ or US Open in NY. Okay it means you shouldn’t miss it!!!

Neat free festival. I enjoyed taking my family here. It’s smaller than I thought but still plenty to see and do. The art was nice. Some were better than others but definitely more artistic and creative than anything I can do. It was a bit of a traffic jam at times walking on the grass behind someone who wants to take pictures of every single square.
There were a variety of food trucks that we enjoyed. I ate a delicious and generous seafood po boy with fries. The Plus One had burgers and fries. I tried the watermelon juice from Yolanda’s Tamales which was refreshing with the heat. The kiddo had an ice cream.
Live music was non stop and good. I found a local band that I enjoyed.
Plenty of porta potties and hand washing.
Plenty of kids activities, there’s also a playground there!
Neat vendors.
If I was around next year (I live an hour away) I’d come back.

Took my wife Coco to this last night and this afternoon. The first time I noticed thanks to Meetup and fellow Unilocalers from earlier Saturday. Though sadly I didn’t read that it all closed down around 6 pm. But still we enjoyed looking around at all the art that people created on the sidewalks. So we ventured across the street for pizza @ Hot Italian. Then earlier today we came by and enjoyed more of the park but since it was warmer got ice cream from Happy Cow while enjoying more art and music playing about. Definitely family friendly and look forward to next year’s event.

DO YOU LOVE ART?!
If you do, then you must check it out! ugh it is so awesome! i am so glad i went to this event and saw all the local talented artist working away on the floor drawing the coolest art one can imagine!
Some art work i have seen are sponsors from local businesses, which is cool that they are supporting this event and raising money for charity! i believe each square do cost money and you can buy it out and buy your own chalk art work!
VIBE
The vibe got here make me appreciate all the artwork more. Seeing all the aristist drawing away with chalk, some getting chalk all over their clothing, and kneeling down on the hard concrete really amazes me, it is not easy work at all.
Just imagine the time, they put into the artwork, so i must say watch where you step and try to avoid stepping on the art work.
ARTS AND CRAFT VEDNORS
There is so much more to art! We do have vendors selling other art work such as listed below…
1. Melodes design — She is a 70 yr old woman who does an amazing job of hand sewing pin cushions! Those pin cushions she was selling were all handmade and are so cute! She even does an amazing job on decorating a lollipop and selling them too.
2. Photography — There is an amazing photographer who takes pics of SF or SAC and print them out on glass and are hung and displayed for sale, most of the prices were reasonable and under $ 100.
3. Art Glass — Lots of nice 3D mouth blown art glass in a shiny glossed, these are amazing and colors on it are just vibrant wow!
4. Art of the Living Dead — They have a stand with diy artwork, color it yourself! this is great for kids!
5. Jewlery stand — lots of handmade crochet bracelets with gems in it, very cool and unique!
6. Cactus succulents! — this was one of my favorite vendors, with a talented guy who makes his own vase and décor cactus in it! very cute and urban and just cool to look at!
much more, go check for yourself
MUSICIANS
Very fun local musicians setting the vibe to a live and fun event! The music played was more mellow and chill kind of songs. Loved the guitarist the most!
FOOD
All the local food trucks to choose from! One of my favorites was there, such as Krush! Oh that Salmon BLT caught me drooling!
PARKING
i recommend public transportation, which is easy and stress free. Parking will be hard to find, unless you find parking near the meters, otherwise good luck.
OVERALL
The event is a great turnout, with great food, music, entertainment with local chalk artists, and vendors that sell awesome art works! Will be back very soon and every year!

Since 1991, Chalk it Up! is a special community organization which arts and music come alive right here at Fremont Park in Downtown and Midtown neighborhood. This time as of today, I visited for this event for the very first time this Labor Day weekend.
For this event, many participants from local business, communities, organizations, etc come together to show their creativity and the knowledge of what art is all about. It also provides for the charity too, so it can support Sacramento’s environment for generations to come. Every artwork that surrounds the squared Fremont Park is mesmerizing and breathtaking just like visiting to the museum to know what the story and the inspiration about.
Every musicians which it’s mostly local and elsewhere performed very well as many residents will enjoy their listening pleasures.
Yep, there’s food trucks available during the event! It has Drewski’s, Bacon Mania, Granola Girl, Happy Cow, and many more to munch their food on!
The parking can be harder to park. Try to park at the nearest garage as possible before the parking madness begins. Otherwise, you can ride a bike, walk, or use public transportation easier without the hassles.
In the end, Chalk It Up! is defiantly the best event that I’ve ever attended! Perfect for the whole family and your friends! A well worthy visit for Labor Day weekend plans!

WITH APOLOGIES TO WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Chalk It Up, how do I love/​not love thee? Let me count the ways! First, the love! 1. Beautiful Artwork 2. Artists volunteer their time/​talent! 3. Benefits children art education 4. Beautiful park 5. Nice way when doing art to meet different people 6. Many talented artists paint their renditions on the side walk 7. I know is sponsored by companies, I try paint what relates to the sponsor 8. Nice bands all the three days 9. Some years, there massage people, artists get free ten minute of massage My only hesitancy with this is required put your head in some round hole 10. Nice way meet other artists 11. Many spectators have doggies with them One year big brown doggy, I lie next to him/​her with my arms outstretched, he/​she still way bigger than me 12. Twenty five so minutes walk to and from that hotel in Sacra you knowing where, you knowing when, you knowing who
Now the not love part! Too bad! 1. Been getting worse since 2008 2. Sponsor squares went up to think $ 200.00, so many years there empty squares 3. Since 2008 they lock down park bathrooms I know hotel not cares when I have come bak and forth to do «NECESSARY,» but I think not fair to them have tolerate all this for the three long days 4. Same, I complain to Chalk It Up, they not seem care, tell me do alternative! I try in 2008, not have the balance, that not place to be falling into or losing balance 5. Bathroom, so one person crime, affect four parks, all innocents have to suffer
That then how I love and not love this festival! Since least 2011, been say this to be my last year participate! I been donating most (if not all) my chalks since that year! Somehow Sheraton find out, they donate some to me, no charge to me! There will be year I not tell them, I getting so frustrated with CHALK IT UP theory one person crime so all innocents have suffer! Sheraton since 2012, 2013, 2014, all get concern when I come and refuse usual (AH NO) offers bowls bar snacks, cups water, cups orange juice, muffins, when any other time come in I will say a yes!

The community feeling of this event was great! lots of different artists and vendors out and about, it was fun and free, what else can you ask for? Luckily it wasnt too hot so we were able to take our time looking at the art.
Food wise: food trucks that were there were drewski, krush burger and 2 more i cant remember. there was a mexican indian and ice cream vendor as well. I bought food from krush, drewskis, and rootbeer float from the handdipped icecream joint. I loved all the food but my rootbeer float was overpriced due to the fact it was just a costco branded vanilla ice cream bar in a cup with warm root beer.
besides that hiccup, music was good, vendors were cool, will come again next year!

I love this event!!! Its labor day weekend every year at Fremont park. Artist use side walk and «chalk”/ Paint to do amazing pieces. The sad part is that they can’t be saved or hung on a wall. The detail and time that they invest is unbelievable. I have gone the past 3 years. My kids love it so much they mark the calendar before I do. People there are always friendly. The amount of detail and beauty that goes into some of theses pieces keep amazing me. Other then that fact that its hotter than Blue Friggin Blazes every year! It never fails I leave this event 2 shades more Mexican then I came. The art work, people and vendors make it a blast. My family and I make a day of it. We pack a lunch, find some shade, check out the art, play in the park, cool off in the fountain, check out the local vendors and listen to local music. If you haven’t been go!!! Support your local artist.

Awesome event!
I love events like this that brings out the creative and artistic side of people that inspires the young and the old. Not only does it bring out the ingenious side of artists, but it also brings the community together. It has activities for kids, food trucks, concerts, and alcohol for the adults. For those who have not gone, definitely go the following year! Thank you all for sharing your talents!

This event was awesome! The artwork was Amazing! I checked out this event for both days and I was captured by the art and talking with the artists. Everyone was very friendly! This is a must see event! If you missed out this year make sure you go next year!

I do not think I have missed a Chalk It Up festival in ten years. It has come to be my favorite festival in Sacramento. There is always a lot of food, music, and beer going around like every festival should have. There are even a few booths selling various items.
The things that make this festival so great are the large trees, dedicated artists, and all of the signs asking you to PLEASE STAY ON THE GRASS. It has the feel of a small town festival and you can always find tired artists that will take time out to talk to you about the passion that drew them to this festival. I have a lot of respect, admiration, and compassion for these artists. To bend over a square of sidewalk for days on end while putting themselves and their creations on display to the public is unbelievably courageous in my book and many of the final products are spectacular to say the least.

Fun!
Crowded with kids, kids, grandparents, kids, a few 20-​somethings and a few more kids. There was a music stage I didn’t pay attention to, a dull looking beer garden (at least it was on Sunday mid-​afternoon when I showed up) and 4 or so food trucks (Drewski’s was by far the best choice for lunch). They also had a selection of other booths including reps from SMUD (free fans and boxes of chalk) and the public library (sign up for a library card and get a free pencil) and a booth of hippie wares for sale.
After eating lunch (goddamn — mac&cheese IN my sandwich? Brilliant!) and browsing around the interior of the park (aw, look at all the kid scribbles!), the only thing we hadn’t yet accomplished was to actually look at the real art.
So, we made our loop and the sidewalk chalk art was pretty darn excellent. I didn’t know that chalk art could be that intensely colorful. Pretty, pretty. I thought it was a bit bizarre that so many of the sidewalk squares had been bought by restaurants and public services and mainly served as advertisements. Oh well, even though they were pretty enough, I tried to gloss over those and focus on the 40% that seemed unadulterated.
Still, it was a fun, free event so I can’t complain. I felt as though I had done it all after I had been there for about an hour, but I would definitely say that it’s worth it to take some time (and if you have kids definitely take your kids) and go have lunch in Fremont Park for the Chalk It Up fest.

It’s always a great time at Chalk it up. I usually go on Sunday because half of the art is completed but there are still artists there so you can watch them. It’s the coolest thing to watch and artist are of all ages.
I took my sisters back when they were kids. I love that they have free chalk there for kids to decorate the inside walkways of the park. Everyone is so friendly.
This year it seemed like there were more food vendors than ever and the live music and beer garden was a nice touch.
I truly love this event and the location can’t be beat. I recommend going more than once and it’s an event for all ages.
**the event is not good for disabled as the would need to walk on the grass a lot.**

I made a stop at Chalk-​It-​Up on Labor Day to check out the art. I must say that there are some amazing artists out there that create outstanding pieces using chalk. This is a definite must-​see every year. It was a bit warm out (I went around noon), but if you go during the morning or evening, it’s a pleasant weather time. Not only is there art, but there are food vendors and children’s art on the inner sidewalk of the park.
I was hoping to catch the final artwork a day or two later, but the sprinklers must have washed most of it away. C’est La Vie! There’s always next year.

This yearly midtown event is a must! This year was my first and I’m so impressed. I thought there would only be sidewalk art (which there was in plenty) but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of vendors and food. I was so stoked to see the mobile food trucks in house. I could have spent all day there listening to the various bands entertaining the crowds.
Perhaps some covered areas beyond the natural shade? Just a suggestion. :)

Events like these makes me so proud to be from Sacramento. It bothers me when people say, ‘Oh, Sacramento is so boring, there’s nothing to do here.” Yeah… those people are probably the ones that just wants to hit up clubs every night drinking their life away.
Sacramento is so diverse if you only take a moment to just… be. It’s Sunday and already I’ve spent a few hours at the Gold Rush event in Old Sac where there was a shoot out and I panned for gold. Then, I made my way on over to Burgers and Brew where I enjoyed their special burger of the day and because they are so awesome, I had the orange water and the cucumber water. After a satisfying meal, I wandered over to the Chalf It Up event and was just amazed at the crowd of local artists. Bright colors everywhere, vibrant must floating through the air and people of all sorts were just out enjoying this perfect Sunday afternoon.
Better yet, Mochi Yogurt was just around the corner so being able to enjoy a blood orange yogurt with pomegranate mochi and mango was just the icing on the cake!
Chalk it Up is definitely one of my favorite events in Sacramento and I encourage all you folks out there to come and participate, hang out and enjoy the beauty of it all!

I had vaguely remembered that Chalk It Up was taking place the day I happened to be at Naked Lounge. Luckily for me, it was one of those «right time, right place» moments!
After grabbing a coffee, I strolled over to Fremont Park to check it out. The live band playing at the time was… a — ok. Some kids who probably should have rehearsed more in their parent’s garage were belting it out. But then the music eventually got better.
There were also booths set up of the politically-​correct, green-​themed variety as well as a few food booths.
The highlight of the event was of course the chalk artistry! What passion! What creativity! And to think it is all temporary. I won’t go on to compare it to the impermanence of Tibetan sand mandalas, but it seems a shame that you can’t take capture some of this hand-​chalked beauty forever.
Ran into fellow Unilocaler Mandie and her fantastic tribute piece. I had no idea she was so talented!
This festival gives a whole new meaning to «sidewalk art». Family-​friendly, good vibes and great way to view Sacramento’s talent.

This event was worth the 19 hours of pretending to be a Chinese contortionist to draw a memorial piece for my friend who passed away last month. During my breaks I checked out the food, the beer garden, and the live bands. If you really like a specific square, you can vote on it by filling out a card at the registration booth. Had I known that before Monday I probably would have had more votes and maybe won something, lol.
Anyway, I plan on «chalking up» a square every year.
One gripe: I wish they would block off the sidewalks at night so assholes don’t ride their bikes or walk across the work.