ChalkFest 2026 at Reston Town Center
ChalkFest 2026 at Reston Town Center is a free, family-friendly celebration of pavement art, creativity, and community. Visitors can watch artists transform designated pavement squares into colorful chalk masterpieces, stroll through the artwork as it develops, enjoy live music, and take part in free face painting.
Amateur artists, families, and children can register to create and compete for prizes. Registered participants receive a pavement square and a complete chalk-art kit, so they do not need to bring supplies. The event has attracted more than 1,000 visitors in past years and also offers businesses and community organizations opportunities to register teams or sponsor the festival.
When: October 17
Showtimes: The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Chalking begins at 10:00 a.m., judging starts at 4:00 p.m., and winners are announced at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Venue: Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20191
Lineup: Live music by Bach to Rock Herndon, along with free face painting.
Competition: Prizes are awarded in each competition category, with additional Audience Choice Awards.
Registration: Registration is required for amateur artists and for families and children who want to create artwork and compete. Early registration is strongly encouraged because the event has sold out in previous years.
Supplies: Registered participants receive a designated pavement square and a complete chalk-art kit.
Professional Artists: Participation is by invitation only.
Audience: The event is family-friendly and welcomes artists, families, friends, coworkers, and visitors who simply want to experience the artwork.
Community Participation: Businesses and community organizations may register teams or support the event through sponsorships, offering opportunities for team-building and engagement with the Reston community.
Organizer: Public Art Reston, in partnership with Reston Community Center and other supporting organizations.
Contact: Public Art Reston at admin@publicartreston.com, or Reston Community Center at 703-476-4500 or RCCcontact@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Support: The event is supported by Reston Community Center, Fairfax County, the Reston Town Center Association, Boston Properties, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsFairfax, and Bach to Rock.