Chalk the Walk: Turning Main Street into a Work of Art in Mount Vernon, Iowa
Each spring, the streets of Mount Vernon, Iowa are transformed into a massive outdoor art gallery during Chalk the Walk — a colorful, creative festival that celebrates chalk art, community, and the simple joy of watching art come to life right under your feet.
If you’re looking for a festival that feels equal parts artistic showcase and small-town celebration, Chalk the Walk deserves a spot on your Iowa road trip calendar.
When and Where
Chalk the Walk takes place annually during the first full weekend in May, making it a perfect way to kick off spring festival season in Iowa.
Next Date: May 2nd and 3rd, 2026
The event is held along 1st Street in Uptown Mount Vernon, where the historic downtown becomes a canvas for hundreds of chalk artists. Streets are closed to traffic, creating a walkable, family-friendly environment filled with color and creativity.
What Is Chalk the Walk?
Chalk the Walk is inspired by the Madonnari tradition, a form of Italian street painting that dates back centuries. Artists use soft pastel chalks to create detailed, temporary works of art directly on pavement — knowing full well that rain, wind, and time will eventually wash it all away.
Mount Vernon’s version has grown into Iowa’s first and largest Madonnari street painting festival, drawing artists, families, and spectators from across the state and beyond.
The Art: From Simple Sketches to Show-Stopping Masterpieces
Individual Chalk Squares
Artists are assigned individual chalk squares along 1st Street, where they spend hours — and sometimes the entire weekend — creating original pieces. You’ll see everything from:
- Photorealistic portraits
- Pop culture and fantasy scenes
- Abstract designs
- Playful family-friendly drawings
Participants range from professional artists to first-time chalkers and families working together.
The Community Chalk Mural
One of the festival’s standout features is the large collaborative chalk mural. This shared project breaks a single design into sections, allowing dozens of participants to contribute to one unified artwork — a great example of the community spirit behind the event.
More Than Just Chalk
Chalk the Walk isn’t only about watching artists work. The festival atmosphere makes it easy to spend a full day downtown.
You’ll typically find:
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Live music and entertainment
- Kids’ chalk zones where younger artists can get creative
- Outdoor seating and shaded spots to relax and enjoy the scene
It’s lively without being overwhelming — the kind of event where you can move at your own pace.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
One of the most memorable parts of Chalk the Walk is how approachable it feels. Artists are often happy to talk about their work, explain their process, or pose for photos. Visitors stroll from square to square, watching pieces evolve throughout the day.
By the end of the weekend, Uptown Mount Vernon feels transformed — not just visually, but socially. It’s a reminder of how art can bring people together, even if it’s only temporary.
Planning Your Visit
Tips for first-time visitors:
- Visit midday or late afternoon to see the artwork in progress and near completion
- Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll want to wander
- Bring a camera; the photo opportunities are endless
- Check the forecast — chalk art is weather-dependent
Mount Vernon’s compact downtown makes parking and walking easy, and the festival pairs well with a visit to Cornell College, local shops, or nearby restaurants.
Why Chalk the Walk Belongs on Your Iowa Road Trip
Chalk the Walk is one of those events that perfectly captures what makes Iowa travel special: creativity, community, and unexpected beauty in a small-town setting.
The artwork may wash away, but the experience sticks with you — and that’s exactly what makes it worth the trip.
