‘Chalk the Block’ returns to downtown El Paso this weekend
EL PASO, Texas - The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department invites the entire community to enjoy the annual Chalk the Block Public Arts Festival this Saturday and Sunday in downtown El Paso.
Entering its 14th year, Chalk the Block provides family-friendly entertainment that includes sidewalk chalk art competitions, live performances, local art, food vendors and much more.
"When we started there were 12 artists and 5,000 people attending. We have steadily grown to include more than 200 artists, vendors, musicians and installations from around the world," said Cultural Affairs and Recreation Managing Director Ben Fyffe. "This year's festival will be a return to an in-person event, with a focus on welcoming El Pasoans back to the Downtown Arts District to engage with artists."
Chalk the Block will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 9 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 10.
Must-see activities include Estoy Aqui, an installation by artist Sofia Enriquez from Honolulu, Hawaii located at Cleveland Square Park ; Mural Walk features various El Paso artists curated by The Rubin Center for Contemporary Arts located at the Pedestrian Pathway; Odd Lab from Las Cruces; Border Crossers by artist Chico MacMurtrie located at Arts Festival Plaza on Sunday only; the Chalk Art Competition featuring 50 local artists located at the Pedestrian Pathway, between Southwest University Park and the Convention Center
Local musicians and artists will perform at San Jacinto Plaza throughout the day on Saturday, October 9.
In addition, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, the City will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome the public art sculpture called Bienvenido, located in the Paseo de las Luces roundabout. Bienvenido creator and artist Chris Weed will be on hand to talk and share special material about the art piece.
The El Paso Museum of Art and El Paso Museum of History will be open with extended hours during the festival with special events, including live music in the galleries.
Chalk the Block is a collaborative event programmed by the City of El Paso Museums & Cultural Affairs Department and the El Paso Community Foundation. The festival is supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts and Texas Gas Service.
For more information about Chalk the Block, including a full list of events visit chalktheblock.com or call (915) 212-0110.
