Professional street artists from across the country bring creativity to the North Shore for a free, all-ages celebration of art and community
PITTSBURGH, PA – April 29, 2025. Riverlife Chalk Fest returns to Allegheny Landing on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 2 – 6 p.m. and Sunday May 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Taking place over the Memorial Day Weekend, this free and family-friendly event invites visitors to the most colorful kick-off to summer with interactive chalk art, food, drink, music, and more.
Riverlife Chalk Fest unfolds in the heart of the Warhol Pop District, surrounded by the Sister Bridges, a setting that highlights Riverlife’s mission to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts connecting people through exceptional places and experiences.
Professional chalk artists from across the country will showcase large-scale chalk murals over the two-day festival. Guests can follow the creation process and meet the artists. From 3D illusions to mandalas that invite community participation, the art highlights both artistic talent and the beauty of the Allegheny Riverfront. In 2024, more than 12,000 people attended the event.
New this year, Riverlife will introduce a community mural project. The public will be invited to create their own 2×2’ mural as part of the entrance to the Festival on Isabella Street. The “Up & Coming” artist category will return from last year, spotlighting emerging talent and featuring a youth artist working alongside the national professionals. The celebration also includes a lineup of local food vendors, music, entertainment, hands-on activities, and a Hawaiian-inspired menu of bites and beverages from BG Brewing.
“When we brought Riverlife Chalk Fest to Allegheny Landing, we saw what happens when a riverfront space comes to life. Families exploring, kids creating, people discovering public spaces in a whole new way. That’s the kind of experience we’re building for the future of this place,” said Riverlife President and CEO Matthew Galluzzo.
Riverlife Chalk Fest Preview Day at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Campus
As part of this year’s expanded programming, Riverlife will partner with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on a special Riverlife Chalk Preview Day on Friday, May 23. Featured Chalk Artist Shawn McCann will lead two hands-on workshops in chalk mural techniques ahead of the weekend festivities at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Children’s Museum will offer additional chalk activities inside and outside at the Children’s Museum throughout the day. All outdoor activities are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended for the workshop. Visit pittsburghkids.org for more information.
“We are thrilled to partner with Riverlife to have a hands-on experience that is a preview of the festival, and we appreciate the opportunity to engage with the featured artists,” said Jane Werner, the museum’s Executive Director. “We can’t wait to see the creativity and curiosity that kids and families use to express themselves through chalk art.”
Weekend Schedule
Preparations will begin for the chalk installations on Friday, May 23. Artists will begin their work on Saturday, May 24, finalizing them on Sunday, May 25. Guests are encouraged to visit both days to witness the full process and to see how the pieces evolve over time.
“I’ve traveled around the world doing chalk art, and Pittsburgh’s Riverlife Chalk Fest continues to be one of the most exciting and meaningful festivals I’ve been a part of,” said Erik Greenawalt, also known as The Chalking Dad. “The location, the energy, and the community make this a truly special weekend.”
In addition to Riverlife’s festivities, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting the Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series over the weekend, adding to the festivities. On Sunday, May 25, Riverlife and the featured chalk artists will be honored before the game.
Riverlife Chalk Fest contributes to Riverlife’s realization of the Sister Bridges Experience, a series of projects and activities designed to connect the North Shore with Downtown in a vibrant cross-river destination. The Sister Bridges Experience will enhance public access, celebrate the region’s cultural and historical assets, and create a world-class riverfront where all are welcome.
“It starts with a little chalk and inspires a big idea: Pittsburgh’s riverfronts belong to everyone,” said Galluzzo. “At Chalk Fest and beyond, Riverlife is committed to making space for creativity, connection, and a shared vision of what riverfronts can be. We create opportunities to bring people together down to the river, connecting communities through playful experience.”
Riverlife Chalk Fest is made possible through the support of Arconic Foundation, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, EQT, Giant Eagle, and Xylem. A portion of all food and beverage sales during the event benefits Riverlife’s work to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.
Admission is free and open to the public. Learn more at riverlifepgh.org/chalkfest.
ABOUT RIVERLIFE Since 1999, Riverlife has worked to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. A nonprofit leader in building a community vision for Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, Riverlife has overseen a $150 million investment in the city’s waterfront transformation, catalyzing $4.2 billion in related economic development, arts and culture spending, and ecological sustainability on or adjacent to the city’s riverbanks. We center our work on the belief that the riverfronts belong to everyone, and world-class riverfront experiences can be created for all using community-driven, equitable development and high-quality, regenerative design. For more information, visit riverlifepgh.org.
