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Free, all-ages celebration to feature professional chalk artists from across the U.S.
PITTSBURGH, PA – Riverlife Chalk Fest will make its return to Allegheny Landing on Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Saturday, May 30, from 2 – 6 PM and Sunday, May 31 from 10 AM – 2 PM. This free and family-friendly event invites visitors to the most colorful kick-off to summer with interactive chalk art, food, drink, live music, and more.
Each year, Riverlife Chalk Fest unfolds on Isabella Street, Allegheny Landing, and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, surrounded by the iconic Sister Bridges. The setting highlights Riverlife’s mission to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, connecting people through exceptional places and experiences.
More than two dozen professional chalk artists will create and showcase large-scale chalk murals for the two-day festival. Visitors can follow the creation of the artwork, meet the artists, and contribute to community murals at the event. In 2025, more than 13,000 people attended Riverlife Chalk Fest.
“We love bringing friends and families together at the river’s edge, and Riverlife Chalk Fest is our favorite way to bring color to the riverfront,” said Riverlife President and CEO Matthew Galluzzo. “Seeing Pittsburghers enjoying their public spaces and being part of a vibrant celebration is always a beautiful way to start the summer.”
Riverlife and BG Brewing will also welcome visitors aboard Shore Thing, a floating platform anchored just off Allegheny Landing. This gathering spot welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy free events, programming and time on the water for a partial season in 2025. Shore Thing will once again feature a Hawaiian-inspired menu of bites and beverages from BG Brewing. Opening Day for the first full season of Shore Thing will be announced soon.
The public will be invited to create their own 2’ by 2’ mural as part of the Community Mural entrance to Riverlife Chalk Fest on Isabella Street. The “Up & Coming” artist category will also return, spotlighting emerging talent and featuring a youth artist working alongside the national professionals. The celebration features a lineup of local food vendors, live music, entertainment, hands-on activities and more.
“I have been fortunate to do chalk art all over the world, and Riverlife Chalk Fest is a personal favorite,” said artist Erik Greenawalt, also known as The Chalking Dad. “Creating art along Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, with thousands of people following our work, has been a wonderful annual tradition.”
Riverlife Chalk Fest is made possible through the support of Arconic Foundation, Bank of America, EQT, Giant Eagle, The Grable Foundation and Jewish Healthcare Foundation. A portion of all food and beverage sales during the event benefits Riverlife’s work to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.
Riverlife Chalk Fest Preview Day at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Riverlife will partner with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on a special Riverlife Chalk Fest Preview Day on Friday, May 29. Featured Chalk Artist Shawn McCann will lead two hands-on workshops in chalk mural techniques, providing tips and tricks for creating eye-catching chalk art.
These free workshops will be held at 2 PM and 3:30 PM on May 29 at the Children’s Museum. Space for each workshop is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged. Children must be accompanied by their caregivers, so please be sure to reserve enough tickets for your entire group. No museum admission is required to attend this workshop, but admission must be purchased to continue enjoying the Children’s Museum afterward. Visit pittsburghkids.org/events for more information.
Weekend Schedule
Preparations will begin for the chalk installations on Friday, May 29. Artists will begin their work on Saturday, May 30, finalizing pieces on Sunday, May 31. Visitors are encouraged to stop by Riverlife Chalk Fest both days to see how the chalk art pieces evolve over time.
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.
“We believe Pittsburgh’s rivers bring life to our region,” said Galluzzo. “Events like Riverlife Chalk Fest help people make memories in the picturesque backdrop of the Sister Bridges. That’s what it’s all about.”
| Friday, May 29 | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh | Workshops at 2 PM and 3:30 PM |
| Saturday, May 30 | Isabella Street & Allegheny Landing | Open to all from 2 PM – 6 PM |
| Sunday, May 31 | Isabella Street & Allegheny Landing | Open to all from 10 AM – 2 PM |
Admission is free and open to the public. Learn more at riverlifepgh.org/chalkfest
For media inquiries, contact: James Santelli, Communications Officer | 412-258-6636 x109 | james@riverlifepgh.org
