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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Artists will turn a stretch of pavement in Old Town North into a temporary outdoor gallery next month, as the Old Town North Alliance brings back its Chalk-A-Block festival for a third year.
The free event runs Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TideLock development, 1111 and 1055 N. Fairfax St., in the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 20.
Chalk artists will work on large-scale pieces across TideLock's interior drive throughout the day, with visitors able to watch the work take shape. Artist and architect Anila Angjeli, whose "Wings in Bloom" piece drew attention last year, and muralist Patrick Kirwin are among the artists returning, according to the Alliance.
New this year is a judging panel that includes Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Art League Executive Director Suzanne Bethel. The judges will name a Best in Show winner, and attendees can vote for a People's Choice award.
The event is built for participation as much as spectating. Community chalk areas will be open to children and adults, and art therapists from River Grove Therapy will lead an interactive community art project.
Local band The Okays will play. Made in ALX is curating a lineup of local artisans and makers, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from Jula's on the Potomac, Hank's Oyster Bar and Royal Restaurant.
Admission is free. Street parking is available nearby, and the Alliance is encouraging visitors to walk or bike — TideLock sits directly on the Mount Vernon Trail.
Two more Old Town North events that weekend
The Taste of Old Town North, hosted by the Old Town North Community Partnership, runs Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Montgomery Park.
NOTICe hosts its Canal History Pub Crawl the same day as Chalk-A-Block, Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 4 p.m. — meaning it overlaps the festival's final two hours.
More information is at oldtownnorthalliance.com/chalkablock.
