Maple Grove Chalkfest Brings World-Class Art to New ‘Town Green’ Location

Maple Grove’s annual Chalkfest is returning for its 11th year, and the organizers are marking the milestone with a little change of scenery.

This weekend, June 13–14, the festival will debut its new home on Main Street near the Town Green.

According to Sean McCann, who is helping steer the event’s logistics, the transition to the Town Green is a pivotal step for the festival. 

“We’ve just decided to move everybody up here, give it a little bit more space,” said McCann, the event’s co-creator. “Everybody can breathe. We’ve got the beautiful park and everything going on, so we’re still on Main Street. We’re just a little bit north of where we were last year. So it’s going to be a gorgeous spot for all the artists.”

Main Street in Maple Grove between Arbor Lakes Parkway and Lakeview Drive is the new home of Chalkfest 2026.

Artistry in Motion

One of those featured artists is Allison Olstad (a.k.a.) the “Chalk Gnome.” For Olstad, the festival is more than just an event; it is a decade-long journey of professional and creative growth. Olstad, who got her start in the festival circuit after connecting with McCann in a community education class, has become a staple of the event.

“My niche is really about using vibrant, contrasting colors to add depth to the work,” Olstad explained.

She describes the process as an immersive, day-long endeavor that challenges artists to transform flat surfaces into three-dimensional experiences.

Beyond the art itself, Olstad credits the festival for helping her expand her professional network and social media presence, noting that the community atmosphere is what keeps both artists and attendees coming back year after year.

Chalk artist Allison Olstad creates a “teaser” piece for the 2026 Chalkfest festival outside of Maple Grove City Hall.

Join the Celebration

When: June 13–14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (June 15 is a viewing day)
Where: Main Street in Maple Grove between Arbor Lakes Parkway and Lakeview Drive (from City Hall to the Maple Grove Library)
More information: https://www.maplegrovechalkfest.com/

Related: New Partnership Revives Maple Grove Chalkfest

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