Summer is on its final stretch, but summertime fun in St. Joseph is still in full swing! St. Joe Today invites the community to watch as both amateur and professional artists take over Broad St., and part of the Pleasant Street Plaza, in downtown St. Joe to showcase their talents during Chalk the Block, August 2-4.
This art-filled weekend event is sponsored by Beaudoin Electrical, Caffe Tosi, Comfort Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Holt Bosse, NOBO, Silver Beach Hotel, Silver Beach Pizza, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, tru by Hilton, United Federal Credit Union, and Vail Rubber Works. This family-friendly festival of art includes local, regional, national, and international artists using the beautiful lakeside town as their backdrop. The community is invited to stroll along Broad St. (between Lake Blvd. and State St.) and the Pleasant Street Plaza (east side of Main St.) to watch as artists prepare on Friday, work all day Saturday, and finalize their pieces on Sunday.
Five artists will showcase their chalk masterpieces Wednesday, July 31 through Friday, August 2 leading up to Chalk the Block. Swing by Pleasant Street Plaza for a sneak peek of what’s to come! Don’t forget to head back that weekend to see additional artists creating their works of art!
Event-goers can participate by voting for their favorite artists in the People’s Choice vote. To vote, purchase tickets at the People’s Choice Tent located on Broad St. Tickets cost one dollar per vote. The artist with the most votes by the end of the weekend wins the People’s Choice Award. To catch a glimpse of this year’s artists check out stjoetoday.com/chalktheblock.
Event attendees are encouraged to explore St. Joseph all weekend long. Heading into the early evening on Friday, check out Broad St. as artists start to grid their layouts and outline their pieces. All weekend long, residents and visitors 21+ can enjoy the Downtown Social District. For more information visit stjoetoday.com/socialdistrict. Additional Friday fun includes the Friday Night Concert Series from 7:00p-8:00p held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell featuring PT and the Cruisers (Blues, Oldies). Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
On Saturday morning, mosey downtown and check out the St. Joe Farmers Market from 9:00a-2:00p in Lake Bluff Park. This market features local produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, fresh-cut flowers, and more! For more information visit stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket. Meanwhile, the art will start to come alive on Broad St. and the east side of Main St. in the Pleasant Street Plaza, as artists work away on their chalk masterpieces. You can stop back throughout the day to view their progress and to cast your votes for your favorite pieces. The People’s Choice tent located on Broad St. will be open from 12:00p-8:00p.
Saturday afternoon, get artsy at the Chalk the Block Kids Zone. From 12:00p-4:00p, kids of all ages are invited to showcase their chalk skills in the Giannola Parking Lot across from Wanderlust Outfitters.
Enjoy the City of St. Joseph’s Summer Movie, Cars 3 at 7:30p in Whittlesey Park on Saturday evening. Visit stjoetoday.com/movies for a complete schedule.
On Sunday, view the completed chalk masterpieces all day long! Artists will finalize their pieces by 12:00p. Voting will be available from 11:00a-2:00p at the People’s Choice Tent. Antiques on the Bluff returns to Lake Bluff Park from 10:00a-5:00p. Find hidden treasures along the bluff with over 50 vendors. Close out the weekend with a free concert by the City of St. Joseph Municipal Band at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell, music starts at 7:00p.
This year’s block sponsors are 221 Main, Bake Effect, Blue Water Boat Rentals - St. Joe, G&M Variety, Houndstooth, Infusco Coffee, The Inn at Harbor Shores, Jimmy John's, Kilwins, Kingfisher by North Pier, Little Red Fern, Olive Cart, Peat's Cider Social, Perennial Accents, Pier 1000, Poppy & Wren, Silver Beach Carousel, Silver Harbor Brewing, South Bend Chocolate Cafe, St. Joe Community Taproom, The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Cheese Lady, The Toy Company, Tom & Judy Gawlik and White Pine Winery.
