The Savannah College of Art and Design is delighted to announce the 45th annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Forsyth Park. At this beloved tradition, SCAD students, alumni, and local high school students transform Savannah's historic Forsyth Park into a technicolor landscape of chalk compositions. More than 800 squares in the heart of the park will serve as concrete canvases for the day. 

"Beneath the majestic canopy of Savannah's grand live oaks, our visionary Bees elevate the city's sidewalks into an ethereal gallery of otherworldly enchantment where magic blooms in thousands of delightful, colorful works of wonder," said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. "Come see the artistry of SCAD students and alumni in chalk-dusted éclat, step by step, square by square. See you there!"

Prizes are awarded for Best of Show, as well as for best individual SCAD student, student group, alumni, and graduate student. The SCAD Student Spirit Award and SCAD Alumni Spirit Award celebrate the best chalk works that embody the heart of the hive. Local high school students can also place in the competition.

Each spring, SCAD hosts Family and Alumni Weekend, offering three fun-filled days of events and opportunities for families of current students to visit Savannah and for SCAD alumni to reconnect with their university community. The highlight of the weekend is the annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival.

Thousands of attendees, including SCAD faculty and staff, local Savannahians, and city visitors will converge downtown for this event, shop in local stores, and dine in local restaurants. This event, like so many SCAD signature events, has a huge economic impact on Savannah. According to a 2023 study conducted by Tripp Umbach, the leading national consulting firm for nonprofit, arts, and tourism sectors, SCAD generates $1 billion annually for the Savannah area.

During this year's cherished event, guests can "take a turn" on a life-size Monopoly board and enjoy a performance by SCAD's elite ensemble The Bee Sharps, who will perform concerts at noon and 1:15 p.m. Food vendors will include Java Burrito Company, Roly Poly Sandwiches, Chick-fil-A, BowTie Barbecue, Savannah Square Pops, Leopold's Ice Cream, Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies, and Coca-Cola. This year's SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival is sponsored by Bon Appétit Management Company, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control, The Flatbush Foundation, E. Shaver Booksellers, BrightView Landscaping, Doki Doki Ice Creamery, EventWorks, Sunstates Security, Visit Savannah, and Ex Libris. Festival attendants are encouraged to share their imagination and creativity through Instagram using #SCADchalk. To learn more about this year's event, visit scad.edu/sidewalkarts.