Chalk, Charm, and a Whole Lot of Color: SCAD’s Sidewalk Arts Festival Returns to Forsyth Park

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There’s something about spring in Savannah. The breeze is just soft enough to make you forget about the humidity creeping around the corner, and Forsyth Park—our communal backyard—becomes the scene of something beautifully temporary. On Saturday, April 26, it’ll happen again: chalk will hit concrete, creativity will run wild, and for a few hours, Savannah will walk on art.

It’s the 44th annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, and it’s not just a student event—it’s a full-blown spectacle. More than 800 sidewalk squares, stretching across Forsyth’s walkways, will be transformed into a patchwork of color, concept, and imagination. Some drawings will be whimsical, some bizarre, some deeply personal—and all of them will disappear with the next rain. That’s part of the magic.

It’s not a quiet affair, either. There’s music, food, cheering friends, and the kind of lively, electric buzz that Forsyth only gets a few times a year. SCAD students, alumni, and local high schoolers will chalk it out for bragging rights and awards in multiple categories, from best individual work to pieces that radiate school spirit. This year’s big new addition? The Georgia Power “reliability” award, a challenge to artists to make the invisible visible—what does consistency, trust, and strength look like in chalk? We’ll find out.

Around 12:45 p.m., expect a little sonic flair: The Bee Sharps, SCAD’s elite performance ensemble, will take the stage with a one-hour set, adding rhythm to the visual feast. And keep your eyes peeled—Art the Bee is leading a full-on parade of SCAD’s athletic teams through the park, a reminder that creativity and competition thrive in the same community.

Of course, no good Savannah event is complete without snacks, and this year’s food lineup is strong: Java Burrito, Bow Tie BBQ, Savannah Square Pops, Leopold’s, Maui Wowi, and more will be slinging food and drinks to keep the masses fueled.

You don’t need to be part of SCAD to be swept up in it. That’s the beauty of Sidewalk Arts—it belongs to the city as much as the students. It’s about celebrating imagination, community, and the simple joy of walking through a park on a beautiful day and being surprised by what you find underfoot.

So, wear comfortable shoes. Bring your camera. And don’t be surprised if you leave a little chalky yourself.

 

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