On Saturday, Sept. 12, downtown Loveland will once again come alive with color as more than 150 artists create stunning chalk art during the annual Pastels on 5th festival. Now in its 16th year, this free, family-friendly event is a beloved tradition in Northern Colorado, drawing artists, businesses and community members together to transform sidewalks into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Even more importantly, Pastels on 5th serves as a major fundraising event for Alternatives to Violence, a nonprofit that provides free support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
This year’s festival takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on 5th Street between Cleveland and Lincoln avenues in Loveland.
“This year marks the 16th annual Pastels on 5th, and it’s inspiring to see how this event continues to bring our community together through art,” says Vicky Paul-Bryant, event director for Pastels on 5th. “Every artist, sponsor, volunteer and attendee plays a part in helping ensure local survivors have access to safety, support and hope. We’re especially grateful to Dutch Bros Coffee for their continued leadership as our Presenting Sponsor and for helping make this event possible.”
This year’s event highlights include:
- Chalk art: Approximately 150 artists will transform sidewalk squares into pastel masterpieces. Attendees are encouraged to stop by multiple times throughout the day to watch the art evolve.
- Live music: Local musicians, including Kae Morgan, Pizzly Bear, Side Effect and Riley Williams Unit Plays Dead, will keep the energy high with live performances.
- The marketplace: Attendees can enjoy a wide selection of artisan vendors, handmade goods and local food trucks offering delicious treats. The Marketplace is sponsored by Bank of Colorado.
- Kids’ art area: Young artists can get creative with provided pastels in their own dedicated space. The Kids’ Art Area is sponsored by Realities for Children.
- Juried competition: Judges award first, second and third place winners in both the adult and youth categories. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Juried cash prizes provided by Jerry’s Artarama.
- People’s choice: Visitors can vote for their favorite artwork at pastelson5th.org/vote. Voting is open until Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5 p.m., and each vote costs $1. All proceeds go to Alternatives to Violence. The People’s Choice Awards are sponsored by Loveland Ford Lincoln and Loveland Buick GMC.
- ATV raffle: Alternatives to Violence is bringing back their raffle to give event attendees the opportunity to win fun prizes from local businesses, while helping to raise additional funds for their agency. Attendees can visit the Alternatives to Violence booth to participate.
- Pastels merchandise: With a minimum $25 donation, attendees will receive a Pastels on 5th tote bag. The tote bag features first prize winning artwork from previous Pastels on 5th events. Funds raised will go to support Alternatives to Violence.
Pastels on 5th is made possible by the generosity of local artists, volunteers, sponsors and businesses. To find a list of participating sponsors or learn more about Pastels on 5th, visit pastelson5th.org. Follow the Facebook and Instagram pages for event updates.
