LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival is honored to be a part of Tallahassee’s cultural identity for 25 years!
Learn about the Chain of Parks Art Festival
LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival is North Florida’s premiere outdoor fine art festival; with exciting new programming offered each year. Nationally ranked in the Top 100 Fine Art Festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine for 10 years running, this annual two-day festival draws tens of thousands of people from the Big Bend Southeast region to experience all of the free-fun and see fine artists who have traveled from all over the country to display their original works of art. The highly anticipated festival weekend with Artists in the Park will be located along the majestic oak-lined Park Avenue, just east of Monroe Street in beautiful downtown Tallahassee.
Come see the art and stay to enjoy a wide variety of live entertainment on the main stage, local food trucks, vendors, professional chalk artists, heritage art, and libations served enthusiastically at the Festival Bar.
2025 Opening Nights will represent the visual arts by featuring Andra Douglas, LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival’s presenting artist, on Thursday, April 24 before the festival weekend in the parks. Presented by the Laurie and Kelly Dozier Endowment for Opening Nights and Chain of Parks Art Festival Collaboration. Click HERE to learn more!
The Art
The Chain of Parks Art Festival was established to present an outdoor festival of high-quality original artwork and entertainment for the enjoyment of our Tallahassee area residents and visitors while fostering local and regional artists’ careers. We believe it is important to make fine art accessible to all! Visitors can expect to have a first-class, fun-filled, free, outdoor cultural experience while viewing and purchasing unique works of fine art from over 150 nationally juried artists in a delightful Southern outdoor setting.
Heritage & Folk Art Addition
The 2024 Festival introduced a new special category and section of the Festival focused on the traditions of Folk Art and Fine Craft (a.k.a Heritage Art). While always featuring fine art, the Festival celebrates all of the arts including music, dance, culinary art, street art, and now, heritage art! Attendees will enjoy this feature along the festival’s Tunnicliff Lane leading to the latest exhibit at the LeMoyne Arts Gallery.
Understanding Fine Art vs. Craft:
Art is a form of work that is the expression of emotions. Executed from innate talent and passion. Art emotionally moves its patrons and evokes a feeling within each viewer.
Craft is a form of work that results in a tangible output, often repeatable over and over. A fine craft can be learned from considerable practice and developed into a world-class form. Patrons are inspired by the skill to create the piece rather than a reaction to the subject matter.
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Art is a form of work that is the expression of emotions. Executed from innate talent and passion. Art emotionally moves its patrons and evokes a feeling within each viewer.
Craft is a form of work that results in a tangible output, often repeatable over and over. A fine craft can be learned from considerable practice and developed into a world-class form. Patrons are inspired by the skill to create the piece rather than a reaction to the subject matter.
Understanding Folk/ Heritage Art:
“Folk Art” is defined as a decorative or practical piece of artwork that showcases traditional techniques from a specific culture or region. Folk Art is usually unique to the people of a specific heritage and is viewed as an expression of society. Folk art is steeped in grassroots history and often distinguished from academic, commercial, and Western “Fine Art”. Folk Art is frequently demonstrated through fine craftmanship, utilitarian and ornamental media, color, and texture; showcasing artistic expression from a non-classically trained artist.
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“Folk Art” is defined as a decorative or practical piece of artwork that showcases traditional techniques from a specific culture or region. Folk Art is usually unique to the people of a specific heritage and is viewed as an expression of society. Folk art is steeped in grassroots history and often distinguished from academic, commercial, and Western “Fine Art”. Folk Art is frequently demonstrated through fine craftmanship, utilitarian and ornamental media, color, and texture; showcasing artistic expression from a non-classically trained artist.
Chalk Art Oasis
As of 2021, the Festival now features nationally recognized street artists who create “3D” masterpieces out of temporary paint and chalk during the festival weekend, underwritten by Visit Tallahassee. Delighting Festival visitors at the Chalk Art Oasis, professional street artists will create 3D anamorphic art on the pavement. These live-action artworks make for great photo opportunities with a WOW! factor. The Chalk Art Oasis is decorated with plants donated by Just Fruits & Exotics and Treehouse Permaculture, creating an Oasis in the street. Packed with activities, the Oasis offers live entertainment and local food vendors. Learn about LeMoyne Arts and view the Art in Bloom upcycled planter exhibit by local artists.
The Children’s Park
The Festival welcomes the Retired Art Teachers of Tallahassee (RATTs) bringing their creative energy and expertise to the Children’s Park located in Randolph Park. The popular and family-friendly Children’s Park provides child-appropriate activities and experiences, including engaging art-making activities, street chalk art, face painting, live entertainment, and games! The Jacques Le Moyne encampment and interactive local heritage booths for children and families provide fun educational opportunities bringing the “museum” to the park. It’s FREE and FUN!
The Children’s Park is a highly interactive part of the Festival that provides opportunities for community connections with festival visitors. The purpose of this area is to offer artistic experiences for children and promote organizations that support the arts and local heritage in our community. We want to get children excited about the arts and allow their families to learn about what our community has to offer.
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The Children’s Park is a highly interactive part of the Festival that provides opportunities for community connections with festival visitors. The purpose of this area is to offer artistic experiences for children and promote organizations that support the arts and local heritage in our community. We want to get children excited about the arts and allow their families to learn about what our community has to offer.
Community Corner
The Community Corner features our Community Partners (local non-profits), Brand Ambassadors (local businesses), and Host-level Sponsor Booths. These participants are located at the key entrance to the Festival on our Reid Gunn Lane (off of Monroe St. in front of Il Lusso restaurant). As part of our “Greening the Festival” effort, visitors are able to learn about environmental sustainability from organizations like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Tallahassee at the Community Corner. We loved seeing visitors walking around with their FREE reusable tote bag from Rags 2 Bags full of festival goodies!
Entertainment
Our Main Stage is located in the Center Court on Calhoun and features a variety of local bands and aspiring singer/songwriters along with crowd-pleasing local performing arts groups. Pop-up performances can be seen in The Children’s Park and Chalk Art Oasis to keep everyone entertained all weekend. One of the many reasons to come visit the Festival on BOTH days!
Food Vendors - 2025 list coming soon!
- Bee Smoothie (Chalk Art Oasis)
- Heaven Sent Hot Dogs (Chalk Art Oasis)
- Gurlie’s Lemonade & Sweets (Chalk Art Oasis)
- The Juice Bar Miami (Food Court)
- Milos Mediterranean Food (Food Court)
- The Dancing Empanada (Food Court)
- Hot Diggity Dog (Food Court)
- Big Whipp’s Kitchen (Food Court)
- Leon’s at Lake Ella (Food Court)
- Alston’s Chicken (Food Court)
- LaSalle St Carnival Food (Food Court)
- Irie Ice (Food Court)
- Street Chefs (Food Court)
- Indian Kitchen (Food Court)
- Johnnie’s Homemade Ice Cream (Children’s Park)
- Fina Ice Company (Children’s Park)
- Tallahassee Nutty Bavarian (Children’s Park)
- Kettle Korn Poppery (Bloxham Park)
- Argonaut Coffee (Lewis Park)
Souvenirs
These can now be found at LeMoyne’s Gallery Shop!
- T-shirts
- Long Sleeve Shirts
- Embroidered Festival Logo Hats
- BBQ Two-Pocket Apron
- Handmade Festival Banner Totes
- Vintage Stainless Steel Thermal Water Bottles
- Notecards (5 pack)
- Signed Festival Posters (limited edition)
- Vintage T-shirts (limited supply)
- 500 Piece Puzzles
- Cotton Tea Towels
- Koozies
Vintage items can be seen at LeMoyne Arts in our Gallery Shop Tuesday – Saturday from 11am – 6pm. 125 N. Gadsden St. Tallahassee, FL 32301
Did you know?
QUICK GUIDES TO THE FESTIVAL
Chalk Art Oasis
The Children’s Park
Entertainment Schedule
Newsroom
TOP 100 FINE ART FESTIVAL BY SUNSHINE MAGAZINE
Recognitions
The Chain of Parks Art Festival is proud to be one of the most highly acclaimed art festivals in the country. Recently ranked as the #1 Art Festival of 2024 by Sunshine Artist Magazine and #7 nationwide, the festival continues to attract art lovers and collectors from near and far. Additionally, the Tallahassee Democrat awarded the festival the title of “Best Local Event,” a testament to the strong community support and exceptional experience it brings to the area. These accolades reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing outstanding artists and creating memorable experiences year after year.
