Be Part of this Great Community Event!
Follow us at @ChainofParks for application updates and reminders.
Street / Chalk Artists:
The Chain of Parks Art Festival showcases over 150 fine artists, live music, food, and activities for all ages. As a special section of the Festival, we invite four nationally recognized street artists to create spectacular “3D” anamorphic masterpieces from temporary chalk and paint. This is a highly visible, live-action project in our “Chalk Art Oasis” area, designed to create excitement and provide interactive social media photo opportunities for attendees.
This program is kindly underwritten by Visit Tallahassee and hosted by Ron Sachs and Gay Webster Sachs.
READ MORE APPLICATION DETAILS
PAYMENT, BENEFITS, & TRAVEL:
- Lodging: The Festival will provide a quality hotel room within walking distance of the Festival, thanks to a partnership with AlOFT Tallahassee Downtown Hotel.
- Payment: Each selected artist will receive a $1,750 check at the end of the event (Sunday, April 19). This is an all-inclusive payment for your work and all other travel expenses.
- Supplies: The Festival will purchase all necessary art supplies/materials up to $100.
- Amenities: Artists will be invited to the Artist Welcome Reception (casual cocktail party) on Friday and have access to the Behind the Scenes area for a light breakfast, drinks, and snacks. A shaded 10ft x 10ft rest area will also be provided at the Oasis.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS & SITE SPECS:
- Themes: While we prefer North-Florida-themed designs, we’re open to seeing other reality-bending concepts that will excite the public and will get a “WOW” reaction. Looking for something with depth and a true optical illusion. You may submit multiple sketches for consideration.
- Interaction: Designs must have the optical illusion of being 3D and be large enough to allow at least two people to intuitively pose within the piece to become part of the art.
- Size: Design must be approximately 10ft x 20ft (on a diagonal).
- Spacing: There will be a 5ft gap between each artist’s designs and an additional 5-6ft footprint viewing space for attendees.
- Surface: While mostly flat, the surface is asphalt with a slight dome and irregularities. Be prepared to accommodate this.
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
Garden Guardians: Upcycled Sculpture Exhibit & Auction
WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
Following the success of our past upcycled art projects (Rainbarrels, Birdhouses, Chairs, etc.), the 26th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival is back with a new public art exhibit & auction: Garden Guardians.
We will select up to 10 local and regional artists to create eco-friendly garden sculptures from upcycled materials. These sculptures will be displayed at LeMoyne Arts Gardens from March 17 – April 17, 2026. All sculptures will be moved to the Festival for a concluding silent auction on April 18 & 19, 2026, with all proceeds benefiting LeMoyne Arts to support year-round programming and art education.
A Garden Guardian is more than a sculpture; it’s a whimsical protector of green spaces, a playful sentinel meant to spark joy and curiosity. Your design can be a mythical creature, a beloved animal, an anthropomorphic figure, a pillar, or anything in between.
READ MORE APPLICATION DETAILS
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
The jury is looking for whimsical, creative, and sustainable creations. Your design should be a true example of upcycling, with a focus on utilizing at least 70% upcycled materials to support our Greening efforts. We are seeking well-constructed, artisan pieces that will delight and inspire our viewers.
Important: This sculpture must be built to last. Your final piece will be displayed outdoors for a month and will be taken home by the auction winner to continue its life as yard art. Therefore, it must be able to withstand Florida’s climate and stay both intact and upright.
Not a sculptor? Feel free to join forces to bring your artistic vision to life! If you’re working with a partner or small group, just be sure to add all their information to the application so we can give them proper credit.
PAYMENT DETAILS & BENEFITS:
Each accepted sculpture is considered a donation for the silent auction. As a thank you, artists will receive a $150 stipend upon delivery of the completed sculpture to help cover material costs. As a participant, you will also receive extensive marketing exposure as a featured artist in the public exhibit and qualify for a chance to win the $100 People’s Choice Award (voting concludes at the Festival).
ABOUT THE APPLICATION:
- This application is for design proposals only. You do not need a finished piece at this time. We encourage you to submit multiple design concepts for our review committee to evaluate.
- You may continue to edit your application until the deadline. Just make sure you save your login information and progress. Once you are ready, click “Submit”, and you will receive an automatic confirmation email (check your junk folder).
YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE:
- Design Proposal: Help the jury understand your vision! Please include a sketch/ inspirational images/ examples of your work/ the materials you plan to use/ descriptive explanation of your idea(s). A clear and detailed proposal helps us ensure your concept aligns with the project’s standards before you invest significant time and resources into a sculpture.
- Marketing info: A brief artist statement, a third-person bio, and a high-resolution headshot for our social media campaign and exhibit signage.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Proposal Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 1, 11:59 pm
- Jury Result Notification: The first week of February (or sooner)
- Progress Photos Due: Monday, March 2 (required)
- Completed Sculpture Drop-off at LeMoyne Arts: Monday, March 16, between 9 am and 3 pm
- Garden Exhibit: March 17 – April 17
- Festival Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19
- Silent Auction: Available at the “Chalk Art Oasis” during the Festival weekend, closing at 2 pm on Sunday, April 19.
- People’s Choice Award: Voting will be available during the month-long exhibit, closing at the Festival on Sunday, April 19, at 2 pm. The winner will be announced and awarded their $100 check by 3 pm on Sunday.
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
Entertainment: Performing Arts
Enhance the Chain of Parks Art Festival’s lively, community atmosphere with your performance! We prioritize local entertainment, especially student groups, to maintain a family-friendly environment. Your music will be a wonderful part of the day’s backdrop as visitors enjoy the art and sunshine.
For the past 25 years, LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival has welcomed a variety of local groups to perform on a volunteer basis to support the Festival, and have a great community experience performing for our 40,000+ visitors throughout the festival weekend! This year, for entertainers on the Mainstage, we are able to offer a $150 performance honorarium (per group) in appreciation for your time and talent.
If you would like to donate your performance instead, please know we are extremely grateful! In thanks for this donation, we can offer complimentary drink tickets to the Main Bar and Fina Italian Ice vouchers.
Children’s Park and Chalk Art Oasis Entertainers will continue to showcase their talent on a volunteer basis.
PARTICIPATION BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Performers receive exposure to thousands of visitors at the Festival.
- Listing in the Festival Magazine distributed to hotels, sponsors, on our website, and at the Festival.
- Lineup signage on site.
- Recognition on social media and ChainofParks.com
- A table space by the performance area to promote future performances and to sell CD’s, merch, and sign autographs.
- Temporary parking passes for load-in and load-out.
- Performance honorarium or refreshing treat vouchers.
READ MORE APPLICATION DETAILS
PERFORMANCE SPACES & KEY DETAILS:
The Main Stage: Our Main Stage is a sunny, central focal point of the Festival, located in the Center Court on Calhoun St., and features a variety of local bands, dance troupes, and other crowd-pleasing local performing arts groups. Leon County student performance groups and larger bands that require sound support will be prioritized for this area. Not ideal for solo/ duo performers.
This section includes the City’s Showmobile and a professional sound engineer.
The Children’s Park: This is the perfect spot for interactive, kid-friendly solo/ duo acts, student groups, storytellers, educational and cultural demonstrations, performance artists, etc.
- This is in a grassy, sloped, shaded area with access to a basic mic and amp. We do not have professional sound support in this area; all performers need to be self-sufficient in terms of equipment / load-in and load-out.
- The Festival will provide a 10×10 decorated tent, a basic power strip, 2-5 chairs, 1 table, and an area rug.
- Performers in this category are welcome to play more than 1 set (if the schedule allows).
The Chalk Artist Oasis: We find that solo/ duo “busking” style performers do best here. Entertainers here should expect to provide ambiance, vs. an engaged audience.
- This is a paved and very sunny area by a main Festival entrance.
- We provide a decorated shade tent, a table, and 2 chairs, but cannot offer access to power or professional sound support; all performers need to be self-sufficient.
- Performers in this category are welcome to play more than 1 set (if the schedule allows).
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
The Community Corner:
The Community Corner is all about making community connections! This key entrance of the Festival features our Host Sponsors, Community Partners (local non-profits/ government agencies), and Brand Ambassadors (private businesses) who interact with thousands of visitors through free, educational, and hands-on activities, with a focus on sustainability and arts & culture in our community.
PARTICIPATION BENEFITS:
- Outreach opportunities to an estimated 40,000+ visitors.
- Listing in the Festival Magazine distributed to hotels, sponsors, on our website, and at the Festival.
- Entrance sign listing your organization.
- Recognition on social media and ChainofParks.com
- One parking pass.
- 10×10 booth space in a prime location.
In fairness to our artists and vendors, we do not allow the selling of any products or charging for any services (besides memberships). However, branded decor, swag, and handout information are welcome.
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
We love our Community Partners!
Community Partners include local non-profits and local government agencies that bring fun educational activities to engage visitors in hands-on interactions to broaden their experiences and knowledge. Community Partners pay $125 to have a 10×10 booth space to share information about their organization and mission.
Be a Brand Ambassador!
Brand Ambassadors include private businesses that engage the public in a visually appealing, interactive booth setup to promote their offerings in a meaningful way. Brand Ambassadors pay $750 for a 10×10 booth space. They may provide hand-outs, free swag, share mailing list information, and set appointments, but are strictly prohibited from selling goods or services.
Local Food & Beverage Vendors:
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
- We accept vendors who create fresh food & beverages on-site; we do not permit the sale of pre-packaged, take-home commercial or artisan retail food items (e.g., hot sauces, jams, dips, candy, branded chips bags, etc.)
- As a fine arts festival, we prioritize booths and trucks that have attractive curbside appeal and avoid set-ups that are more appropriate for a carnival/ fair.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Clear photo of your truck/ booth setup.
- Menu with accurate pricing.
- Copy of Business Tax Certificate, DBPR License, or similar food service license (with your legal business name).
- Booth space payment (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT: Chain of Parks Art Festival is now in its 10th year of “Greening the Festival”. As a food vendor, you must agree to reduce food waste and packaging waste generated at the Festival. Please see our Greening rules under the Terms & Conditions section of the application.
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
The Children’s Park:
Hosted by The Apalachee Center & in Partnership with Leon County Schools
The Children’s Park (located in Randolph Park) is one of the most popular, family-friendly sections of the Festival! This interactive area is designed for thousands of kids to run, play, and use their hands to create their own works of art! Our goal is to provide a free and fun area where children can get excited about art, while also helping organizations that focus on the arts and local heritage in our community gain visibility through our 40,000+ visitors.
This decorated area is comprised of Pop-Up Art Studios, Local Culture tents, Entertainers, Interactive Art Vendors, and the historical Jacques Le Moyne Encampment with live historical reenactments! The Children’s Park is a shady, sloped area for families to rest, get creative, enjoy snack foods, sing along to live entertainment, experiment with chalk art, and more!
In fairness to our artists and vendors, we do not allow the selling of any products or charging for any services. Branded decor, free swag, and handout information are all welcome!
Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.
Pop-Up Studios:
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Fully refundable $100 security deposit (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
- Description of your free art-making activity.
- Description of your organization/ mission statement.
- Contact info for your team.
Local Culture Tents:
We want visitors to learn about the diverse groups who have made an impact on the history and cultural landscape of our beautiful city! This program is focused on showcasing local and regional heritage groups who can provide educational information and activities for people of all ages.
Each tent should be decorated to represent your culture, offer free educational materials, and include an interactive activity of some kind. The more vibrant your presentation is, the more fun and engaging the experience is for everyone! We also welcome participants to read stories and perform cultural dances/ skits on our small Children’s Park stage.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Fully refundable $100 security deposit (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
- Description of your free interactive activity.
- Description of your organization/ mission statement.
- Contact info for your team.
Interactive Art Vendors:
This is a limited opportunity for face painters, henna artists, hair weavers, caricature artists, and other kid-friendly interactive art skills to interact with Festival visitors, and be financially compensated for your work.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- $300 booth space fee (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
- Description of your interactive activity.
- Pricing structure.
- Contact info for your team.
"Thank you for opportunity. This was our best year, we nearly sold out by Saturday afternoon! You’re the best." - 2025 Food Vendor, Gurlie's Lemonade & Sweets
QUICK GUIDES TO THE FESTIVAL
Festival Dates & Times
2025 Festival Map
Entertainment Schedule
What to bring?
Is there a better time to visit?
Pet Policy
Where to Stay: Local Hotels
Where do I park? Is there a shuttle?
Rain or Shine!
Chalk Art Oasis
The Children’s Park
What else is happening nearby?
Newsroom
Policy Notices & Guidelines
Greening the Festival
Saturday Evening Concert
