Annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival set to illuminate Forsyth Park

Stroll through an open-air art gallery at the 45th annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — 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.  

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls approximately 18,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 100 countries. The futureminded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university's renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. A 2025 study found that 99% of recent SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more. 
 

Media contacts

Rebecca Paul-Martin
Associate Director of Public Relations
[email protected]
912.680.8332

Michelle Gavin
Executive Director of Communication
[email protected]
912.323.53