Colors of the Prairie | Chalk Art Festival

The Festival

Art and ecology, side by side

Colors of the Prairie brings together chalk artists, families, and nature lovers for a day of creativity rooted in the beauty of our greenspace. Held on the grounds of the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy, the festival marks our 25th anniversary with vibrant chalk murals, live music, hands-on ecology, and native plants to take home and grow.

Bluebonnets in bloom at Willow Waterhole with the pavilion and sculptures at sunset

Chalk Art Competition

Watch local artists transform the pavement into murals inspired by prairies and pollinators, with prizes awarded.

Native Plant Giveaway

Take home a native fruit tree, provided in partnership with the Student Conservation Association, plus plants from local growers.

Seed Ball Station

Roll your own seed ball to help pollinators thrive across Houston, one prairie patch at a time.

Live Music & Learning

Enjoy a live DJ set alongside education stations exploring our urban prairie and wetlands.

Day Of

Schedule & activities

Here is how the day unfolds. Times for music and special activities will be confirmed closer to the event.

11:00 AM

Festival Opens

Welcome and opening remarks. Artists begin their squares.

11 AM – 3 PM

Chalk Art Competition

Artists create their murals across the pavement grid.

11 AM – 4 PM

Stations Open All Day

Seed ball station, native plant and tree giveaway, education stations, and kids' chalk zone.

2 – 3 PM

Judging

Our panel reviews the chalk art based on the published criteria.

3:30 PM

Awards Ceremony

Winners announced and prizes presented.

4:00 PM

Festival Closes

Thank you for coloring the prairie with us.

All Ages

Kids' Chalk Zone

A dedicated space for young artists to create.

Take Home

Native Fruit Trees

Provided by the Student Conservation Association, while supplies last.

Hands On

Seed Balls

Make and take a pollinator seed ball.

Learn

Ecology Stations

Discover the prairie and wetland habitat of Willow Waterhole.

Plan Your Visit

Reserve your free tickets

Admission is free, but please register ahead on Eventbrite. Your free ticket reserves your spot in the native fruit tree giveaway and gets you into all of the day's activities.

What your ticket includes

Native fruit trees & a day on the prairie

A native fruit tree to take home, provided in partnership with the Student Conservation Association
Limit 2 trees per household, while supplies last
Seed ball station, ecology stations, and the kids' chalk zone
The chalk art competition, live music, and the 3:30 PM awards ceremony

Get Free Tickets on Eventbrite

Inspiration

The colors of our prairie

The beauty of Willow Waterhole is the inspiration behind the festival. Here is a look at the wildflowers, water, and light that make our greenspace worth celebrating, and worth protecting.

Bluebonnets glowing at golden hour along a Willow Waterhole trail — Bluebonnets at golden hour · Photo by Blonica

A rare white bluebonnet in close-up among green foliage — White bluebonnet · Photo by Mark Gonzalez

A field of bluebonnets at sunset — Bluebonnet field at sunset

A mass of black-eyed Susans in the prairie planting — Prairie coneflowers · Photo by Chase Fountain

The arched footbridge over the water at Willow Waterhole in autumn — Autumn at the footbridge · Photo by Van Williams

Golden sunset light through the trees at Willow Waterhole with visitors at picnic tables — Sunset in the park · Photo by Michael

A single yellow wildflower standing above the prairie grasses — Standing tall · Photo by Chase Fountain

Golden prairie grasses beside the water at Willow Waterhole — Prairie grasses by the water · Photo by Chase Fountain

Photography generously provided by our community. Thank you to Chase Fountain, Blonica, Mark Gonzalez, Van Williams, and Michael.

Good to Know

FAQ & directions

How much does it cost to attend?

Nothing. Colors of the Prairie is free and open to the public. Bring the whole family.

Do I need a ticket?

Tickets are free. Please register on Eventbrite so we can plan for you. Your ticket covers the native fruit tree giveaway (limit 2 trees per household, while supplies last) and access to all activities.

What if it rains?

The festival happens rain or shine. There is no alternate date. If severe weather forces us to cancel, we will announce it here and on our social media as early as we can that morning.

Where do I park?

Parking is available at 5300 Dryad Dr, Houston, TX 77035. Follow our signage and volunteer directions when you arrive.

Can I bring my dog?

Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome in general areas. Please keep pets away from the chalk squares and giveaway stations.

Will there be food?

Yes. Food and beverages will be available from our participating vendors.

Can I bring my own chalk?

Glitter and liquid chalk are not permitted, as they are difficult to clean and can harm the environment. Environmentally safe chalk will be available for purchase at the festival.

Getting here

Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
5300 Dryad Dr, Houston, TX 77035

Open in Google Maps

Accessibility

The festival is held outdoors on paved and grassy areas. Accessible pathways and restrooms will be available. Reach out with any questions about accommodations.