On Saturday, September 13 2025,
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 fifteenth 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 Saturday, September 13 from 10 am–5 pm on 5th Street between Cleveland and Lincoln Avenues in Loveland. “This year marks a special milestone—our 15th year,” said Vicky Paul-Bryant, Event Director for Pastels on 5th. “We started with 50 artists and it’s incredible to see how this event has grown! Pastels on 5th really seems to connect with people in the community which has helped make it the biggest fundraiser for Alternatives to Violence. And with the generous presenting sponsorship from Dutch Bros Coffee, we’re able to really make a difference in people’s lives.”
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 will keep the energy high with live performances.
11:00 am: Dave Beegle
12:15 pm: Side Effect
1:30 pm: Wendy Woo & Girl Crush
3:00 pm: The Rhythm Allstars
The Marketplace:
Attendees can enjoy a wide selection of artisan vendors, handmade goods and local food trucks offering delicious treats.
Kids’ Art Area:
Young artists can get creative with provided pastels in their own dedicated space. The Young Rembrandts Northern CO will be hosting soft pastel mini sessions for the little ones, and there will be face painting.
Juried Competition:
Judges will award first, second and third place winners, along with a Young Artist Award. Winners will be announced at 4:00 pm.
People’s Choice:
Visitors can vote for their favorite artwork at https://pastelson5th.org/vote/.
Voting is open until Sunday, September 21 at 5:00 pm, and each vote costs $1. All proceeds go to Alternatives to Violence.
Pastels Merchandise:
For the first time this year, attendees can purchase a Pastels on 5th Street tote bag for $25. The tote bag features last year’s first prize winning artwork designed by Amanda Gress and Kylie Sharee. The tote bags and sets of pastels will be for sale at the Alternatives to Violence booth. Funds raised from sales will go to support Alternatives to Violence. Pastels on 5th Street is made possible by the generosity of local sponsors and businesses. To learn more about Pastels on 5th visit pastelson5th.org/ and follow the Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on the event.
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Amanda Gress 2024 Winner
For the past eight years, local artist Amanda Gress has returned to Pastels on 5 th Street with a simple goal: to create joy and connection through art. The event gives her the chance to do what she loves – creating art – and be able to share that with the local community.
“I started doing Pastels on 5th because I think it’s important that we have art present in our community,” she shares. “I also think it’s fun for people to see a glimpse into the creative process, watching artists work to see how much time and effort goes into creating a piece of art.”
For Amanda, the cause behind the event is just as important as the art. Pastels on 5th Street serves as a fundraiser for Alternatives to Violence, a Loveland nonprofit that provides free support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. “To be able to help those who are vulnerable and in need, to be able to bless them with support through art is an honor.”
When she’s not participating in festivals, Amanda teaches art out of her home studio and loves using events like Pastels on 5 th Street to connect with others about the artistic process. “My hope in doing public art is always to bring joy and wonder to the viewers, to inspire others and to create imagery that beckons people to think a little deeper.”
About Alternatives to Violence:
Alternatives to Violence provides shelter, advocacy, education and resources for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Since 1982, Alternatives to Violence has offered victims the opportunity to heal both emotionally and physically in a supportive environment. Each year, we provide emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, information and referrals to local resources, crisis intervention, and in some cases longer-term housing to over 1,600 people in Loveland and Southern Larimer County.
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