More than 2,000 people are expected to gather in Old Town Orcutt on Saturday as artists transform the pavement into colorful murals for the 13th annual Old Orcutt Chalk Festival, hosted by the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves as both a fundraiser and what Assistant Superintendent Joe Dana described as a “friendraiser,” with proceeds supporting arts education in Orcutt Union School District classrooms.

“Arts education is absolutely critical,” Dana said. “Research shows that when you have robust arts offerings, it actually improves outcomes in core content areas like reading, math and writing.”

This year’s theme, “The Central Coast,” invites artists to create chalk murals inspired by iconic locations and scenes throughout the region.

“These folks are going to be drawing buildings, landmarks and beautiful areas here on the Central Coast, and I can’t wait to see what people come up with,” Dana said.

One of the festival’s biggest draws is the chance for children to get involved and create their own art. With a $10 Kids Chalk Square pass, each child receives a 2-foot-by-2-foot space and a box of chalk to design their own street mural.

“What’s really cool about it is that if you’ve got kids, or if you have grandkids for that matter, you can bring them to the Chalk Festival, get a square and kids can do their own artistry out in the middle of the street in Old Orcutt,” Dana said. “When else do they ever get that opportunity?”

Volunteer artists also will be creating large-scale murals throughout the day, competing for awards such as Best in Festival and People’s Choice. A Kids’ Corner will offer arts, crafts and hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects, according to OCAF.

OCAF supports arts programming across the district, from visual art to performing arts, and Dana said the impact goes far beyond creative expression.

“We have felt that the arts for so many kids is a hook. It gets them excited about coming to school and it’s an outlet for them,” he said. “We really feel like the visual and performing arts are an integral part of our program and OCAF helps with that.”

In addition to the chalk art, the festival will feature live music, dancing and theatrical performances from both local favorites and emerging artists, according to OCAF. Attendees can also explore more than two dozen artisan booths, nonprofit organizations and a range of regional food trucks and culinary pop-ups.

While the event is free to attend, families are encouraged to reserve their child’s art square in advance, as last year’s allotment was nearly sold out. Passes are available through the OCAF website.

Community members can also support the festival by volunteering or becoming sponsors. Sponsorship levels range from $200 to $2,500, and vendor spots remain available for both food and artisan businesses.

“Coming to the Chalk Festival is a great way to celebrate the arts, to be part of a great community and to support arts education in Orcutt classrooms,” Dana said.