MainStreet Musings

Color the Core is a sidewalk chalk art festival held in Downtown Fremont, Nebraska. Artists create temporary chalk murals along Main Street while visitors explore downtown businesses, enjoy special events, and vote for their favorite artwork.

Downtown Fremont is the heart, or "core," of our community. Color the Core celebrates the creativity, businesses, and people that make downtown a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and gather.

Yes! Color the Core is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring downtown, supporting local businesses, and enjoying the artwork.

Yes. Visitors can participate in People's Choice Voting during the event. The artwork receiving the most votes will receive the People's Choice Award.

Artists ages 8 and older are welcome to apply. Individuals and teams may participate. Whether you're a professional artist, hobbyist, student, or first-time participant, we'd love to have you join us.

Not at all. Color the Core welcomes artists of all skill levels. Many participants join simply because they enjoy creating, trying something new, or spending time with friends and family.

Absolutely. Teams are encouraged and can include friends, families, coworkers, classrooms, clubs, or community organizations.

The 2026 theme is America the Beautiful in celebration of America 250. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own creative way.

Color the Core takes place throughout Downtown Fremont along Main Street, where artists create chalk artwork on designated sidewalk spaces.

Downtown businesses can participate by hosting special events, demonstrations, musicians, pop-ups, family activities, sales, or promotions during the festival. Participating businesses may also be featured in event marketing.

Volunteers help with event setup, artist check-in, information booths, voting, artist support, and cleanup. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups, and organizations.

This event will go on rain or shine, excluding severe weather. Weather updates and any schedule changes will be posted on the MainStreet of Fremont social media channels. Participants will be contacted directly if weather impacts the event.

While you're downtown, shop local boutiques, enjoy a meal or drink at a local restaurant, visit participating businesses, and discover special activities happening throughout the district. Color the Core is designed to be a full downtown experience, not just an art festival.

Color the Core is one of Fremont's most unique family-friendly summer events. Visitors can watch artists create large-scale chalk murals, vote for their favorite artwork, enjoy activities hosted by downtown businesses, and spend the day exploring Downtown Fremont.