The 17th Annual Youth in Arts Italian Street Painting Festival will take place on June 12 and 13, 2010 in downtown San Rafael. Admission is free. The event features hundreds of paintings on the streets, along with live entertainment on two stages and tasty Italian food and beverages. Saturday is Family Day, with special events and activities for families and children.

About 60,000 visitors turn out for this event held near the historic Mission San Rafael Arcangel, just 25 minutes north of San Francisco.

The 17th Annual Youth in Arts Italian Street Painting Festival will be a feast for the eyes, ears, and soul as hundreds of Madonnari (street painters) turn the gray asphalt of the streets of downtown San Rafael into brilliant paintings in colorful chalk. This year’s theme is Bella Terra, Beautiful Earth. The festival features a variety of live entertainment on two stages and bountiful Italian food and drink from local businesses. All proceeds benefit the arts education programs of Youth in Arts.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Admission to the Youth in Arts Italian Street Painting Festival is free.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, 2010, 9am to 7pm each day. (Family Day Saturday.)

WHERE: Fifth Avenue and A Street in downtown San Rafael, CA 94901.

You might also be interested in these San Francisco Bay Area Festivals.