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Maple Grove Business Association dissolves after 24 years as Chalkfest 2026 moves toward a new model
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. The Maple Grove Business Association, a long standing advocate for local businesses and a key organizer of community events, has officially dissolved, ending a 24 year presence in the city’s commercial and civic life.
The nonprofit announced that it ceased operations on December 12, citing insufficient financial resources and a lack of sustained support to continue its work. Founded in 2001 as the Arbor Lakes Business Association, the group expanded its mission citywide in 2021, rebranding as the Maple Grove Business Association.
The closure immediately raised questions about the future of Chalkfest Maple Grove, the popular street art festival that has drawn thousands of visitors downtown each summer and has been organized by the association since 2016.
In a statement shared with local media, MGBA Executive Director Kira L. Johnson said the organization would not be able to continue producing Chalkfest at the scale the community has come to expect and confirmed that the event would no longer operate under the MGBA umbrella.
City exploring options for Chalkfest’s future
City officials say discussions are underway to determine whether Chalkfest, or a version of it, can continue.
Joe Hogeboom, Maple Grove’s Community and Economic Development Director, said the city is working with internal departments and external partners to explore potential paths forward. More clarity is expected in the coming months as planning for the 2026 summer season takes shape.
Chalkfest has historically required significant coordination with the city, including street closures, permitting, and in kind municipal services. City records show that previous festivals received city support to help offset logistical costs.
2026 dates posted as transition continues
Despite the association’s dissolution, Chalkfest listings currently show dates for a 2026 festival. The event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, with public viewing on Monday, June 15. Organizers list Main Street in downtown Maple Grove as the location, with festival hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artist applications are open through February 1, 2026.
Who will ultimately oversee the event’s finances, sponsorships, and operations remains unresolved. City leaders have not announced a single successor organization, indicating instead that a multi partner approach is under consideration.
Business community urged to transition
With the business association’s closure, MGBA leaders and city officials have encouraged former members to connect with the I 94 West Chamber of Commerce, which has offered membership opportunities to help fill the networking and advocacy gap left by the MGBA’s departure. The city has also directed businesses to its own online resource page for additional support.
For Maple Grove, the moment marks both an ending and a transition. A long standing institution that helped shape the city’s business identity has closed its doors, even as efforts continue to preserve one of its most visible and beloved community events. Whether Chalkfest’s next chapter can match the scale and energy of previous years will depend on how quickly new leadership and resources come together ahead of the 2026 summer season.
