2. I Madonnari Festival

The Buzz -- Borrowing from the tradition of Italian street painting, this annual festival showcases the talents of local artists. Paved areas at the Mission are divided into sponsored plots, where artists create or reproduce images using chalks. Watching them work and observing the subject matter they choose is eminently fascinating to visitors.(The term "madonnari" comes from the Madonnas so frequently painted by Italian artists.) Plus, the amazing skill and dedication to such a temporary endeavor is admirable. Along with artwork, the music and food of Italy can be enjoyed at the festival.