Take advantage of these plein air painting events and opportunities from our 2025 Ultimate Guide to Painting Events and Organizations. We want to include your plein air painting events! Don’t see your group listed here? Contact our marketing team to learn how to advertise your events and more with Plein Air Today.
October 2025 Painting Events
Alabama
PIKE ROAD PAINT OUT
Dates: October 9-11
Opening Reception Date: October 9
Sponsoring Organization: The Town of Pike Road
Venue: Pike Road Arts Center, Water House Gallery, Alabama
Format: Open
Award Total: $1,600
Website: pikeroad.us
The Alabama Plein Air Artists and others who want to join will paint around the Town of Pike Road for our 14th Annual Pike Road Paint Out! During the event, artists can participate in a Quick Draw, watch a Blended Brushes demonstration, and participate in the wet paint show, sale, and awards.
Arizona
21ST ANNUAL SEDONA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: October 20-25
Opening Reception: October 20
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Sedona Arts Center, Arizona
Format: Combination
Award Total: $10,000
Website: sedonapleinair.com
Sedona Arts Center invites you to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 67 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an “art colony.” Our community’s iconic and creative event, Sedona Plein Air Festival, is a weeklong celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and free events.
California
27TH ANNUAL LAGUNA BEACH PLEIN AIR PAINTING INVITATIONAL
Dates: October 4-12
Opening Reception: October 11
Sponsoring Organization: Laguna Plein Air Painters Association
Venue: Laguna Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach, California
Format: Invitational
Award Total: $50,000+
Website: lpapa.org
Each year the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) turns Laguna Beach into an outdoor painting studio. Thirty of the top award-winning plein air painters from around the nation are invited to gather and paint the town as they compete for top cash awards and carry on a century-old plein air painting tradition that helped establish Laguna Beach as an Art Colony.
SONOMA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: September 8-13
Venue: Sonoma Town Square, Sonoma, California
Website: www.sonomapleinair.com
A favorite of artists and visitors alike, the annual Sonoma Plein Air Festival, held each September, showcases nationally-acclaimed artists painting the outdoor sights of our region. Their works are then displayed and available for purchase at our events during festival week. Proceeds directly fund K-12 art education throughout Sonoma Valley.
Colorado
PLEIN AIR ARTISTS COLORADO 28TH ANNUAL NATIONAL JURIED SHOW
Dates: Through October 5
Sponsoring Organization: Gilpin County Arts Association
Venue: The Art Gallery in Central City, Colorado
Format: Juried
Award Total: $5,000+
Website: pleinairartistscolorado.com
PAAC was created for the love of plein air painting and for members to enjoy the camaraderie of painting outdoors. A founding principle is that PAAC creates opportunities for artists to paint outdoors together on a regular basis.
Idaho
EAGLE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: October 4-11
Sponsoring Organization: Finer Frames, Eagle, Idaho
Format: Open
Award Total: $4,000
Website: eaglepleinair.com
You’re Invited to SW Idaho for the 11th annual Eagle Plein Air Festival. We will be offering workshops, daily demonstrations, paint-outs, Quick Draw, artist reception, and a collectors’ party. With $4,000 worth of awards given, our fast-growing festival is a great place to enjoy the camaraderie of 80+ painters while exploring Idaho’s diverse landscape: deserts, mountains, rivers, and canyonlands.
Illinois
PAINT THE TOWN BARRINGTON!
Dates: September 26-October 4
Entry deadline: September 29
Opening Reception: October 4
Sponsoring Organization: Barrington Cultural Commission
Venue: Barrington’s White House in Barrington, Illinois
Format: Open
Award Total: $1,000
Website: barrington-il.gov/pleinair
Join artists from throughout Chicagoland as they paint local landmarks around the Village of Barrington.
Iowa
BLUFF STROKES PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT
Dates: September 28-October 4
Opening Reception: October 3
Sponsoring Organization: Bluff Strokes Art Center
Venue: Steeple Square in Dubuque, Iowa
Format: Juried
Award Total: $15,000
Website: bluffstrokes.org
Paint historic Dubuque on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Nestled in the Driftless Region, it offers dramatic topography. Dubuque boasts historic residences, buildings, and parks; river, woodland, and agricultural vistas; and interesting barge, rail, and industrial infrastructure. Our sales venue is a beautiful repurposed German Catholic church. Visit our website to see our venue, last year’s winners, and explore our “Paint Dubuque” pages for painting opportunities.
Maryland
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
Dates: Through November 18
Area: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Website: dianeduboismullaly.com/other1
PAPCB is the “daughter” of the long-established Plein Air Painters of the Eastern Shore (PAPES) and now has over 50 members and organizes plein air paint outs every Tuesday.
Massachusetts
CAPE ANN PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: October 4-12
Opening Reception: October 10
Sponsoring Organization: Cape Ann Plein Air, Inc, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Format: Juried
Award Total: $22,000
Website: capeannpleinair.com
Cape Ann Plein Air is a weeklong celebration in the birthplace of plein air painting in America. Thirty-five juried artists from around the world will compete for over $22,000 in prize money. Cape Ann Plein Air remains true to its mission: to elevate plein air painting locally and nationally while honoring Cape Ann’s rich past.
North Carolina
PAINT IT ORANGE PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT
Dates: October 1-3
Opening Reception Date: October 3
Entry Deadline: October 3
Sponsoring Organization: Orange County Arts Commission
Venue: Eno Arts Mill Gallery, Hillsborough, North Carolina
Format: Open
Award Total: $2000
Website: artsorange.org/paintitorange
One of North Carolina’s most popular plein air events! 100+ artists painting a mix of rural and urban landscapes in the towns of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Carrboro. Enjoy a special party for artists, Jerry’s Artarama goody bags, and more! $2,000 in juror cash prizes. More than 50 works sold during the opening celebration in 2024!
South Carolina
EDISTO PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT
Dates: October 14-18
Opening Reception: October 15
Sponsoring Organization: Edisto Art Guild
Venue: Edisto Civic Center, Edisto Island, South Carolina
Format: Open
Award Total: $5,000
Website: edistoartguild.com
The Edisto Plein Air Paint Out is an annual, open enrollment, plein air event which takes place in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina near the Town of Edisto Beach. Painters may display completed works at the Wet Paint Show & Sale on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. All submitted art to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition.
Tennessee
2RIVERS PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT
Dates: October 17-18
Opening Reception Date: October 17
Entry Deadline: October 10
Sponsoring Organization: Clarksville Arts and Heritage Council
Venue: Downtown Artists Cooperative, Clarksville, Tennessee
Format: Open
Juror of Awards: Frank Lott
Award Total: $1,870
Website: artsandheritage.us
Come and capture Clarksville’s charm. Founded in 1785 at the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Clarksville was Middle Tennessee’s second incorporated city, after Nashville. Although the state’s fifth-largest city, Clarksville has maintained its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere. Experienced and beginning painters are encouraged to set up their easels to capture the buildings, landscapes, and people of historic Clarksville.
Texas
MCKINNEY EN PLEIN AIR 2025
Dates: October 3-4
Opening Reception Date: October 4
Sponsoring Organization: McKinney Plein Air Society
Venue: Historic Downtown McKinney, Texas
Format: Open
Juror of Awards: Lorenzo Chavez
Website: mckinneypleinair.com
This intensive competition kicks off with the Artists’ Welcome Party, Quick Draw Contest, and Nocturne Tournament on Friday, Oct. 3 and ends with the Artists Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 4. Cash prizes. Awards Judge Lorenzo Chavez will also teach a 3-day workshop Oct. 5-7.
TWO RIVERS PLEIN AIR
Dates: October 13-18
Opening Reception Date: October 13
Sponsoring Organization: New Braunfels Art League
Venue: New Braunfels Art League Gallery, New Braunfels, Texas
Format: Open
Award Total: $4,000
Website: nbal.org
The $80 entry fee covers the plein air event and Quick Draw with the Meet & Mingle. Quick Draw (Oct. 13) is open to outside artists as a one-day activity for a $30 entry fee. Art is on display and for sale during the week of the event.
ENPLEINAIRTEXAS FELLOWSHIP 2025
Dates: October 22- 25
Website: samfa.org
Apply and participate in the EnPleinAirTEXAS Ranch Fellowship 2025. Four selected artists from around the country paint the beautiful West Texas scenery. Join the event with artists workshops and a Ranch Fellowship exhibit and sale. Don’t miss this exciting experience to paint San Angelo.
Virginia
9TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR ABINGDON
Dates: October 1-4
Sponsoring Organization: Virginia Highlands Festival
Venue: William King Museum of Art & SWVA Cultural Center, Abingdon, Virginia
Format: Open
Award Total: $4,000
Website: vahighlandsfestival.org
With an expanded format for painting locations, exhibits, and sales, the majestic tapestry of SWVA is a plein air artist’s dream. This year offers four days of painting with choice of locations, destination specific during a quick paint on final day, and two galleries & sales. Framed by the Appalachian Mountains, Holston River, and the famed Virginia Creeper Trail, this little tucked-away location provides endless inspiration for visiting artists.
TIDELANDS PLEIN AIR TAPPAHANNOCK
Dates: October 22-25
Website: tapparts.org
International Painting Events
Switzerland
SWITZERLAND PLEIN AIR TRIP – PUBLISHER’S INVITATIONAL
Dates: October 10-20
Sponsoring Organization: PleinAir Magazine
Website: www.paintswitzerland.com
Follow in the brushstrokes of the masters who found inspiration in these majestic landscapes — from Monet’s brilliant exploration of alpine light and color to Sargent’s dramatic mountain compositions, Sorolla’s luminous mountain scenes, and Bierstadt’s breathtaking panoramas. Even Turner and Cézanne were captivated by Switzerland’s unparalleled beauty. Hosted by Eric Rhoads, CEO of Streamline Publishing.
Ontario, Canada
THE GREAT MIGRATION PAINT OUT COMPETITION, EXHIBITION, AND SALE
Dates: October 16-19
Opening Reception Date: October 19
Entry Deadline: October 15
Sponsoring Organization: Town of Kingsville
Venue: Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre, Kingsville, Ontario
Format: Open
Award Total: Over $4,000
Website: kingsville.ca/paintout
Kingsville is located on the north shore of Lake Erie on the 42nd parallel, the southernmost point in the province. Kingsville is home to the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of Canada geese stop over to rest on their migration route in spring and fall. We welcome you to come and paint our variety of historical buildings, marinas, quaint farms, and lakeside vistas while enjoying the hospitality and amenities the town has to offer.
Quebec, Canada
WEST ISLAND ART STUDIO CIRCUIT
Dates: Through December 31
Venue: Across the West Island area in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.wiasc.ca
Join us for the first annual West Island Art Studio Circuit, with a café art show in September and a 3D virtual exhibition October through December – all for free. Keep an eye out for outdoor displays of the artists’ plein air painting set-ups, and Selfie Stands for your pics!
Online Painting Events for Artists – Coming Soon
PLEIN AIR LIVE
Dates: November 6-8 (Essential Techniques Day November 5)
Sponsoring Organization: PleinAir Magazine
Venue: Online
Website: pleinairlive.com
If you’re looking for a way to accelerate your painting skills rapidly, and an alternative to expensive travel, Plein Air Live features 30 of the finest landscape painters on earth, over 3 days, plus an optional Essential Techniques Day before the main event starts. Essential Techniques Day is a great opportunity for those who need a refresher before the main event, or for those just starting out. Join us for demonstrations, discussions, group painting, and more … all online from the comfort of your own home.
Discover even more painting events when you sign up here for the Plein Air Today newsletter!
 from our special guide!){kind=link}