Looking for plein air painting events to attend this month? We’ve curated a selection of September 2026 plein air events from around the country, giving artists plenty of opportunities to paint outdoors, connect with fellow artists, compete for awards, and experience inspiring new locations.
From plein air festivals and competitions to paint-outs and other outdoor painting events, these gatherings offer something for artists at every level. Whether you’re looking for your next plein air adventure, hoping to discover a new painting destination, or searching for upcoming opportunities to show and sell your work, this guide can help you find an event that’s right for you.
Browse the plein air painting events below, and check each listing for dates, deadlines, locations, registration information, and other important details. Event information is subject to change, so be sure to confirm the latest details with the sponsoring organization before making plans.
Bonus: Catch this month’s deadlines so you don’t miss out on upcoming opportunities.
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September 2026 Painting Events
Arizona
18th ANNUAL GRAND CANYON CELEBRATION OF ART
Dates: September 21-25
Sponsored by: Grand Canyon Conservancy
Website: www.grandcanyon.org
This year’s exhibition theme, Earth-Mapping, explores sensory, ecological, and cartographic interpretations of the canyon through plein air painting, photography, abstraction, design, and conceptual landscape works. Artists will create onsite along the South Rim September 21–25, culminating in a ticketed Collectors’ Reception at Kolb Studio on September 26. The public Exhibition and Sale opens September 27 at historic Kolb Studio and online, with artwork available through March 31, 2027.
California
SONOMA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: September 14-19
Sponsoring Organization: Sonoma Plein Air Foundation
Venue: Historic Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma, California
Format: Juried
Website: www.sonomapleinair.com
Nationally acclaimed artists gather to paint for 1 week throughout Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, and our spectacular coast. Artists enjoy hosted housing, welcome reception, artists’ luncheon, patron gala, silent art auction, Artists’ Choice Award plus Art Show and Sale. Since 2002, the Festival has raised over $2.3 million for local K-12 arts education. 60% per sale to the artist, and 40% to the Foundation for funding art education grants.
PAINT MONO COUNTY 2026
Dates: September 20-27
Opening Reception: September 25
Entry Deadline: September 1
Sponsoring Organization: Mono Arts Council
Venue: Mono Arts Council Community Arts Center & Gallery, Mammoth Lakes, California
Format: Open
Award Total: $4,000
Website: www.monoarts.org/paintmonocounty
Artists from around the country are invited to come paint on location for five days in our breathtaking Eastern Sierra. With $4,000 in prizes, artists are challenged to capture amazing fall color, breathtaking vistas, and jagged mountains, all while painting under the incredible Mono County sky. Paint Mono County features workshops, juried exhibits, Artist Awards Reception, and two-day exhibit. All are welcome. Proceeds benefit Mono Arts Council’s Arts Programs.
3rd ANNUAL SAUSALITO PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT & EXHIBITION
Dates: August 2-September 3
Website: sausalitocenterforthearts.org
Colorado
PLEIN AIR @ ALTITUDE
Dates: August 27-September 6
Opening Reception: September 5
Sponsoring Organization: Fraser Valley Arts
Venue: Winter Park, Fraser, Colorado
Format: Juried
Award Total: $550-$2,500
Website: www.fraservalleyarts.org
Plein Air @ Altitude is the Fraser Valley’s premier fine arts event, returning for its 6th year. Artists will paint across Grand County beginning August 27. With over 35 juried artists from across Colorado, the Mountain West, and beyond creating original works of art for an Annual Cocktail Reception & Art Auction, this ticketed event brings over 160 art admirers and collectors to purchase the art created in this beautiful landscape.
ALLA PRIMA WESTCLIFFE
Dates: September 12-19
Opening Reception: September 19
Entry Deadline: September 1
Sponsoring Organization: Sangres Art Guild
Venue: 3rd Street Gallery, Westcliffe, Colorado
Format: Open
Award Total: $5,000+
Website: www.sangresartguild.org
Artists, we invite you to an unforgettable plein air painting experience in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Custer County, Colorado — where inspiration is boundless. Capture sweeping alpine vistas, heritage ranches, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and pristine night skies in a landscape that fuels creativity at every turn. Come experience Alla Prima Westcliffe and immerse yourself in the landscape that has captivated artists for generations. Alla Prima Westcliffe also offers an optional pre-event workshop. We’re proud to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Community. “Come for the mountains, stay for the stars.”
26th VICTOR CELEBRATES THE ARTS
Dates: August 28-September 7
Sponsoring Organization: Victor Celebrates the Arts
Venue: Victor Elks Lodge, Victor, Colorado
Format: Juried
Award Total: $4,000
Website: www.victorcelebratesthearts.org
Professional and emerging artists participate in painting in and around the City of Victor and many nearby legendary 1890s gold mining sites. Our show is judged by an established professional artist. All paintings are created en plein air, on site, directly from life, within a 10-mile radius of Victor City Hall.
STEAMBOAT ART MUSEUM PLEIN AIR 2026
Dates: September 18-25
Opening Reception: September 25
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Format: Combination
Website: www.steamboatartmuseum.org/plein-air
The annual Steamboat Art Museum Plein Air Event is a celebrated week-long gathering bringing together 45 artists from across the country to capture the natural beauty of fall in the Yampa Valley. Artists of all ability levels produce astounding works that reflect the region’s landscapes, historic ranches, alpine vistas, and the welcoming community of Steamboat Springs. Events and sales opportunities throughout the week.
Connecticut
PLEIN AIR LITCHFIELD
Dates: September 12-19
Opening Reception: September 18
Sponsoring Organization: Art Tripping
Format: Juried
Award Total: $8,500
Website: www.pleinairlitchfield.com
Plein Air Litchfield is becoming a prestigious art event that turns Litchfield into a living atelier, featuring juried artists capturing the town’s timeless essence. Litchfield is surrounded by farms, waterways, gardens, hidden villages, and vintage architecture. Artists find that there are far more worthy subjects to paint than there is time to paint them. Litchfield, and the surrounding countryside, is a special place with some of the most beautiful and interesting scenery, simply tantalizing to a painter.
Georgia
PLEIN AIR INTERNATIONAL PAINT-OUT
Dates: September 10-13
Opening Reception: September 13
Entry Deadline: September 11
Sponsoring Organization: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Venue: The Art Center, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Format: Open
Award Total: $1,000
Website: www.brmaa.org
The 2026 Plein Air International Paint Out offers four inspiring days of art, adventure,
and community in the scenic North Georgia Mountains. Recognized as one of the top five art towns in Georgia by the Georgia Council for the Arts, Blue Ridge provides a stunning backdrop and endless inspiration for artists who love painting outdoors. This year’s event features a master workshop led by our skilled juror and artist, a lively Quick Paint competition, a silent auction, and county-wide paint-outs. The celebration concludes with an awards ceremony and exhibition on Sunday, showcasing the incredible work created throughout the weekend.
Illinois
FAIRFIELD PAINTOUT
Dates: September 22-26
Sponsoring Organization: Fairfield PaintOut Committee
Venue: Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, Illinois
Format: Juried
Award Total: $3,450
Website: www.facebook.com/ffpaintout
Please join other award-winning artists for a week of depicting the small towns, farms, fields, and woods of southern Illinois within the boundaries of Wayne County. The event concludes with a public exhibition, sale, and awards ceremony. No commission is charged on any of the artists’ sales. Housing and meals are provided throughout the week.
PAINT THE TOWN BARRINGTON! PLEIN AIR EVENT
Dates: September 25-October 3
Opening Reception: October 3
Entry Deadline: September 28
Sponsoring Organization: Barrington Cultural Commission
Venue: Barrington’s White House, Barrington, Illinois
Format: Open
Award Total: $1,000
Website: barrington-il.gov/pleinair
Join us in historic Barrington to paint and watch over 30 artists from across Chicagoland as they paint the many stunning landmarks during the week. Then, meet the artists on Saturday, October 3 at the awards ceremony and reception. In addition, enjoy the annual Barrington Wine Walk as you peruse and purchase plein air and works from the artist’s oeuvres.
Indiana
Carmel International Arts Festival
Dates: September 26-27
Website: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14432
Artists from around the world gather in the heart of Carmel’s Arts & Design District at the intersection of Main Street and Rangeline Road. The Carmel International Arts Festival is a juried exhibition with prizes totaling $7,000. Annually, around 24,000 festival goers enjoy an admission-free opportunity to view and purchase art, mingle with artists, tour local galleries, dine at fine restaurants, and enjoy the Festival’s entertainment on our multiple stages.
Iowa
BLUFF STROKES PAINT OUT
Dates: September 20-26
Opening Reception: September 25
Sponsoring Organization: Bluff Strokes Art Center
Venue: Steeple Square, Dubuque, Iowa
Format: Juried
Award Total: $15,050
Website: www.bluffstrokes.org
Dubuque is ideal for outdoor painters: historic buildings, industrial structures, dramatic bluffs, rural landscapes, and views of the Mississippi. Bluff Strokes Art Center hosts 50 jury-selected artists to paint the Dubuque area for one week. Artists create up to 10 new paintings that week. A guest judge then selects winning paintings, and the artists display their art for sale over two days at the beautiful Steeple Square.
Minnesota
PLEIN AIR GRAND MARAIS
Dates: September 11-19
Opening Reception: September 18
Sponsoring Organization: Outdoor Painters of Minnesota
Venue: Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Format: Combination
Juror of Awards: Lisa K. Stauffer, PSA-Master, IAPS-Eminent Pastelist
Award Total: $7,500
Website: www.outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org/plein-air-grand-marais.html
Every year in September, painters from across the country gather to paint in Cook County, Minnesota, from the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Daily workshops, paint-outs, artist socials, and a traditional hootenanny make this a beloved tradition. All painters are welcome: the Open Class may display a painting in a midweek juried reception, all registered artists may compete in the Quick Paint, and the Competition Class display four paintings in a juried exhibit at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
Missouri
14th ANNUAL BRUSH CREEK ART WALK
Dates: September 18-20
Website: www.bcawfoundation.org
New Mexico
THE MOTHER ROAD PAINT OUT
Dates: May 15-October 3
Show Dates: September 4-October 3
Sponsoring Organization: Plein Air Painters New Mexico
Website: www.papnm.org
This is a non-juried plein air event open to artist members of Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM) and the Amarillo Art Institute (AAI). Artists may paint plein air anywhere along the historic route 66 in Texas, New Mexico and/or Arizona during the Paint Out period.
New York
ROGER TORY PETERSON INSTITUTE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: September 16-19
Sponsoring Organization: Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Venue: Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown, New York
Format: Open
Award Total: $1,500
Website: www.rtpi.org
We invite artists from throughout the country to explore the natural scenic beauty that inspired Roger Tory Peterson to his future career as the artist/author of the famed Peterson Field Guides. Painting locations include nature preserves, Chautauqua Lake, and the renowned vineyards of Western New York, as well as the gardens and grounds of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, home to the largest collection of Peterson’s original artwork. Cash awards will be presented to the top three artists at the conclusion of the “wet paint” show and sale. Submitted artworks will be considered for exhibition at the museum.
North Carolina
BLOWING ROCK PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: September 15-19
Opening Reception: September 15
Sponsoring Organization: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Venue: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Format: Combination
Award Total: $3,000
Website: www.blowingrockpleinair.org
Join 60 artists as they capture the beauty and charm of Blowing Rock! New September dates mean a hint of fall color as we celebrate our ninth annual festival in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. An artist’s delight with scenery including vast ridgelines, quaint historic Main Street, mountain lakes, trails, agricultural landscapes, and lush gardens; Blowing Rock has a long tradition of plein air painting, supporting the arts, a proven sales history, and friendly townsfolk.
Ohio
OHIO PLEIN AIR SOCIETY’S 23rd ANNUAL PLEIN AIR COMPETITION
Dates: September 17-20
Opening Reception: September 20
Entry Deadline: September 9
Sponsoring Organization: Ohio Plein Air Society
Venue: Summit Art Space, Akron, Ohio
Format: Open
Juror of Awards: Charles Basham
Award Total: $6,000
Website: www.ohiopleinairsociety.com
Artists will paint in Akron and Summit County, Ohio. Sites include, but are not limited to: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Hale Farm and Village, Portage Lakes, and Akron. Artists can choose from cityscapes, rolling hills, waterfalls, and more. Quick-draw competition on Sunday. All artists are welcome.
Oregon
WALLOWA VALLEY PLEIN AIR COMPETITION
Dates: September 12-20
Venue: Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph, Oregon
Website: josephy.org
This event includes an art festival, live music, art workshops, and a Quick Draw.
Pennsylvania
WELLSBORO WILDS PLEIN AIR COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL
Dates: September 11-13
Opening Reception: September 11
Entry Deadline: September 12
Sponsoring Organization: Wellsboro Art Club
Venue: Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Format: Open
Award Total: Top prize valued at $1,500 ($500 cash+ an award certificate for national recognition valued at $1,000)
Website: www.wellsboropa.com
Our event takes place in historic Wellsboro and the Pennsylvania Wilds of Tioga County. There is a Main Event and Quick Draw with professional, nonprofessional, and children categories. The awards ceremony, sale of paintings (if desired), and closing reception are on Sunday. There are activities for children, music, and vendors on the town green. Wellsboro was voted one of the most charming towns in the Northeast. It is the home of the PA Grand Canyon.
South Dakota
BLACK HILLS PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT
Dates: September 17-19
Website: www.hillcityarts.org
Tennessee
PLEIN AIR SMOKIES
Dates: September 19-26
Opening Reception: September 25
Sponsoring Organization: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Venue: District Gallery, Knoxville, Tennessee
Format: Juried
Jurors of Awards: Lori Putnam (event judge) and Paul Kratter (selection juror)
Award Total: $16,000
Website: gsmit.org/pleinair
Twenty artists will be selected to spend a week painting in and around the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park, featuring icy streams, historic cabins, ancient geologic features, and unmatched biodiversity. In 2025, 19 featured artists sold over $130,000 in original art with a take-home commission of 55% per artist — you’re invited to become a part of that success! Plein Air Smokies supports Tremont Institute, a nonprofit environmental education center in the Smokies.
PAINT LIVINGSTON
Dates: September 29-October 3
Opening Reception: September 29
Sponsoring Organization: Overton County Arts Council
Venue: Joe L. Evins Community Center, Livingston, Tennessee
Format: Juried
Award Total: $5,000+ in cash and prizes
Website: www.paintlivingston.com
Come paint Livingston — a small, historic town in bucolic Middle Tennessee, boasting an award-winning courthouse square and nearby Dale Hollow Lake. Main competition is juried. Quick Paint includes an open division. Proceeds benefit local K-12 art education. The five-day event is open to all plein air artists based in the U.S. Our closing exhibition and art sale are well attended by local and regional patrons. Host families are available.
Utah
ESCALANTE CANYONS ART FESTIVAL
Dates: September 18-27
Sponsoring Organization: Escalante Canyons Art Festival
Venue: Escalante City Center and Park, Escalante, Utah
Format: Open
Award Total: $10,000
Website: www.escalantecanyonsartfestival.org
Art festival featuring workshops, demonstrations, plein air paint-outs, painting competitions, live music, hand-on art classes, literary classes, and arts and crafts fair, located in the heart of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Virginia
2026 SUFFOLK VIRGINIA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Dates: September 7-12
Opening Reception: September 11
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Suffolk Art League & Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk, Virginia
Format: Juried
Award Total: $6,500
Website: www.suffolkpleinair.org
The Suffolk Plein Air Festival is a dynamic, weeklong event where juried artists from across the country and internationally gather to paint the beautiful scenery of Suffolk, Virginia. Artists capture the city’s unique waterways, historic landmarks, farmlands, and cityscapes “en plein air.” The festival culminates with a “Wet Paint Sale & Soirée,” where patrons can purchase the freshly created artwork, often competing for prestigious cash prizes. A “Paint the Taste” QuickDraw competition, open to all ages and abilities, takes place during the annual Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival, inviting the community to join in the spontaneous art creation.
5th FLOYD PLEIN AIR BIENNIAL
Dates: September 14-19
Opening Reception: September 19
Sponsoring Organization and Venue: Floyd Center for the Arts, Floyd, Virginia
Format: Combination
Website: www.floydartcenter.org
Paint Southwestern Virginia’s most picturesque views during the 5th Floyd Plein Air Biennial. Artists will immerse themselves in the rolling hills of expansive Floyd County, painting the vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway, discovering rural farms and winding rivers, and capturing the spirit of the Historic Friday Night Jamboree in the Town of Floyd. Events include artist demonstrations, artist reception and dinners, wet paint sales, a Quick Draw contest, and a festive Gala Art Sale.
Online Art Events
PLEINAIR LIVE
Presented by PleinAir Magazine
Dates: September 16-18
Sponsoring Organization: PleinAir Magazine
Venue: Online
Contact: PleinAir Magazine | 561.655.8778 or 800.610.5771 | www.pleinairlive.com
If you want to accelerate your painting skills, PleinAir Live brings 30 top landscape painters over three days. Join demonstrations, discussions, and group painting … from the comfort of home.
September Deadlines for Artists
- September 23: 10th Annual Plein Air Abingdon (Abingdon, Virginia)
- September 30: Edisto Plein Air Paint Out (Edisto Beach, South Carolina)
- Next monthly deadline coming soon: The Salon Art Prize (formerly PleinAir Salon)
Coming Soon
FALL COLOR WEEK
Presented by PleinAir Magazine
Dates: October 11-18
Venue: Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor, Maine
Contact: PleinAir Magazine, 561.655.8778 or 800.610.5771
Website: www.fallcolorweek.com
Fall Color Week was designed for people who don’t have fall color in their area. This is your chance to spend a week painting with old friends and new, sharing meals and staying on the same property … all included in one price. Join PleinAir Magazine’s Eric Rhoads this fall in Acadia National Park at peak color. Come enjoy the beautiful fall scenery without competition. Roll out of bed, get fed, and paint all day.
2026 PLEINAIR MAGAZINE TRIP TO CHINA
Dates: November 6-22
Sponsoring Organization: PleinAir Magazine
Website: www.pleinairtrip.com/china
Join Eric Rhoads, PleinAir Magazine, and special guest artist Kevin Macpherson for an immersive 16-day plein air painting expedition through China’s most visually powerful landscapes — from the Great Wall to Guilin’s karst peaks, ancient river villages, and the urban contrasts of Shanghai.
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Content prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Plein Air Today
