The Belmont Plein Air Festival returns in 2026 as part of the beloved Garibaldi Festival, bringing outdoor painting, art lovers, and local culture together in the heart of Belmont. Hosted in conjunction with the festival and presented by the Gaston County Art Guild, the plein air event features a juried painting competition and same-day wet-paint sale, offering collectors the rare chance to purchase freshly completed works straight from the easel.
The 2026 event takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Stowe Park and throughout downtown Belmont. Artists paint on location within city limits, typically beginning Friday and continuing into Saturday. Finished works are submitted mid-afternoon on Saturday, followed by judging, awards, and a lively wet-paint sale from approximately 3:30–5:30 p.m. Past festivals have awarded over $2,000 in cash prizes across multiple categories.
Artists and attendees are encouraged to check the City of Belmont, Downtown Belmont, and Gaston County Art Guild channels for the official 2026 prospectus, registration details, and schedule updates. Whether you’re an artist competing for awards or a collector looking to take home a one-of-a-kind painting, the Belmont Plein Air Festival is a highlight of the spring arts calendar in Gaston County.