California Plein Air Events
California offers a wide range of plein air painting opportunities throughout the year, from juried festivals and competitive paint-outs to instructional workshops and community events. Artists can find plein air events in cities, parks, historic districts, and scenic landscapes across the state.
This page lists upcoming plein air painting events in California, including festivals, workshops, and paint-outs for artists of all experience levels. Event details include dates, locations, entry deadlines, and award information when available.
Benicia Plein Air Gallery Paint Out
May 29 - June 5, 2026
State: California
City: Benicia
Capitola Plein Air
November 2-8, 2026
State: California
City: Capitola
Paint Mono County
September 20-27, 2026
State: California
City: Mammoth Lakes
Shipley Nature Center Plein Air Paint Out & Sale
November 22, 2025
State: California
City: Huntington Beach
Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational
October 3-11, 2026
State: California
City: Laguna Beach
California Desert Landscape And Plein Air Festival
Jan 9 - Feb 1, 2026
State: California
City: Palm Desert
Annual Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational
March 2-7, 2026
State: California
City: Borrego Springs
Lost Sierra Plein Air Festival
May 9-17, 2026
State: California
City: Quincy
Mariposa Paint Out
April 22-26, 2026
State: California
City: Mariposa
Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout
July 27-August 1, 2026
State: California
City: Alameda
Oceanside Plein Air Festival
September 6-13
State: California
City: Oceanside
Sonoma Plein Air Festival
September 14-19, 2026
State: California
City: Sonoma