SPAF26

October 16th–24th, 2026

Event
Details

22nd Annual
Sedona Plein Air Festival

Join us for the 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival, presented by Sedona Arts Center (SAC)—an immersive celebration of art set against the awe-inspiring red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona. As one of the oldest continuously running plein air festivals in the western United States, this iconic event brings together master artists from across the country to paint on location and share their talents with the public.

Held during Sedona’s most beautiful season, the festival features a week of outdoor painting, special exhibitions, engaging workshops, and free community events. With over 65 years of history, SAC continues to honor its legacy as the heart of Sedona’s creative community and a cornerstone of its identity as an art colony.

2026 Festival Schedule

Artist Demonstrations

Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center (SAC) 15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

On Saturday, festival artists will be painting live around the grounds of Sedona Arts Center (SAC). Come watch and be inspired by the talents of:

Olena Babak, Carol Douglas, Barbara Tapp, Robin Roberts, Laura Martinez-Bianco

Join us to see plein air painting in action and connect with the artists up close!


D.A. Ranch Paint Out

Monday, October 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
1901 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
Artists will paint en plein air in select scenic locations across the breathtaking grounds of D.A. Ranch from 4 to 6 pm. The celebration continues at 6:30 pm with awards and an exclusive art sale featuring these freshly created works.

Guest Judge: Betty Carr

Nestled between Oak Creek and House Mountain, D.A. Ranch is a stunning high-desert oasis boasting a historic red barn, charming farm animals, lush green pastures, majestic old-growth trees, sparkling ponds, fruitful orchards, and over nine acres of estate vineyards. Guests are invited to explore this picturesque setting, with D.A. Ranch’s fine wines available for purchase, while enjoying delicious bites from The Tiny Gourmet.

Limited tickets are available to the public for this unforgettable evening — don’t miss your chance to experience art, nature, and exceptional hospitality in one place!

Purchase Tickets Here


Artist Demonstrations

Tuesday, October 20, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center (SAC) 15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

On Tuesday, festival artists will be painting live around the grounds of Sedona Arts Center (SAC). Come watch and be inspired by the talents of:

Krystal Brown, Barbara Mulleneaux, Bruce Gómez

Join us to see plein air painting in action and connect with the artists up close!


Paint Out at a Private Home

Wednesday, October 21, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Offering sweeping red rock views. Guests will enjoy wine, beer, and bites from Heartline Catering while artists capture the scene in plein air. Awards and sales begin at 6:30 p.m.
Limited tickets are available to the public for this intimate and special event.
Guest Judge: Betty Carr

Purchase tickets Here


Lights On Afterschool Paint-Out

Thursday, October 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
West Sedona Elementary School
570 Posse Ground Road, Sedona, AZ
Parking available in the rear lot.
Festival artists are invited to paint on campus as part of the nationwide Lights On Afterschool celebration, highlighting the importance of afterschool programs and creative learning opportunities for youth. Students will have participated in a plein air lesson prior to the event and will have the opportunity to meet professional artists, ask questions, and experience the creative process firsthand.

Come watch and be inspired by the talents of:

Ed Buonvecchio, Laura Martinez-Bianco, Hadley Rampton

Artist Check-In: All participating artists must check in at the school office to receive a visitor badge before entering campus.


Awards Night!

Friday, October 23, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center (SAC) 15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Celebrate with us at the festival’s popular Awards Night reception! Enjoy mingling with the artists, preview and purchase original works created during the week, and savor light refreshments.
Watch as the judge announces the prestigious awards—including Best of Show—recognizing outstanding artistry. This festive evening is a perfect chance to connect with the creative community and experience the magic of the Sedona Plein Air Festival.

Guest Judge: Kelly Kane


Artist Pumpkin Painting, Community Paint Out and Final Sale Day

Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center (SAC) 15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Celebrate the exciting conclusion of the 22nd
Sedona Plein Air Festival with a full day of creativity and community!

Artist Pumpkin Painting, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This year, our festival artists will do something a little different. Each artist will receive their own pumpkin to paint! This new activity will showcase their creativity, adaptability, and skill as their new canvas is a pumpkin! All the pumpkins created will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Sedona Arts Center.

Community Paint Out (Registration begins 9 a.m.)
All ages and skill levels are welcome to join in this fun, all-inclusive paint-out on the SAC campus and lower lot. For a $15 registration fee, participants can create artwork on-site, sell their finished pieces during the event, and be considered for prizes.Artists may price and sell their work during the event. A 25% commission on sales will go toward supporting the ongoing mission of Sedona Arts Center.

Community Painters have until 12noon to paint before judging.

Register Here for the Community Paint Out

Registered participants will also be eligible for prizes:

$250 1st Place
$150 2nd Place
$50 3rd Place
5 Honorable Mentions

Final Art Sale (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
This is the final day to purchase Sedona Plein Air Festival artwork while the artists are still here in Sedona. Don’t miss your final opportunity to meet them in person — works remain available through November 22nd in the Art Barn galleries.

PLUS! “Fur”ever Paintings by PetSmart!
Join us from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and bring your pet!
Pets use paw-safe paint to make their own plein air art!

Thank you to our sponsors...

Sedona’s Annual Celebration of Plein Air Painting is Generously Made Possible by:

Amy Light, Blick Art Materials, Bruce and Ann Peek, City of Sedona and Sedona Now TV, D.A. Ranch, Ensemble Group, Guerilla Painter, Lamar Billboards, Plein Air Magazine, Sedona 360 Photo, Sedona Red Rock News, Carol Douglas Art.

Additional support provided by: AZ Commission on the Arts, AZ Community Foundation, Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas, City of Sedona, Kling Family Foundation, West Valley Art Museum.

2026 Plein Air Workshops at Sedona Arts Center (SAC)

Sedona Arts Center (SAC) is a cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s cultural community and serves as the creative heart of Sedona. Founded in 1958, this nonprofit organization is based in Uptown Sedona and offers year-round classes, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events that enrich the artistic life of the Verde Valley.

Through its School of the Arts, SAC provides opportunities for creative learning at all levels—from beginners to seasoned artists. Ongoing instruction is available in a variety of mediums, while specialized workshops feature nationally recognized faculty and immersive, hands-on experiences. Residents and visitors alike look to Sedona Arts Center as a welcoming hub for artistic growth, expression, and community engagement.

Our mission is to connect, enrich, educate and lead through the inspiring power of the arts and creative discovery.

Sedona Arts Center (SAC) offers a variety of workshops

Scholarship funds are available

for plein air festival workshops
Location

15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Contact Us

Phone : (928) 282-3809

Toll Free: (866) 282-3809

Email : sac@sedonaartscenter.org

Our Hours

MON–SAT 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SUN 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.