Adirondack Plein Air Festival

About

Adirondack Plein Air Festival

The Adirondack region has long been known as a wonderful, wild vacation retreat and the inspiration for numerous artists, writers, and musicians. The plein air painters who come and take part in this event know that very well, which is what attracts them from all over the country. The Adirondacks is the largest protected area east of the Mississippi, yet it's still within a day's drive of most of the major cities of the Northeast. There are mountains, lakes, rivers, bogs, forests, farms, and small communities — a full variety of subject matter for artists. 

Held annually the 3rd week in August, forty juried artists have many opportunities throughout the week to paint outdoors in the scenic wonders of the Saranac Lake area.

Not a painter? Not to worry. Spectators are warmly invited to witness the creative process unfold amid the classic Adirondack surroundings. Follow the itinerary below to find out where the artists will be painting each day. Then, don’t miss the show and sale at the end of the event, where you can take home a picture-perfect memory of your time in the Adirondacks!

Adirondack Plein Air Festival Events by Day, Aug 17 - 22, 2026

2026 Festival Schedule

Saturday & Sunday, August 15–16
Pre-Festival Plein Air Workshop with Cynthia Rosen.
Visit saranaclakeartworks.org for details and registration.

Monday, August 17:
"Meet the Artists" Meet the 40 artists participating in the festival! The public is welcome to the “Meet the Artists” reception hosted by the Hotel Saranac in their Great Hall Bar & Terrace from 7-9pm.

Tuesday, August 18:
“Paint the VIC” - Artists will be at Paul Smith’s College VIC, a wonderful introduction to the Adirondack landscape with miles of easy hiking trails, mountain views, wetlands, forests, and more. Spectators are welcome to come and watch the artists paint!

Wednesday, August 19: 
“Catch of the Day" painting contest. Join us at the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club anytime from 1-7pm. Plein Air Artists will cast their lines into the landscape, snagging river light and mountain silhouettes. Whether it’s a trophy trout or a jaw‑dropping view, come see what gets hooked this year.

Thursday, August 20: 
“Paint the Town” - Artists paint in the Village of Saranac Lake and produce small paintings for the silent auction. The Third Thursday ArtWalk will take place from 5-7:30pm, featuring live music, art displays, and demonstrations Downtown. The “Nocturne Contest” Judging will be announced at 7:30pm at Hotel Saranac.

Friday, August 21:
"Paint the Adirondacks" - Artists are free to choose their own painting locations.

Preview Party (6:00 – 9:00 PM at the Town Hall, 39 Main St.)
Be among the first to view hundreds of fresh paintings created throughout the festival.

Tickets: $25/person (includes beer, wine, and light food)
Awards presented at 7:30 PM
Tickets available online or at the door
Reception generously sponsored by Hyde Fuel and Franklin County.

Saturday, August 22:
Quick Draw Competition – Downtown Saranac Lake
Watch artists race to create a finished painting in just 2 hours! Painting runs from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, followed by public judging on the steps of Town Hall. $250 prize awarded at 11:45 AM.

Show & Sale (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Town Hall)
Meet the artists and browse original plein air works created throughout the week. Free to attend.
The “Paint the Town” Silent Auction closes at 4:00 PM, and the Festival concludes at 5:00 PM.

Help celebrate the 18 years of success that Saranac Lake ArtWorks has achieved. The commissions on sales from the Adirondack Plein Air Festival help fund the year-round programs and activities of Saranac Lake ArtWorks.

Learn more at saranaclakeartworks.org