Adirondack Plein Air Festival Schedule

About

Adirondack Plein Air Festival Schedule

The Adirondack Plein Air Festival, held every fall in Saranac Lake, is a vibrant celebration of outdoor painting that captures the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. This week-long event brings together talented artists from near and far to paint the stunning landscapes, charming streets, and unique scenes of Saranac Lake and the surrounding area. Throughout the festival, attendees can watch artists at work, participate in workshops, and enjoy various exhibitions. The festival culminates in a public art sale, where visitors can purchase original works inspired by the region’s natural beauty. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the outdoors, the Adirondack Plein Air Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience art in action while celebrating the scenic wonders of the Adirondacks.

Join us for a week of outdoor painting, community celebration, and Adirondack inspiration! Here's what’s happening throughout the 2025 Saranac Lake Plein Air Festival:

August 16–17 (Saturday & Sunday)

Pre-Festival Plein Air Workshop with Beth Bathe
Details available on the Workshop Page.

August 18 (Monday)

Artist Check-In: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY
Check in, get your painting surfaces stamped, and begin painting.

Meet the Artists Reception: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Hotel Saranac lobby. Includes nocturne painting opportunities.

August 19 (Tuesday)

Paint the VIC Day – Paul Smith’s College VIC
Explore trails, forests, wetlands, and scenic views. Trail maps available.
Bring lunch—food options on-site are limited.
Painting encouraged into the evening.

August 20 (Wednesday)

Paint the Adirondacks Day
Artists choose their own painting locations.
Maps and suggestions in your artist packet.
Public can pick up maps and watch artists at work at the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, 52 Main St.
Paint the Sunset at Sunset Bistro, with live music starting at 6:00 PM.

August 21 (Thursday)

Paint the Town Day – All artists paint in downtown Saranac Lake.
Silent Auction Submission: One small (11×14 or smaller) unframed painting due by 4:00 PM at Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery.

3rd Thursday ArtWalk: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Artists and musicians throughout the village. Artists may choose to participate for added exposure. Free live music at Berkeley Green.

Nocturne Contest Drop-Off:
Submit 1 framed nocturne painting to Hotel Saranac’s 2nd floor any time during the week. Pick-up is Thursday evening or Friday morning.

Celebration:
Farewell celebration for founder Sandra Hildreth at 8:00 PM at Hotel Saranac.

August 22 (Friday)

Paint the Saranac River Day
Access to scenic spots along the Saranac River at the Fish & Game Club. Artists may also use this time to frame artwork.

Artwork Drop-Off: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Town Hall, 39 Main St.
All framed paintings must be labeled, hung by artists, and ready for jurying by 2 PM. (Mesh walls—no nails required.)

Preview Party: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
See hundreds of new plein air paintings!

• Location: Town Hall

• Tickets: $25/person (artists attend free)

• Awards at 7:30 PM

• Sponsored by Hyde Fuel and Franklin County

August 23 (Saturday)

Quick Draw Competition: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Downtown Saranac Lake. Artists paint on the spot and display work for judging at 11:00 AM on Town Hall steps. Winner announced at 11:45 AM. $250 prize.

Show & Sale: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Town Hall, 39 Main St.
Free and open to the public. Meet the artists and view original Adirondack plein air art.
Silent Auction concludes at 4:00 PM.
Festival ends at 5:00 PM.

For full details and registration, visit the official festival website.