Sedona Arts Center's 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival

The Sedona Plein Air Festival takes place October 16-24, 2026, during the best weather period of the year at the height of tourist season. As one of the oldest continuously running Plein Air Festivals in the western US, the festival is supported by experienced staff and volunteers. Sedona Arts Center has roots going back 67+ years to the founding of Sedona.

Please note that this year's Festival is almost entirely by invitation, with a few slots available for juried-in artists. A minimum of $13,000 in awards will be presented throughout the week. Guerilla Painter and Golden Artist Colors/Williamsburg Oils and others will provide gift certificates and products. The festival schedule includes orientation and canvas stamping on Friday, October 16; paint outs on October 19 and 21; artist awards with a special guest judge on Friday, October 23; and optional artist games on Saturday, October 24.

Artists must submit a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 high-resolution images of their best plein air paintings, along with biography, artist statement, and relevant plein air painting experience including festivals participated in and awards won. Entry fee is $30. If selected, this fee will be subtracted from the $150 festival participation fee which covers administrative expenses. Sedona Arts Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales. All entries must be available for purchase with a sale price determined by the artist. Payment for artwork sold occurs in the month following the sale. Open to professional artists, 18 or older, with plenty of plein air painting experience. Deadline: March 31, 2026.