Schedule of Events

2026 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 15-16: Pre-Festival Plein Air Workshop with Cynthia Rosen! See Workshop Page. 

MONDAY AUGUST 17: CHECK IN – Artist Check-In and surface stamping, 9 am – 5 pm. at the Hotel Saranac, 100 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY.  Easy entry to lobby from the back door on Academy Street. Painting may begin afterwards.

“MEET THE ARTISTS” 7-9 pm - Reception planned for artists & nocturne painting opportunities,  Hotel Saranac.

TUESDAY AUGUST 18: “Paint the VIC” Day. The Paul Smith’s College VIC is site for the first day of painting. Miles of trails, scenic views of mountains, old growth forest, bogs, streams, marsh, beaver lodges, Adirondack lean-tos, etc. Indoor facilities. Many good painting spots near the parking areas and building. May also paint on the nearby college campus. Get directions to the Black Pond part of the VIC. Trail maps available. BRING LUNCH. There may be a food truck but nearby food access is limited. Painting through the evening is encouraged.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19: “Catch of the Day" painting contest. Join us at the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club anytime from 1pm-7pm for a playful twist on “catching the moment.” 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” Day. All artists are requested to spend the day in the Village to paint. They are also asked to produce one, small (11×14 or smaller), unframed painting for a Silent Auction which will begin at 5 pm. Free 5×7 canvases will be available. Artists receive 50% of the sale price. PAINTINGS (UNFRAMED) DUE AT 4 PM AT THE ADIRONDACK ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY, 52 Main St.

“3rd Thursday ArtWalk” – from 5 – 7:30 pm there will be artists and musicians throughout the village as part of our regular monthly ArtWalk. Stroll about, visit the various art venues, and enjoy the evening. Free live music at Berkeley Green. You do NOT have to participate in this, but if you wish to, feel free to set up and paint somewhere. It’s good publicity for the Plein Air Festival. Let people know about the Preview Party and Show & Sale.

NOCTURNE CONTEST: Artists are invited to drop off 1 framed nocturne in the display area on the 2nd floor of the Hotel Saranac any time during the week. Artists should pick up paintings Thursday evening,  or Friday morning, so they can be added to the Show & Sale in the Town Hall.

FRIDAY AUGUST 21: “Paint the Adirondacks” - Artists are free to choose their own painting locations.
PREVIEW PARTY 6 – 9 PM A special opportunity to see several hundred new paintings created at the event. Tickets $25/person. Beer, wine & light food provided. Artists may attend at no cost. Awards presented at 7:30 pm. Buy Tickets HERE in advance, or at the door. Reception generously sponsored by Hyde Fuel and Franklin County.

SATURDAY AUGUST 22: “QUICK DRAW COMPETITION” – Downtown Saranac Lake: Come watch and see who can create the best painting in just 2 hours time! Artists will set up and paint from 9 – 11 AM, then bring their easels and wet paintings to the steps in front of the Town Hall, 39 Main St,  for judging. $250 prize.. Winner announced at 11:45.

SHOW & SALE! 10AM – 5 PM at the Town Hall. FREE Meet the artists and view the new paintings created for this event. “Paint the Town” Silent Auction concludes at 4 PM, Festival ends at 5 PM.