Eureka Springs Plein Air Festival

The Eureka Springs Plein Air Festival runs May 5 through May 9, 2026, transforming the town into an open-air studio where artists paint the Ozarks in real time. This free, five-day event invites visitors to watch painters work along trails, overlooks, and downtown streets, then view finished pieces at galleries and exhibition spaces throughout Eureka Springs. Expect watercolorists capturing morning light on Beaver Lake, oil painters setting up along Spring Street, and sketch artists working between coffee stops at local cafes. The festival includes judged competitions, gallery receptions, and opportunities to purchase work directly from artists. You’ll see painters of all skill levels—from professionals who travel the national plein air circuit to local hobbyists refining their craft. The schedule includes both structured events (gallery openings, awards ceremonies) and spontaneous encounters with artists working in public spaces.

Who Should Go

Art collectors and gallery-goers will find this festival worth building a trip around, with opportunities to purchase original work and meet the artists behind it. Aspiring painters can observe techniques and ask questions during painting demonstrations, while families with older kids who enjoy art museums will appreciate watching creativity unfold in real time. Couples seeking a slower-paced weekend and solo travelers comfortable wandering between galleries and outdoor painting sites fit the vibe. This is not a high-energy event—it rewards patient observation and unhurried exploration.

Logistics and Timing

The festival operates on a loose schedule, with artists working throughout the day in various locations. Gallery receptions typically run in the evenings (6 PM to 8 PM), and the awards ceremony usually falls on the final Saturday. Parking downtown stays manageable except during evening events, when street parking fills quickly. Walk from your lodging if possible, or arrive early on reception nights. May weather in Eureka Springs typically ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s, with occasional rain—bring layers and an umbrella if clouds threaten. The event is free to watch, though purchasing artwork requires cash or card (most artists accept both). If you’re specifically interested in watching artists work outdoors, mornings (8 AM to 11 AM) offer the best light and the highest concentration of painters. Plan B for rainy days includes gallery-hopping downtown, where many participating artists display work in climate-controlled spaces.

Where to Stay and What Else to Do

Book lodging in downtown Eureka Springs to walk between galleries and painting sites. Victorian inns like the 1886 Crescent Hotel or smaller bed-and-breakfasts offer period charm, while Lake.com lists properties near Beaver Lake for morning paddles or shoreline hikes before the afternoon painting sessions. Spend non-festival hours exploring the Leatherwood Wilderness Trail, touring Thorncrown Chapel, or visiting the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Meals at Ermilio’s Wood Fired Pizza (established 2012) or The Grand Taverne (founded 1997) keep you fueled between gallery stops. If you want to combine the festival with water access, Beaver Lake sits 15 minutes north, with kayak rentals and fishing guides available through local outfitters. After watching painters work outdoors, the finished pieces often appear in evening exhibitions, creating a satisfying loop from creation to display.