2026 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival
1st Place—Jean Cauthen, “Misty Morning on Morris” (Detail).
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The Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival is a four-day, open-enrollment plein air painting event. It takes place in the beautiful mountainous area surrounding the town of Blowing Rock in western North Carolina, from Tuesday, September 15 to Saturday, September 19, 2026. The 9th annual festival aims to bring painters from around the world together to paint outside in the fresh air while getting to know each other and sharing their work. The event prompts applicants to explore the unique Blowing Rock architecture, spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views, and overall Appalachian feel of one of the most scenic areas in the country.
After four days of painting "en plein air," painters are invited to display their completed works at the Plein Air Festival Show and Sale on Saturday, September 19. Collectors and the public are invited to attend this impressive display of Plein Air paintings to both view and purchase the unique works that highlight the incredible beauty of the High Country.
All art submitted to the art show will be entered into a judged plein air painting competition. This year’s judge is Kyle Buckland. For more information about Kyle and his work please visit his website, https://kylebuckland.com/about.
For Plein Air Festival information, contact PleinAir@BlowingRockMuseum.org.
Tickets for the Plein Air Show & Sale will go live Monday, June 15, at 10:00 am.
Lodging
Numerous lodging options are available to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. We recommend making arrangements early, as demand is especially high this sesason.
Visit BlowingRock.com for lodging information.
You may also visit at ExploreBoone.com, ExploreCaldwell.com, and HighCountryHost.com