The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association announced the opening of its 28th Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational, taking place Oct. 3–11, 2026, across Laguna Beach. The nine-day event brings 30 master plein air artists to the coastal community to paint live outdoors in front of public audiences.
Major scheduled programming includes the Quick Draw Painting Competition at Heisler Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, where artists complete works within a two-hour window. Additional weeknight events feature the Just Plein Happy Nocturne Paint-Out in downtown Laguna Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 6, and a panel discussion at the Laguna Art Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The celebration continues with the ticketed Collectors Art Party on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Festival of Arts grounds, featuring an unveiling of more than 250 original paintings, live awards, and catering by Chef Lindsay of Nirvana. The festival concludes on Sunday, Oct. 11, with a public exhibition, live painting demonstrations, and the Sunday Best small works award ceremony.
The Quick Draw event and the final Sunday exhibition remain free and open to the public at the Festival of Arts grounds. Tickets for the Collectors Art Party on Oct. 10 are priced at $250 for general admission and $225 for organization members, with online sales closing at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 9.
The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition of outdoor painting. Founded in Laguna Beach, the association supports plein air artists through exhibitions, educational workshops, and annual community competitions.
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