Join us for a weekend of painting, creativity, and connection—outdoors in beautiful Middlebury, Vermont! The 2nd annual Sparrow Plein Air Festival is a three-day painting and sketching event that transforms Middlebury into a vibrant, open-air studio and is open to artists of all ages, levels, and mediums. Whether you’re a seasoned plein air painter or picking up a brush for the first time, you’re invited to capture the world around you in real time alongside a welcoming creative community. Visitors are invited to explore the town, watch artists at work in real time throughout downtown streets, riverbanks, gardens, and historic sites, and enjoy family-friendly demonstrations and community programming all weekend long.
Dates: June 12–14, 2026
Location: Middlebury, VT
Admission: Free and open to the public (artist participation passes available for purchase and families with young artists are encouraged to join)
Website and Tickets For Artist Participants of All Ages: https://www.sparrowartsupply.com/plein-air-festival
Contact: [email protected]
What to expect:
-Daily plein air painting throughout Middlebury, with opportunities to watch artists work in real time
-Live artist demonstrations and hands-on workshops with visiting painters
-Community events including a Creemee Social and Cookie Hour—fun for families and young artists alike
-Wet Paint Exhibit & Sale, featuring festival-created artwork on view and available for purchase through July 4 weekend
-Flexible, choose-your-own-adventure experience for artists, with a curated map of scenic painting locations, local tips, and amenities
-Artist perks including welcome packets (water, snacks, and local goodies), optional participation in the Wet Paint Sale, and access to giveaways and exclusive local discounts
Artist Participant Pricing:
1-Day Pass: $45
2-Day Pass: $65
Artists aged 17 and under may register for $10 a day with adult registration, with junior supply bundles available for purchase at check in. All participants under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times during the festival.
