September 12th - October 10th, 2026
Visit Big Bear is excited to welcome artists back for our 3rd Annual Plein Air Art Competition and Festival of Artist Events.
Our Competition is unique in delightful ways; we give artists the grace of time to explore and create during the quiet of the fall. Visit the mountains any time September 12 - October 10. Visit once and submit your final piece or return again to further explore and complete your artwork, it's your choice.
We are excited for artists to share their landscape of choice "en plein air Big Bear".
Festival Schedule
September 12th - October 10th - Create!
- Prior to your arrival in Big Bear, complete your Registration online. (Registration link is included below but please read on so you have all the details prior to registering.)
- Once you arrive, stop by the Visitor Center, (40824 Big Bear Boulevard, open daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to get your substrates stamped; as many as you like. Drop your completed painting back at the Visitor Center, we store it until the Competition Gallery opens October 14th.
October 14th - 17th - Show!
- Submitted artwork is shown at our Competition Gallery located at Destination Big Bear Event Room, 713 Stocker Rd, Big Bear Lake.
October 18th, 10:00 AM - Celebrate!
- Awards Ceremony held at Destination Big Bear Event Room, 713 Stocker Rd, Big Bear Lake.
Upcoming Dates For This Event:
- Saturday, September 12
- Sunday, September 13
- Monday, September 14
- Tuesday, September 15
- Wednesday, September 16
- Thursday, September 17
- Friday, September 18
- Saturday, September 19
- Sunday, September 20
- Monday, September 21
- Tuesday, September 22
- Wednesday, September 23
- Thursday, September 24
- Friday, September 25
- Saturday, September 26
- Sunday, September 27
- Monday, September 28
- Tuesday, September 29
- Wednesday, September 30
- Thursday, October 1
- Friday, October 2
- Saturday, October 3
- Sunday, October 4
- Monday, October 5
- Tuesday, October 6
- Wednesday, October 7
- Thursday, October 8
- Friday, October 9
- Saturday, October 10