Plein Air Art Competition
Welcome to Big Bear's Plein Air Art Competition & Festival 2025!
The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, in partnership with Visit Big Bear, the City of Big Bear Lake and the Big Bear Theatre Project, are excited to welcome artists back to Big Bear for our Second Annual Plein Air Art Competition.
All are invited to view the complete collection of 2025 Competition submissions at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, Hofert Hall (39707 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake). The exhibition will be open daily from October 17 through October 25, between the hours of 2:00pm and 7:00pm. You can visit to wander and take in the beauty of Big Bear on display or, if you find a piece you can’t live without, artwork is available for purchase! We welcome art enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the community to experience and celebrate the creativity on display.
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 Big Bear any time September 15 - October 15. Visit once and submit your final piece or return again to further explore and complete your artwork, it's your choice.
We're excited for artists to share their landscape of choice "en plein air Big Bear”. Maximum Artist Participants 100; one submittal per artist.
Art Competition Timeline
September 15 - October 15 - Create! Artists have plenty of time to create and submit their chosen landscape of Big Bear.
October 17-25 - Show! Submitted artwork is displayed at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, Hofert Hall located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd.
October 26, 10:30am - Celebrate! Awards Ceremony held at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center, Hofert Hall located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd.
Festival Schedule
October 3-5 - Pop-Up Gallery - New this Year! We are offering registered artists the opportunity to show and sell their work. Create and submit up to two (2) landscapes "en plein air", your best work, subject matter does not have to be Big Bear specific, (the Competition submittal Must be a Big Bear Landscape). Our Gallery will be held at Destination Big Bear, 713 Stocker Rd. Gallery Hours: Oct 3 (4-8pm), Oct 4 (11am-8pm) and Oct 5 (11am-2pm) How to submit and all the details shared with registered artists.
October 4 - Paint Out - Boulder Bay Park in Collaboration with the Palm Springs Chapter of the California Art Club. Plan your weekend in Big Bear! Submit a piece at our Pop-Up Gallery and attend the Paint Out all in one weekend. And, plan on an informal social meetup with fellow artists Saturday evening. Perfect artist retreat in the mountains!
September 15 - October 15 - Informal Artist Meetups held at local Big Bear Restaurants; details shared with registered artists.
For additional information please contact pleinairbigbear@gmail.com or call 909-375-1805.
2025 Plein Air Registration
Thank you for your interest in registering for the 2025 Plein Air Competition in Big Bear Lake! Please read the following information carefully to ensure a successful registration. For additional information please contact pleinairbigbear@gmail.com or call 909-375-1805.
Pre-Registration and Final Registration Defined
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is mandatory! Please complete our Online Pre-Registration form prior to your trip to Big Bear where you will be asked to sign the 2025 Rules And Release Plein Air We will send all pre-registered artists additional information about Final Registration. Note: Pre-Registration does NOT guarantee a place in the competition. Final registration must be completed in Big Bear where your blank substrate/s are stamped and your registration fee is paid.
Final Registration
Final Registration is open September 15 - October 15. Final Registration takes place at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center located at 40824 Big Bear Boulevard. Final Registration is open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM, where you will:
- Make your payment of the $50 Registration Fee
- Have your blank substrates (canvas/panel/board/paper) stamped, PRIOR to painting. No unstamped art will be accepted.
- You may have ten (10) blank substrates stamped but no more than one (1) can be submitted for the competition.
- Once your final registration is complete you will receive an email confirming your place in the competition.
Lodging Promo for Artists!
Stay, paint, and dine in Big Bear! We are extending a helping hand to make your time painting in Big Bear more affordable. Our exclusive offer is for registered artists:
Book a 2-night stay and receive a $100 dining gift card to Stella Luna - a celebrated local gem known for its fresh, California-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine.
This offer is available to the first 50 bookings – see you at Stella’s and we advise booking early! Details on how to book and how to receive the gift card are shared with registered artists.