Evanston Made presents the 4th Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival. This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all!

Watch competing artists paint in the Plein Air style, capturing Evanston’s beauty and start your plain air art collection!

Schedule of the Event:

July 12, Artist Check In. Registered artists begin signing in and canvas stamping at Blick Evanston on Maple Ave. and can scout locations and begin “free paint” beginning Saturday, 7/12. Scheduled events begin 7/16.

July 15, Artist Plein Air Painting Workshop. Join us for a group class at Lee Street Beach with our guest judge, Cory Wright.  Class time: 9am-1:30pm. Fee $125. Register

July 16 – 19, Paint Outs. Paint Outs are “quick paint” competitions for competing plein air painters! Watch painters work during the painting time and join us for award ceremonies.

Friday, July 18 – Plein Air Festival Block Party. Hosted by the Main Dempster Mile, everyone is invited to meet the competing artists, view the Paint Out competition, shop the plein air art market, enjoy live music and delicious drinks and bites! Main Street, between Hinman and Chicago Avenues. 5:30-7:30p.

Sunday, July 20, Plein Air Festival Grand Finale. Join us for an afternoon of art, awards, a plein air cafe and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”. Rotary’s Café International will have delicious food and wine for sale, with outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the festival. Hosted by Evanston Made and Rotary International, this event is FREE to attend. Hosted at Rotary International, Downtown Evanston, 1560 Sherman Ave., 12-4p. RSVP for FREE here.

Date: July 16-20, 2025

Location: Various Location in Evanston, IL

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