The St. Charles Arts Council's 3rd Annual Plein Air (French for “open air” or “outdoors”) will be held August 17th to August 23rd, 2026 throughout the Tri-Cities.

The weeklong event, welcomes 65 artists from across the U.S. who will set up outside, all around town, to paint picturesque scenes of St. Charles and the surrounding areas. 

All week, enjoy watching Plein Air painters and art demos, engage in creative activities, and enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene come to life.

Artist events include:

  • Main Event - Weeklong Plein Air Paint Competition

  • Quick Paint, limited timeframe competition

  • Nocturne Competition

  • Monday Night Artist Welcome Party

  • Grand Reveal Party

  • Public Sale of Paintings

We encourage community engagement and will host many activities for the community and public to participate in.

2026 Schedule of events forthcoming.

Text that reads "PLEIN AIR" with a watercolor background, event dates August 17-23, 2026, and location St. Charles, Illinois.
ARTIST APPLY HERE

What to Expect

  • Item description
Person painting outdoors near a wooden building with a tower on a cloudy day.

  • " I would like to paint the way a bird sings."

    - Claude Monet