This weeklong celebration of outdoor painting brings together more than 80 artists from across the region to capture the landscapes of Southwest Idaho—live and in real time. Each day offers a chance to see creativity unfolding against the backdrop of the area’s most iconic scenery.
Kicking off the festival is the Art in the Garden Quick Draw, held Saturday, October 4, at Old Valley Nursery in Eagle. From 10:00 a.m. to noon, the public is invited to watch artists create original works in just two hours. It’s a rare opportunity to see how a piece of art comes together from the first brushstroke to the final detail. Stroll through the nursery, mingle with the artists, enjoy live jazz, and sip on local wines. Guests will also have the chance to purchase one of these original paintings—still drying—right off the easel.
See Art in the Making: Daily Painting Events
Festival artists will paint live at some of the Treasure Valley’s most scenic and historic sites—and you’re invited to come watch, explore, and even join in the fun.
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Saturday, October 4: Night owls won’t want to miss the Hyde Park Nocturnal Paint Out from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Artists will capture the energy of Boise’s North End under streetlights, surrounded by historic architecture, lively cafés, and neighborhood charm.
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Sunday, October 5: Artists head to 3 Horse Ranch Vineyard in the Eagle Foothills. From 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., stroll the vineyard, sip wine, and watch artists capture harvest season in motion—from rolling vines to the crush pad in action. Reservations for dinner at the Ranch House are highly recommended.
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Monday, October 6: Visit the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead in Boise’s Dry Creek Valley. This preserved 1860s homestead includes seven historic buildings and will be open for public tours between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. It’s a rare chance to enjoy local history while artists bring the site to life on canvas.
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Tuesday, October 7: Two unique events await. By day, artists paint the peaceful wetlands and pathways of Kathryn Albertson Park. By night, the full moon inspires Paint the Moon: Depot After Dark at the Boise Depot from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., with sweeping views of the city skyline as the backdrop.
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Wednesday, October 8: The destination of the day is Eagle Island State Park. This 545-acre park is one of Southwest Idaho’s best hidden gems. Just three miles west of downtown Eagle, painters will capture open meadows, reflective waters, and the quiet beauty of nature.
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Thursday, October 9: Artists head to the MK Nature Center, a 4.6-acre wildlife haven along the Greenbelt. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., explore winding paths, underwater viewing windows, and vibrant habitats, all while watching art in progress.
All paint-outs are free and open to the public. Whether you’re a curious onlooker or a painter yourself, there’s something inspiring waiting each day, making the festival as much about community as it is about art.
Celebrate the Finale of the Eagle Plein Air Festival
After a week of painting across scenic Southwest Idaho, the Eagle Plein Air Festival wraps up with two final events art lovers won’t want to miss.
On Friday, October 10, the public is invited to the Awards Reception & Art Showcase from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Banbury Golf Club. This festive evening brings the community together to view original works created during the festival and meet the artists behind the brush. Held at Harvey’s 19th Hole, the reception features light refreshments, mingling, and an elegant yet relaxed setting.
At 6:00 p.m., the spotlight turns to the Festival Awards Ceremony, honoring this year’s top plein air painters with Grand Prize, Artist’s Choice, and other special awards. Many of the paintings will be available for purchase, offering collectors a rare opportunity to take home a piece of art fresh off the easel.
The celebration continues on Saturday, October 11, during the Festival Show & Sale at Eagle City Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., held in conjunction with Eagle’s popular Harvest Festival. Visitors can explore hundreds of paintings created throughout the week, enjoy live music, children’s activities, and a bustling street fair—all while discovering original works from talented regional artists.
It’s a colorful conclusion to a week full of creativity, community, and outdoor inspiration. For full event details, visit eaglepleinair.com.
Discover Live Art Every Day at Merrill Park
Throughout the Eagle Plein Air Festival (October 4–11, 2025), free daily painting demonstrations take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Observation Shelter in Merrill Park. Each session is led by a professional artist sharing techniques and insights, with observers welcome to bring a chair and watch the process unfold.
This year’s schedule features local and visiting artists across a range of media:
- Monday: David Mensing demonstrates palette-knife oil painting, perfect for bold textures and dramatic strokes.
- Tuesday: Melanie Thompson covers oil painting techniques, from layering to color mixing.
- Wednesday: David Orrin Smith offers a watercolor lesson on light, reflection, and transparency.
- Thursday: Bonnie Griffith teaches plein air pastels with techniques for layering and composition.
- Friday: Silas Thompson shares plein air tips, including planning and packing for field painting.
These sessions are ideal for aspiring artists, casual observers, and anyone curious about creativity. No experience is necessary. It’s a rare chance to see professionals at work in a beautiful setting—and perhaps pick up a skill or two.
For a full schedule, visit eaglepleinair.com/free-painting-lessons.