Live Painting, Free Art Lessons & Community Celebration October 4–11
The Eagle Plein Air Festival returns October 4–11, 2025, inviting the community to experience fine art in a whole new way. 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.
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 chance 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 while enjoying live jazz and sipping on local wines. You’ll have your chance to purchase one of these original paintings right off the easel.
Discover Live Art Every Day at Merrill Park
Throughout the Eagle Plein Air Festival (October 4–11, 2025), free daily painting demonstrations are open to the community and take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Observation Shelter in Merrill Park in Eagle. Each session is led by a professional artist sharing hands-on techniques and creative insights, with observers welcome to bring a chair and watch the process unfold.
The schedule this year features local and visiting artists teaching across a range of media:
Monday: David Mensing leads a palette-knife oil painting session—perfect for those curious about bold textures and dramatic strokes.
Tuesday: Melanie Thompson guides guests through oil painting techniques, covering layering and color mixing in a relaxed setting.
Wednesday: David Orrin Smith offers a watercolor demonstration focused on capturing light, reflection, and fluid transparency on paper.
Thursday: Bonnie Griffith teaches a lesson on creating vibrant plein air paintings with pastels using techniques for layering colors and designing stronger compositions.
Friday: Silas Thompson leads a plein air painting lesson that is filled with practical tips like planning your composition and what to pack for field painting.
These sessions are ideal for aspiring artists, casual observers, and anyone interested in art or creativity. No prior experience is necessary. This is a rare opportunity to see professional artists at work in a beautiful outdoor setting—and maybe learn a thing or two along the way.
Bring a folding chair, meet fellow art enthusiasts, and get a closer look at the artistic process. For a full list of instructors and painting topics during the week, visit the festival’s schedule: eaglepleinair.com/free-painting-lessons
See Art in the Making: Daily Painting Events at the Eagle Plein Air Festival
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.
Saturday, October 4, Night owls won’t want to miss the Hyde Park Nocturnal Paint Out from 9 p.m. to midnight. Artists will capture the energy of Boise’s North End under streetlights, surrounded by historic architecture, lively cafés, and local charm.
Sunday, October 5, artists head to 3 Horse Ranch Vineyard in the Eagle Foothills. From 12–6 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.
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 12–4 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy local history while artists bring the site to life on canvas.
Tuesday, October 7, features two unique events. 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 8–11 p.m., with sweeping views of the Boise skyline as the backdrop.
Wednesday, October 8, the destination of the day is Eagle Island State Park This 545 acre park is hands down one of the best hidden gems in Southwest Idaho. Just 3 miles west of downtown Eagle, you’ll find painters capturing the beauty in nature.
Thursday, October 9, artists head to the MK Nature Center, a 4.6-acre wildlife haven along the Greenbelt. From 10 a.m. to 3 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.
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 event 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—giving collectors a rare chance to take home a piece 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, kids activities, and shop the street fair—all while discovering original artwork 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/event-schedule.
