NEWS RELEASE ELORA PLEIN AIR
The Elora Plein Air Festival 2026 returns this spring with five days of art, creativity, and community celebration throughout Centre Wellington. From May 13 to 17, visitors and residents can watch 75 artists from across Canada painting outdoors throughout the region, capturing local streetscapes, countryside, rivers, and historic architecture in real time. Festival headquarters and several signature events will take place at the Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St., Elora
The festival opens Wednesday, May 13, with a free Artists’ Panel Talk, “Experiences in Plein Air Painting,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Centre’s Atrium. Experienced plein air artists will share stories, adventures, and insights into painting outdoors.
Young artists can explore plein air painting during a free youth session led by Michel Hannan on Friday, May 15, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Templin Gardens, Fergus.
On Saturday, May 16, visitors can enjoy two free guided Casson Walking Tours departing from the Elora Info Centre at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., highlighting the works of A.J. Casson.
Saturday also features the Quick Paint Competition in Bissell Park, Elora, where artists will create paintings in just two hours, followed by judging and sales of the completed works.
The popular Elora Plein Air Reveal Evening takes place Saturday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Elora Centre for the Arts, offering an advance viewing of the Show and Sale exhibition, award presentations, and an opportunity to meet participating artists.
The festival concludes Sunday, May 17, with The Elora Plein Air Show and Sale from noon to 5 p.m., showcasing artwork created during the festival in the gallery and atrium spaces of the Elora Centre for the Arts. Visitors can also enjoy the Plein Air Artists Outdoor Market on the Centre grounds from noon to 5 p.m.
The festival is presented by the Elora Fergus Arts Council. For more information, visit the Elora Plein Air Festival website or email elorapleinair@gmail.com.
