Home2026 Back Bay Festival

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

With the SUMMER comes the annual Newport Back Bay Plein Air Festival! This one of the most anticipated and well-attended art shows of the year. The focus is on both plein air and studio works of the Newport Back Bay and OC Parks locations across the southland. Plus artists may display other paintings outside of these categories during the Weekend Show and Sale.

Hundreds of local residents in Newport Beach and other the Orange County communities - and beyond - make this a must-see show as part of their summer plans.

Participation for the Weekend Show and the Juried Exhibition (see below) is open to all SOCALPAPA artist members. Plus non-member artists are welcome to join us for the Quick Draw plein air painting challenge at the Newport Back Bay on the morning of Saturday, July 11.

July 11-17: OC Parks and Back Bay Juried Show

A juried show where up to 60 paintings will be on display and for sale inside at the Muth Center at the Upper Back Bay.

These artworks are in addition to the Weekend Display where artists will also have paintings displayed and for sale, outside on the Muth Center patio.

Saturday, July 11: Quick Draw Challenge
MORE INFO TO COME SOON!

Held on Saturday morning at the Newport Back Bay, this event is open to ALL artists.
Works will be judged by an artist to be announced, and awards will be given.
More information, registration, and rules will be published shortly.

July 18 & 19: 2026 Newport Back Bay
Weekend Show and Sale

This is our annual Saturday/Sunday weekend art show and sale.

The public is invited to experience hundreds of original paintings, meet the artists, listen to live music, and much more.

back bay show and sale

HOW TO ENTER

1- First, REGISTER for Weekend Show and Sale (below)
2- You may then enter the Juried Show, if you choose (not required)

1- Register for the 2026 Back Bay WEEKEND SHOW & SALE

Please read the PROSPECTUS here >>> PROSPECTUS

Now, register for the WEEKEND SHOW AND SALE here >>> REGISTER

2- Register / Enter the Back Bay JURIED SHOW & SALE

Entering the Juried Show is NOT required! But if you choose, click the link below and you will be taken to the "Online Juried Shows" website where you will register for the Juried Show and be able to submit works for viewing by the show's juror.

Enter the Juried Show here >>> OnlineJuriedShows

Up to sixty paintings will be selected by our distinguished juror (TBA). Please read the Juried Show separate prospectus for full details/exact instructions.

Eligibility: You must be a 2026 SOCALPAPA Member in good standing.

Benefits: The opportunity to sell your art and personally connect with thousands of collectors and new contacts! The split is 65% to artist; 35% to NBC. NBC handles sales, sales tax and payment to artists. Assistance is provided for your grid set-up. Chairs, shade canopies, and lunch are provided on both days.

How to Enter:

Entry opens April 10, 2026. Deadline to sign up is extended to June 10th. The fee to register for the Weekend Display Show & Sale is $65. Payment is non-refundable. Space is limited, so do not delay.

Choose your preferred grid set up. Choices are (1) zig-zag, (2) horizontal or (3) double Y (from a bird’s eye view these look like this: (1) /// , (2) |--| , (3) >--< . If you will be displaying works in watercolor or pastel please indicate that as every effort will be made to ensure shade on your works to limit glare from the glass. While we cannot guarantee your preferences, we will do our best to accommodate.

Please read the full prospectus when you log in to the "Online Juried Shows" website.

SOCALPAPA's classes ARE BACK
as part of the Back Bay Festival!

SOCALPAPA artists present morning classes for children with all materials supplied.

Additionally, an adult pastels class and an adult oil class are also presented by SOCALPAPA artists.

Adult Classes: All materials are supplied and participants will take home a completed painting at the end of class.

Children's Classes: Art instructors will provide students ages 7-12 with an unforgettable fine art experience. All materials are supplied and participants will take home a completed painting at the end of class. Donations accepted.

All classes are held at the Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Beach.