The annual and always popular Back Bay Art Show and Festival is back again!
2025 Back Bay Plein Air Festival
July 12-20, 2025
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The Back Bay Plein Air Festival is a week-long series of events for artists and art-lovers alike! Be a part of the biggest art show of the year, open to the public and with events running all week. Co-hosted by the Newport Bay Conservancy, OC Parks and SOCALPAPA, the festival celebrates art in the plein air outdoor painting tradition, and highlights the natural beauty of the Back Bay and beyond.
Festival Events:
Saturday, July 12: Quick Draw at Muth Interpretive Center
This same-day event is open to all artists, SOCALPAPA club Members and non-club members ($30/$45 registration fee). Compete in a friendly "quick draw" painting the Back Bay in under 3 hours and then frame your artwork. Watch the artists paint along the paths at the Back Bay. Maps will be provided. Showcase and awards ceremony to follow, with judge Toni Danchik awarding cash and prizes of $1,000. Artworks produced in the morning will be displayed and on sale to the public. Awards ceremony 12:30-1:30pm, Muth Gallery.
Saturday, July 12: "Best of OC Parks" Juried Show opens
Come view (and shop!) the Best of OC Parks," an annual event that showcases 44 paintings created en plein air (outside in the open air) by SOCALPAPA artists. All artwork is for sale, with proceeds benefitting the artist and NBC (65%/35%). Show runs through July 18, during Muth Center open hours (10-4, closed Mondays).
Esteemed judge: Anthony Salvo.
July 15-18: Art Classes for Adults and Children
Expand your horizons then paint them! With acrylic and pastel classes taught by local SOCALPAPA artists. All classes will include materials and each participant will take home their unique artwork. Visit www.paintunb.eventbrite.com to register.
Kids classes are free; Adult classes $10/per person.
Saturday & Sunday, July 19 - 20: Weekend Art Display Show & Sale
on the deck of Muth Interpretive Center, 10am - 4pm.
Over 40 SOCALPAPA artists display hundreds of plein air-style landscape and seascape artworks, painted both en plein air and in the studio. Take home a memory of your own while supporting local artists and the Back Bay! All artwork is for sale, with proceeds benefitting the artist and NBC (65%/35%). There will be a free painting giveaway, live music, and food for purchase. This is an event you won't want to miss!
For detailed information and to register for the Quick Draw or Classes, go to the show page
2025 Back Bay Festival