Evanston Plein Air Festival Finale

Join us for an afternoon of art, awards, a plein air cafe and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”.

Rotary’s Café International will have delicious food and wine for sale, with outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the festival.

Meet competing plein air painters and shop original art inspired by Evanston at the Plein Air Art Market: 12-4p.

Vote Festival Favorite

• Plein Air Festival competing artists will submit one work for judging by 11:30a
• Enter Rotary International’s lobby to view submitted art and vote Festival Favorite, 12-3p
• Festival Award Ceremony: 3:30p

Hosted at Rotary International, Downtown Evanston, 1560 Sherman Ave.

Click here to see list of 2024 winners and event sponsors.

Evanston Made presents the 4th Annual Evanston Plein Air Festival: July 16-20, 2025. This citywide summer arts festival invites the community to plein air art events and competitions hosted in every neighborhood, accessible and free for all!

Watch competing artists paint in the Plein Air style, capturing the beauty of Evanston.

Click here to register to compete.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 16 – 19, Paint Outs. Paint Outs are “quick paint” competitions for competing plein air painters! Watch painters work during the painting time and join us for award ceremonies. Check back for details.

Friday, July 18 – Plein Air Festival Block Party. Hosted by the Main Dempster Mile, everyone is invited to meet the competing artists, view the Paint Out competition, shop the plein air art market, enjoy live music and delicious drinks and bites! Main Street, between Hinman and Chicago Avenues. 5:30-7:30p. FREE to attend.

Sunday, July 20, Plein Air Festival Grand Finale. Join us for an afternoon of art, awards, a plein air cafe and an Outdoor Art Market where artists will sell their work “off the easel”. Rotary’s Café International will have delicious food and wine for sale, with outdoor seating to relax and enjoy the festival. Hosted by Evanston Made and Rotary International, this event is FREE to attend. Hosted at Rotary International, Downtown Evanston, 1560 Sherman Ave., 12-4p. FREE to attend.

to register to compete.

EVENT HOSTS

Evanston Made is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization with the mission to connect Evanston creatives to the public through programming and events. Learn more at evanstonmade.org

unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.4 million people of action from more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit .

Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation that provides marketing, special event, placemaking, and management services to the downtown Evanston business district. Learn more at visitchicagonorthshore.com

Host or Publisher Evanston Made