Glens Falls Plein Air Festival | July 27-August 2, 2026
- The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street Glens Falls, New York, 12801 United States (map)
Glens Falls Becomes an Open-Air Studio During the First Annual Plein Air Festival
Witness the creative process during the Glens Falls Plein Air Festival.
This summer, the Southern Adirondacks will trade hiking poles for paintbrushes as the inaugural Glens Falls Plein Air Festival transforms the region into an open-air art studio.
Presented by The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, the weeklong event invites visitors to watch artists create original works outdoors at locations throughout Glens Falls, Bolton Landing, and Lake George from July 27 through August 2, 2026.
Part art festival, part cultural celebration, and entirely Adirondack, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness the creative process in real time. From historic streetscapes to lakefront vistas, artists will capture the places that make this corner of the Adirondacks so beloved.
For those who have ever wondered how an artist sees the world, this is a chance to find out.
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Listen: The Adirondacks Through an Artist’s Eyes.
Before planning a visit to the Glens Falls Plein Air Festival, hear Katelyn Foley of The Hyde Collection explain how outdoor painting works, where visitors can watch artists in action, and why this new event adds another dimension to the Southern Adirondacks arts scene.
ADK Talks host Jane Ackerman speaks with Katelyn Foley, Curator of Education & Engagement at The Hyde Collection, about the First Annual Glens Falls Plein Air Festival and the experience of watching Adirondack landscapes become art in real time.
The episode offers an inside look at plein air painting in Glens Falls, Lake George, Bolton Landing, and other locations across the Southern Adirondacks.
What is the Glens Falls Plein Air Festival?
"Plein air" is French for "open air" and refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from life. Popularized by Impressionist painters in the 19th century, the tradition continues to attract artists who prefer changing light, shifting weather, and authentic landscapes over studio settings.
Throughout the week, more than 30 artists will set up easels across the Southern Adirondacks, inviting passersby to stop, observe, and ask questions. Unlike a traditional gallery exhibition, the festival allows visitors to see works evolve from blank canvas to finished masterpiece.
It also serves as another reminder that Glens Falls has become one of Upstate New York's most interesting cultural destinations.
What visitors can expect.
The festival schedule encourages exploration throughout the region.
Monday, July 27.
6 pm – 8 pm: Meet the Artists Reception at Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls
Tuesday, July 28.
Artists paint throughout the day at:
The Sembrich
Bolton Historical Museum
The Sagamore Resort
Watch artists paint throughout Glens Falls, Lake George, and the Southern Adirondacks during the Plein Air Festival.
Wednesday, July 29.
Artists paint along the Warren County Bike Path throughout the day.
5 pm – 7 pm: Painting continues during Take a Bite in downtown Glens Falls.
Thursday, July 30.
Artists paint The Hyde Collection's gardens and grounds throughout the afternoon.
Visitors can continue their evening at The Shirt Factory's Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral from 4:30 pm – 8 pm.
Friday, July 31.
5 pm – 7:30 pm: Plein Air Festival Opening Reception at The Hyde Collection.
Saturday, August 1.
10 am – 5 pm: A special weekend-only exhibition opens at The Hyde Collection, featuring completed works from festival artists. Original paintings will be available for purchase.
Sunday, August 2.
10 am – 4 pm: Community Day at The Hyde Collection.
Free admission.
Final opportunity to view the exhibition.
Quick Draw competition.
Music, food, tours, and family-friendly activities.
Why this event feels uniquely Adirondack.
The Adirondacks have inspired artists for generations. From the Hudson River School painters to Winslow Homer and contemporary landscape artists, the region's lakes, mountains, and changing light continue to draw creative minds.
The Glens Falls Plein Air Festival feels like a natural extension of that legacy.
Visitors may encounter artists painting a quiet stretch of shoreline in Bolton Landing one morning and a bustling downtown street scene later that afternoon. The result is a celebration not only of art, but of place.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Visitors looking for the fullest experience should plan to attend both the Friday evening opening reception and Sunday's Community Day at The Hyde Collection.
The opening reception offers the excitement of seeing completed works for the first time, while Community Day combines art, music, food, and the always-popular Quick Draw competition. For those hoping to interact with artists, weekday painting sessions often provide the most relaxed and intimate experience.
Glens Falls as an open-air art studio.
ADK Taste insight.
One of the festival's greatest pleasures may be discovering how differently artists interpret the same landscape. A familiar Lake George vista can appear dramatic, whimsical, impressionistic, or strikingly realistic depending on who's holding the brush.
The Adirondacks haven't changed—only the perspective.
Who should attend?
The Glens Falls Plein Air Festival is ideal for:
Art lovers
Families
Lake George visitors
Adirondack travelers
Photographers
Aspiring painters
Weekend explorers
Anyone looking for unique things to do in Glens Falls
No artistic experience is required—only curiosity.
Visitors are encouraged to check The Hyde Collection's website and social media channels for updates, artist locations, and weather-related announcements.
Plan your Adirondack arts getaway.
The festival's central location makes it easy to build a weekend around the event. Spend the morning exploring The Hyde Collection, enjoy lunch in downtown Glens Falls, take an afternoon drive to Bolton Landing or Lake George, and end the day watching artists capture the Adirondacks in real time.
Not bad for a summer weekend.
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FAQ
What is the Glens Falls Plein Air Festival?
The Glens Falls Plein Air Festival is a weeklong outdoor painting festival presented by The Hyde Collection. Artists paint throughout Glens Falls and the Southern Adirondacks from July 27 through August 2, 2026.
What does "plein air" mean?
"Plein air" is French for "open air" and refers to painting outdoors rather than in a studio.
Is the Glens Falls Plein Air Festival free?
Many festival activities, including Community Day on August 2, are free and open to the public.
Where can I see artists painting?
Artists will paint at locations including The Hyde Collection, The Sembrich, Bolton Historical Museum, The Sagamore Resort, the Warren County Bike Path, and downtown Glens Falls.
Can visitors purchase artwork?
Yes. Completed paintings will be available for purchase during the special exhibition at The Hyde Collection on August 1 and August 2.
Where can I find updates?
Visit The Hyde Collection's official website or Facebook page for artist schedules, locations, and event updates.
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- Posted In: Events, Southern Woodlands, Glens Falls, Bolton Landing