Southport Plein Air Festival Brings Artists to Paint Live

The three-day event invites residents and visitors to watch artists create works inspired by the city's natural beauty.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:05pm

An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of blurred figures painting outdoors, with soft pools of warm light and color reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of an art festival.The Southport Plein Air Festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the creative energy of local artists painting the city's natural landscapes.Southport Today

The 2026 Southport Plein Air Festival is set to take place from May 7-9, featuring over 60 artists who will paint scenes across the city. The festival will include various activities such as kids plein air activities, artisan demonstrations, live music, and food trucks, culminating in a wet paint sale where the artists will sell their work created during the event.

Why it matters

The Southport Plein Air Festival is a celebration of the city's natural beauty and artistic community, providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with local artists and witness the creative process firsthand. Events like this help promote the arts, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community.

The details

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Franklin Square Park. In addition to the artists painting on-site, the event will feature kids plein air activities, artisan demonstrations, live music, and food trucks. The festival will conclude with a wet paint sale from 4 to 6 p.m., where the artists will sell the works they created during the event.

  • The 2026 Southport Plein Air Festival is scheduled for May 7-9.
  • The main festival activities will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

UpYourArtsNC

The organization responsible for hosting the Southport Plein Air Festival and providing more information on their website and Facebook page.

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The takeaway

The Southport Plein Air Festival is a celebration of the city's natural beauty and artistic community, providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with local artists and witness the creative process firsthand. Events like this help promote the arts, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community.