Join us at the 2024 Carmel Art Festival, one of the most prestigious plein-air events in the country recognized for its high caliber of artists it attracts each year. All art is painted during two days prior to the festival by our 60 juried artists, who can be seen painting all over Monterey County including Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, Pebble Beach’s unsurpassed 17 Mile Drive along the ocean, Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove and the quaint artist colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where the event is held in Devendorf park.

Friday, May 17, 2024

The festival starts officially at 10am in Devendorf Park when artists start bringing in their 2 exhibition paintings. By 3pm all art will be up, and judging begins. Buyers love to watch the new art coming in and start picking their favorites. At 4pm, the “Buy Now” sales start, although we ask that the paintings stay up until after the Awards Ceremony between 5:30 and 6:00pm

The VIP official opening event starts at 6:00 to 9:00pm with live music, wine from local vineyards and small plates of food from local restaurants. To participate, there is a $40 fee which includes a commemorative wine glass for you to take home.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Throughout the day starting at 9am, besides the sale of newly painted art, the sales tent is open and there are historic items for sale such as posters and tee shirts from years past. Live music starts at 11am. Other events, including some children will like, are scheduled throughout the afternoon.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

From 9am to 11am, all artists will participate in a Quick Draw competition. For 2 hours, our artists will paint nearby. People love to watch the artists who don’t mind answering questions about the process.

11am – 12 Noon. Artists will bring their paintings to Devendorf Park to be judged and an auction is set up. Here is a good opportunity to purchase a painting that you might have watched the artist paint.

12 Noon – 3pm. Live music and continuing art sale in Devendorf Park. Close at 3pm.