Sedona Plein Air Festival RV Rental Guide

The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of outdoor landscape painting in one of the most photogenic locations on earth. Each October, 45–50 nationally juried painters spend the week painting on location throughout Sedona's red rock formations, canyon overlooks, and creek corridors — then show and sell their finished work at the Collective Sedona gallery and surrounding venues. The public is welcome to watch artists paint in the field (free), attend gallery events, and purchase work at the final sale. October in Sedona is ideal: 65–75°F, the juniper-studded red rock landscape at its most dramatic in fall light, and manageable crowd levels before the holiday season.

VenueMultiple plein air painting locations throughout Sedona + Collective Sedona Gallery, 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336
DatesTypically second week of October, Saturday through the following Saturday. Verify at the Sedona Arts Center or Collective Sedona.
Book Your RV6–8 weeks. October is one of Sedona's most popular months — campgrounds fill for fall leaf peeping season and the arts calendar.

RV Tips for Sedona Plein Air Festival

  1. Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood, 20 miles south) is the best large-rig base camp near Sedona — full hookups, 40 ft max, beautiful riparian setting
  2. Sedona RV Resort accepts all rig sizes with full amenities if you want to be closer to the red rocks
  3. The plein air festival is a walking/driving event — painters set up throughout the red rock trail system; follow the festival's daily schedule for painter locations
  4. Rent a compact car or use a rideshare once parked — Sedona's narrow canyon approach roads are not navigable in a Class C or larger
  5. Combine with the Sedona Film Festival (February) for a second arts-anchor visit during ideal winter temps
  6. Red Rock Pass ($5/day) required for parking at most Sedona trailheads — purchase at machines at major trailheads or online

Frequently Asked Questions

What is plein air painting?

Plein air (French: 'open air') painting means painting on location outdoors rather than in a studio from photographs. The Impressionists popularized the practice in the 19th century. At the Sedona Plein Air Festival, juried painters set up their easels at Sedona's red rock formations, creek beds, and canyon viewpoints and paint directly from observation. Watching a skilled painter work in front of Cathedral Rock or Red Rock Crossing is itself a compelling experience.

Can I buy artwork at the Sedona Plein Air Festival?

Yes. The festival culminates in a ticketed Quick Draw event and sale where paintings are completed and sold same-day. The Collective Sedona gallery hosts exhibitions and sales throughout the festival week. Work by the 45–50 juried painters ranges from small studies to large canvases, with prices from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Auction proceeds and gallery commissions support the Sedona Arts Center.

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