Founded in 1993, The Carmel Art Festival has become one of the most prestigious plein-air events attracting art collectors and top artists from around the world.

In 2026, we are expanding the festival with demonstrations and workshops in addition to our usual live music, and a gala with fine food and wine.

“Organizing and producing the festival is a year-long effort,” says Festival President Hella Rothwell. “We are proud of the reputation the festival has established in its more than thirty-year history, and we are always looking for ways to make it better. We are lucky that this region has so much to offer for artistic inspiration. It has a wealth of choices for the juried artists to compete. The festival organizers and volunteers work to make sure these plein air painters have the best possible experience and that they see how appreciative our community is to have them visit. We also want to throw a three-day celebration of arts for local art lovers and those visiting from farther places. Creativity and artistic expression are Carmel’s very special legacy.”

The Carmel Art Festival is held in Devendorf Park with closure of adjacent Mission Street during certain points for shorter competitions such as the Quick Draw on Saturday.

In 2026, we will give aspiring plein artists an opportunity to participate in formal workshops before the festival even starts (particulars to be announced) and demonstrations during the event itself.

We salute and thank our sponsors who faithfully support our all-volunteer effort. And welcome new ones.

If you have ideas or want to volunteer at the Carmel Art Festival, please get in touch with me.

To keep updated with our exciting news, please sign up to be on our mailing list.

SAVE THE DATE: May 15-17, 2026, always the weekend after Mother’s Day.

Note: We are a weekend event with no office of its own, so all contact is with me at my Carmel-by-the-Sea office at Rothwell Realty, Inc., next door to the Carmel Art Association in Su Vecino Court.

Best wishes,

Hella Rothwell, President

Carmel Gallery Alliance/Carmel Art Festival

A 501(c)3 Non Profit Corporation

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