Falls Church Arts’ “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival Competition and Awards Finale Set for September 26

Description

The 2026 Falls Church Arts “Scenes in the City” Plein Air Festival brings artists from across the country to capture the beauty and character of Falls Church from August 29 through September 25. The festival concludes on Saturday, September 26, with judging, a Quick Draw competition, awards, and art sales.

Artists can be seen throughout the city painting en plein air—French for “in the open air.” This approach requires artists to work quickly on location as they capture changing light and atmosphere. Popular painting sites include the W&OD Trail, local parks, Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, and the Falls Church Farmers Market. Artists will continue painting around the city through September 25.

Artists who wish to participate may register at FallsChurchArts.org. To be eligible for the competition, artists must have their paper or canvas stamped during open hours at either the Falls Church Arts Gallery or Art and Frame of Falls Church.

The festival finale will be held on the grounds of Falls Church City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, on Saturday, September 26, beginning between 8 and 9 a.m. and continuing until noon. Visitors can watch artists create original works during the popular Quick Draw Competition, in which participants complete a painting in three hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Attendees may also vote for their favorite painting in the People’s Choice Award, honoring the artwork that receives the most public votes.

At noon, juror, Glen Kessler, will announce the award winners, including the People’s Choice Award. The 2025 festival awarded more than $5,000 in prizes, and generous sponsors have made this year’s awards possible.
This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to meet artists, watch paintings take shape, and purchase original artwork to bring home the same day. If it rains, the festival will be held on October 3.