Plein Air Festival Show
Transforming Driggs into an artistic hub
Every year, Driggs, Idaho hosts the Plein Air Festival Show, which turns the quaint hamlet into a hive of creative activity. This festival takes place in a lovely setting—Teton Valley, Idaho—and draws artists and art fans from all over the world. Held in the summer, the festival is a tribute to the wonders of nature and the inspiration it provides for artistic expression.
Embracing the Essence of Nature: The Art of Plein Air Painting at the Driggs Plein Air Festival
The technique of painting landscapes and other real-world scenes outside is known as “plein air,” or “open air” painting. Using this method, artists are able to convey the genuine spirit of their environment, which is shaped by the shifting light, temperature, and atmosphere. This artistic legacy is honored by the Plein Air Festival Show in Driggs, which invites artists to set up shop and paint the breathtaking views of the Teton Valley.
A Thrilling Artistic Challenge: The Competitive Spirit of the Driggs Plein Air Festival
Drawing painters of various abilities, the competition is one of the festival’s highlights. Artists are assigned a specific time frame, typically one week, to complete their works of art. Following judging, prizes are granted in a number of categories, such as best landscape, finest use of light, and best representation of the Teton Valley, for the works created during this period. The competition component gives the event a thrilling new level as artists compete to create their greatest pieces under the time limits and shifting weather conditions.

Enriching Skills and Building Community: Workshops and Demonstrations
A number of workshops and demonstrations offered by skilled plein air artists are also part of the festival’s offerings. These workshops offer insightful information about composition, techniques, and the particular difficulties involved in painting outside. Participants can improve their abilities, pick up tips from industry experts, and share ideas with other artists. The festival’s educational elements help artists encourage one another and develop a feeling of community.
Diverse Events and Festivities at the Driggs Plein Air Festival
Apart from painting activities, there are numerous additional events that are accessible to a wide range of people at the Plein Air Festival Show. Visitors can examine and buy original artwork at art exhibitions that include the works produced during the event. Live music, food sellers, and other entertainment frequently accompany the exhibitions, resulting in a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
Family Fun and Artistic Exploration: Engaging Activities for All Ages
The festival is entertaining for guests of all ages, including families. Young children are encouraged to develop their creativity through interactive presentations and art-making stations. Deeper insights into the plein air painting process and the inspiration behind the artworks can be gained through guided tours and artist discussions.


Strengthening Community Ties: Local Involvement
The celebration includes the neighborhood and its people in a variety of ways. Local companies frequently support events, and many of them provide workshops and art exhibits inside. Incorporating the festival within the community not only helps the local economy but also fortifies the relationship between Teton Valley locals and artists.
Celebrating Art, Nature, and Community: The Unique Experience of the Driggs Plein Air Festival
More than just an art show, the Plein Air Festival Show in Driggs, Idaho, is a celebration of the local environment, ingenuity, and community. While the festival itself cultivates a thriving artistic community, the spectacular vistas of the Teton Valley offer artists a breath-taking background against which to express their vision. The Plein Air Festival Show is a singular and enlightening experience for anybody who enjoys the beauty of nature, is an artist, or both. This festival is a must-visit location for everyone interested in the arts because it not only displays the skill and commitment of plein air artists, but also the breathtaking natural beauty of Teton Valley, Idaho.

Overview and Dates
- Driggs Plaza and Gallery, 60 South Main Street
- Hundreds of paintings for sale by 75 national plein air artists. In 2023, artists received more than $40,000 in sales.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE – MARK YOUR CALENDARS
All events listed below are free to the public. Please join us in celebrating the arts in Teton Valley!
PLEIN AIR EXHIBIT AND SALE **We ship!
- July 21 – September 20th | Driggs Plaza and Teton Geo Center, 60 South Main Street, Driggs
- Hundreds of gorgeous plein air paintings of the mountains, waterways, fields, farms, and forests of Teton Valley available to view and purchase.
OPENING CELEBRATION AND FREE CONCERT
- Sunday, July 21 | 6-8pm | Driggs Plaza
- A beautiful combination of art and music! Meet artists, view and purchase artwork, and enjoy a free concert by The Shift jazz and R&B band. Citizen 33 beer on tap, wine from Two Mountain Winery, alcohol free drinks, local food truck, and sweet treats from Salt Lick Pops.
GRAND TARGHEE RESORT PAINT OUT
- Monday, July 22 | 10am-12pm
- Take a ride on the chairlift or hike up to watch registered Driggs Plein Air artists gather at the top of Grand Targhee Resort to paint the gorgeous Teton views.
TAMARA CALLENS OPEN STUDIO
- Monday, July 22 | 4-5:30pm
- Location to be announced
- View stunning landscape paintings by a renowned local artist! Light food and refreshments provided.
- www.tammycallens.com
DOWNTOWN TETONIA QUICK DRAW COMPETITION
- Tuesday, July 23 | 7-11am
- Registered artists will gather in the parks, sidewalks, and storefronts of downtown Tetonia to capture the town’s unique character and views. Stroll around to watch the artists in action! All artists must return their freshly completed and framed works to Driggs Plaza for judging and awards ceremony at 12pm. All works will be for sale.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE VOTING
- Friday, July 26 | 9am-3pm | Driggs Plaza
- Drop by Driggs Plaza Gallery to view the competition works and cast your vote! The People’s Choice award is coveted by festival artists.
COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY
- Friday, July 26 | 5pm | Driggs Plaza
- Driggs Plaza, 60 South Main Street
- The suspense has been building all week – who will win 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Honorable Mentions, People’s and Artist’s Choice Awards and more? Join the crowd of locals, visitors, artists, collectors and judges as the winners of the 2024 Driggs Plein Air Competition are announced!
CLOSING RECEPTION AND FREE CONCERT
- Friday, July 26 | 6-8pm | Driggs Plaza
- Stay after the Awards Ceremony for a closing reception and free concert with the lively Black Rock Wind Quintet. Browse hundreds of artworks available for sale while chatting with artists. Citizen 33 beer on tap, wine from Two Mountain Winery, alcohol free drinks, food from Pinky G’s Pizzeria, and sweet treats from Salt Lick Pops.