Plein air painting has become a thing in the metro area, with events scheduled here and there. The next occasion to see and celebrate this skill is the annual Central City Plein Air Festival on Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26. Artists from around the country set up their easels in quaint Central City for two days to paint fall landscapes and historic architecture within a two-mile radius of the Central City Opera House. Click here for a schedule.
The event is entirely FREE to the public. Visitors are invited to stroll around to observe the artists, ask questions and experience Central City in autumn from an artist’s perspective.
A variety of free activities for all ages takes place throughout the weekend, including the KidZone Drop In Arts Station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the Penrose House Lawn.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days tour some of Central City’s historic buildings including the Central City Opera House, Teller House, and other properties not currently open to the public.
At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, watch artists create paintings in under 90 minutes at the Quick Draw Competition and purchase your favorite at the Easel Sale, which follows at 2 p.m.
The 8.4-mile Central City Parkway, right off I-70 east of Idaho Springs, is a four-lane highway that provides easy access to the town in about 12 minutes. Free parking is located next to the Opera House at 124 Eureka St.