September 13–19, 2026
Heartland Plein Air Festival
Art, out in the open. Twenty-five nationally recognized artists, painting Douglas and Sarpy County exactly as it looks in September.
The brushes come out in
September 13–19, 2026 · Douglas & Sarpy County, Nebraska
Don't miss a brushstroke.
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Subscribe for UpdatesAbout the Festival
Art Made Here
Plein air is French for "open air" — painting done outside, on location, in direct response to the light and landscape in front of you. No studio, no reference photos. Just the artist and the scene as it actually is.
During festival week, 25 nationally recognized artists spread out across more than 20 locations in Douglas and Sarpy Counties — historic neighborhoods, scenic overlooks, landmarks, and everyday places made interesting by the right set of eyes. The public is welcome to follow along, watch the work happen, and talk to the artists as they paint.
Every piece in the final exhibition was made that week, on-site. What you're seeing — and buying — is a record of a specific place at a specific moment in September 2026. That's not something you can replicate.
What to Expect
Festival Highlights
25 National Artists
Twenty-five nationally recognized painters, working outdoors across the metro for a full week.
20+ Scenic Locations
Parks, historic neighborhoods, scenic overlooks, and everyday places made interesting by the right set of eyes.
Watch Artists Create
Follow artists across the metro, watch the work happen in real time, and talk to them as they paint.
Exhibition & Auction
Every painting in the exhibition was made on-site that week — what you're buying is a record of this place in September 2026.
The Week at a Glance
Festival Schedule
Saturday, September 12
Youth Paintout
Young artists paint en plein air in the park.
Saturday, September 12
Youth Art Show Reception
Celebrate young painters' work.
Sunday, September 13
Artists Arrive
Artist check-in, canvas stamping, and orientation.
Monday, September 14
Lunch Break Paintout
Open painting across the metro. Midday Lunch Break Paintout in Downtown Ralston.
Tuesday, September 15
Lunch Break Paintout
Open painting across the metro. Midday Lunch Break Paintout in the Castle & Cathedral District.
Wednesday, September 16
Lunch Break Paintout + Youth Mentorship
Midday Lunch Break Paintout in Benson. Private mentorship sessions for preselected youth that afternoon (not open to the public).
Thursday, September 17
Third Thursday & Judge's Lecture
Lunch Break Paintout in Dundee 11 AM–1:30 PM. Judge Rick J. Delanty presents a ticketed lecture on Impressionism and Plein Air at Baright Library 5–6 PM. Third Thursday concert with artists painting downtown 6–8 PM — open to the public.
Friday, September 18
Collectors Preview Reception and Awards Presentation
Art reception and awards ceremony. Artwork for sale at artist's listed prices. Tickets required.
Saturday, September 19
Quick Paint & Public Exhibition
Quick Paint Competition 9–11 AM. Public Exhibition & Sale 11 AM–5 PM. Live auction of Quick Paint pieces Noon–1 PM at Granary Green.
September 19 – October 2
Online Sales
Unsold works available for purchase online.
Get Closer to the Art
Collector VIP Pass
Most festival events are free and open to the public. For $125, the Collector VIP Pass gets you a private artist Meet & Greet, priority seating at the Judge's Lecture, the Collectors Preview Reception and Awards Presentation, and priority seating at the live auction. Prefer a standalone ticket? The lecture is $25 and the Collectors Preview Reception is $95.
View TicketsWhere the Art Happens
Painting Locations
More than 20 scenic spots across Douglas & Sarpy County — historic neighborhoods, parks, overlooks, and everyday places worth a second look.
Filter by day to see where artists will be painting, then click a pin on the map for location details and directions.
Meet the Painters
Artist Spotlight
Twenty-five painters from across the country are descending on the Omaha metro — easels, brushes, and all — to capture Douglas & Sarpy County in real time. Meet one of them.
Questions?