venues

The Waterfowl Festival Building, known locally as “the armory”, serves as the main exhibition space throughout the festival. Painting created by the juried artists throughout the festival that are not submitted for competition are available for sale here.

The space also serves as the headquarters for the festival. Coffee is available throughout the day, as well as framing services from JFM. It is also the site of several demos and live streamed events that supplement the festival’s offerings.

The Academy Art Museum serves as the competition and award winners galleries for Plein Air Easton. This space is closed to the public until after the reveal of the competition paintings at the Collector’s Preview Party on Thursday evening.

After the winners are announced, the award winning paintings are moved to their own gallery. These paintings are available for purchase through the end of the festival.

Having been recently restored to its original art deco grandeur with genuine gold leaf appliqué and hand rubbed plasterwork, the 400-seat Avalon Theatre is the premiere live music venue on the Eastern Shore.

Originally built as a vaudeville venue and dubbed “The Shore’s Most Beautiful Show Place”, the acoustics of the room are unparalleled. But the superior quality of the acts never takes away from the community feel you’ll experience once you’re inside our doors.

The Working Artists Forum under the auspices of the annual Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival, sponsors a juried and judged art exhibit each year entitled “Local Color”. Local Color features 2D dimensional art in various painting mediums.

The exhibit and several demonstrations take place during Plein Air Easton at Christ Church Fellowship Hall.

Each year, Plein Air Easton partners with the town of Oxford to bring you the Oxford Paint Out. On that day, the 58 juried artists spend the day painting in this quaint Eastern Shore town. In the evening, the paintings are collected and put on exhibition at the Oxford Community Center.

The Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Company has long been a cornerstone of the Tilghman Island community, serving residents with emergency response, fire protection, and community support. Located in the heart of this historic Chesapeake Bay watermen’s village, the volunteer-run firehouse reflects the island’s strong tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. In addition to responding to emergencies throughout the Bay Hundred area, the fire company hosts community events, fundraisers, and gatherings that bring locals and visitors together year-round. Their dedication helps preserve the close-knit spirit and safety of Tilghman Island.

Set in the heart of downtown Easton, Tidewater Inn is one of Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s most iconic and historic destinations. Originally opened in 1949 on the site of earlier taverns dating back to the 1700s, the elegant Colonial Revival hotel has welcomed generations of visitors — including celebrities like Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, and Bing Crosby. Today, the Tidewater Inn blends timeless charm with modern luxury, offering beautifully renovated guest rooms, exceptional event spaces, the popular Hunters’ Tavern restaurant, and a full-service spa. Located steps from Easton’s boutiques, galleries, and the Avalon Theatre, the Tidewater Inn remains a beloved gathering place for weddings, weekend getaways, and visitors looking to experience the charm and hospitality of the Eastern Shore.