A month of art, music, and events across Gloucester
GLOUCESTER, Va., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Gloucester Arts Festival returns this June to mark a major milestone: ten years of bringing nationally recognized artists, live performances, and community-centered events to Virginia’s Middle Peninsula.
Presented by The Cook Foundation, the 2026 festival celebrates “A Decade of Art” with a full month of programming across Gloucester—from Plein Air painting and concerts to exhibitions and family-friendly events.
At the heart of the festival is Plein Air Week (June 5–13), when invited artists from across the country paint outdoors throughout the region, capturing Gloucester’s landscapes, waterways, and historic streets in real time. Visitors are encouraged to explore, meet the artists, and watch works unfold on location.
Opening weekend sets the tone with three signature events:
- Brews, Brine & Wine (June 5) at Machicomoco State Park
- Paint Main (June 6) in Gloucester’s historic Main Street district
- Symphony Under the Stars (June 6), presented by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Additional highlights during Plein Air Week include the Mathews Paint Out (June 9) and the Patron Preview Party (June 11), culminating in the Plein Air Invitational Gala & Awards on June 13 at the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester.
Artwork created during the week becomes part of the Heart of the River Collection, on view and available for purchase at the museum from June 15 through June 27.
Beyond Plein Air Week, the festival continues throughout June with a diverse lineup of events, including:
- Arts at Abingdon Concert (June 18)
- Book Fair (June 20)
- Sport Star Screening (June 26)
- Sculpture Walk, Village Arts Day, and It’s a Wrap Reception (June 27)
Together, these events reflect the festival’s mission to bring art into everyday spaces and create opportunities for the community to engage with artists and cultural experiences.
“This year’s festival is both a celebration and a reflection,” said Shandie Covington, Festival Director. “For ten years, the Gloucester Arts Festival has connected artists and audiences through shared experiences—and this June, we invite everyone to be part of that tradition.”
The Gloucester Arts Festival is presented by The Cook Foundation with support from Morgan Stanley.
For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit:
www.gloucesterartsfestival.com
For updates and real-time information, follow the Gloucester Arts Festival on social media.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gloucesterartsfestival
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gloucesterartsfestival/
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SOURCE The Cook Foundation
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