Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery 2026: Date, Art Show, Travel Tips, and Where to Stay

Quick Answer

Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery 2026 takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Destination Big Bear Event Center, 713 Stocker Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

The gallery showcases artwork created during the Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out on Saturday, October 3, part of Visit Big Bear’s expanded 2026 Plein Air Art Competition programming. Visitors are invited to browse paintings inspired by the Big Bear landscape, and displayed artwork is available for purchase.

The Moonridge Corridor event is one of several public galleries in the 2026 plein air season, which also includes the Artist’s Best Work en Plein Air gallery in September and the main Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition gallery in October.

No public admission fee is currently listed for the October 4 gallery. Parking is available at the Destination Big Bear Event Center.

For travelers, the Sunday gallery is easy to build into an October mountain weekend. Stay Saturday night in an A Chalet cabin, enjoy the Moonridge area and other Big Bear activities, then spend Sunday morning viewing locally inspired art before heading home.

Browse A Chalet cabins for the Moonridge Corridor gallery weekend.

Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery 2026 at a Glance

What Is the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery?

The Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery is a one-day public art exhibition connected with the 2026 Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition.

“En plein air” refers to painting outdoors, directly from the landscape rather than working entirely from photographs or inside a studio. For artists, that means responding to changing light, weather, color, atmosphere, and scenery in real time.

The Moonridge Corridor event gives participating artists an opportunity to paint the area on Saturday, October 3 and then present that work to the public in a gallery setting the following day.

Visitors do not need to be artists or competition participants. The public is specifically invited to attend the associated galleries, view the paintings, meet the broader Big Bear art community, and purchase artwork that speaks to them.

How Does the Gallery Fit Into the Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition?

The 2026 Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition includes a new expanded program called the Festival of Artist Events.

Rather than concentrating every activity into the final competition gallery, the festival includes several paint-outs, gallery shows, and specialty opportunities throughout the season.

The official 2026 program includes:

• Artist’s Best Work en Plein Air Gallery on September 18-19
• The Village Big Bear Lake Paint-Out on September 19
• Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out on October 3
• Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery on October 4
• Main Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition Gallery from October 14-17
• Main competition awards on October 18

This structure gives visitors multiple opportunities to see fresh artwork throughout the fall rather than waiting for one final exhibition.

When and Where Is the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery?

The gallery is scheduled for:

Sunday, October 4, 2026
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

at:

Destination Big Bear Event Center
713 Stocker Rd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

The current Visit Big Bear events calendar also lists the gallery on October 4 at the same address, confirming the published date and venue.

The structured event export shows October 3 because of its date-field formatting, but the public-facing event date is Sunday, October 4, 2026. October 3 is the associated Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out day.

What Can Visitors Expect?

The focus is straightforward: fresh plein air artwork inspired by Big Bear and the Moonridge Corridor.

Visitors can expect to:

• Walk through the gallery at their own pace
• View paintings created in connection with the Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out
• See artists’ interpretations of local mountain scenery
• Experience the broader 2026 Big Bear plein air program
• Purchase artwork that is offered for sale

The event is not currently advertised as a formal awards ceremony, workshop, lecture, or guided gallery tour.

That makes it easy to fit into a Sunday itinerary. You can stop in for a shorter visit or spend more time looking closely at the paintings and considering a purchase.

Will the Artwork Be for Sale?

Yes. Visit Big Bear states that artwork displayed in its 2026 plein air pop-up galleries is available for purchase.

For collectors, this is one of the most compelling reasons to attend in person. Plein air paintings capture a specific moment in the Big Bear landscape, so each piece can serve as a distinctive reminder of the mountain environment rather than a mass-produced souvenir.

The event does not currently publish individual artwork prices, accepted payment methods, shipping arrangements, or purchase procedures.

If you plan to buy a piece, ask gallery staff about payment, pickup, and any applicable sales terms before completing the purchase.

What Is the Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out?

The gallery follows a dedicated Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

That event invites participating plein air artists to work in the Moonridge area, interpreting the neighborhood and surrounding mountain scenery through painting.

The official Plein Air Art Competition page also lists a $500 Best of Show award connected with the Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out and gallery.

For visitors, the important distinction is that Saturday is primarily the artist paint-out day, while Sunday, October 4 is the public gallery day.

What Makes Plein Air Art Interesting to See in Big Bear?

Big Bear is particularly well suited to plein air painting because the landscape changes dramatically with light, elevation, weather, and season.

Artists may interpret pine-covered slopes, mountain architecture, fall color, lake views, neighborhood scenes, rocky terrain, or the distinctive light of a high-elevation Southern California community.

Unlike a photograph, a plein air painting reflects both the physical landscape and the artist’s choices about color, composition, atmosphere, and emphasis.

That can make the gallery interesting even for visitors who do not normally attend art shows. You may recognize familiar Big Bear scenery while seeing it interpreted in ways you would not notice during an ordinary drive or walk.

Is the Gallery Open to the Public?

Yes. Visit Big Bear explicitly invites the public to attend its 2026 pop-up plein air galleries, including the Moonridge Corridor show.

The event is intended for art enthusiasts, collectors, community members, and visitors who simply want to experience Big Bear through local and visiting artists’ work.

No invitation, artist registration, or competition participation is required to browse the public gallery.

Do You Need Tickets?

No public ticket price or admission requirement is currently listed for the Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery.

Because the official page invites visitors to attend the galleries without publishing an admission charge, travelers can currently plan for an open public gallery experience.

If Visit Big Bear adds registration or entry information closer to October 4, follow the current event page rather than older listings.

What Is the Destination Big Bear Event Center?

The Destination Big Bear Event Center is a dedicated event venue at 713 Stocker Road in Big Bear Lake.

Current Visit Big Bear venue information describes approximately 3,400 square feet of floor space plus a 636-square-foot stage, for roughly 4,000 square feet of total event space.

The venue is used for meetings, celebrations, presentations, community events, and gallery-style programs such as the 2026 plein air exhibitions.

The same event center also hosts the main Big Bear Plein Air Art Competition gallery later in October, making it a central exhibition location for the year’s art program.

Where Should You Park?

Parking is listed as available at the Destination Big Bear Event Center.

Because Sunday gallery hours run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it is still wise to arrive with a little extra time in case other weekend activities increase traffic nearby.

Use designated spaces, follow posted signs, and avoid blocking neighboring properties or access routes.

If parking instructions change for the event, follow on-site staff directions.

How Long Should You Plan to Spend at the Gallery?

No fixed visit length is required.

A casual visitor might spend 30 to 60 minutes browsing, while collectors or art enthusiasts may want longer to study individual paintings and speak with event staff or participating artists if they are present.

Because the gallery remains open for four hours, you can easily fit it between breakfast and lunch or make it the central activity of a relaxed Sunday morning.

Is the Moonridge Corridor Gallery Family-Friendly?

No age restriction is currently published, and the gallery format is appropriate for families interested in art.

Children can see how artists interpret familiar mountain scenery and learn what outdoor painting looks like as a finished product.

Parents should supervise younger children around displayed and for-sale artwork and remind them not to touch paintings unless staff specifically allows it.

What Should You Bring?

The gallery requires very little preparation, but useful items may include:

• A payment method if you may purchase artwork
• A phone for noting artist names or pieces you like, if permitted
• A light layer for changing October mountain weather
• Comfortable shoes
• Any questions you want to ask about the artists or competition

The flyer image associated with the event is representative artwork rather than a guarantee of exactly which paintings will appear in the gallery, so attend expecting a fresh selection from participating artists.

How to Make a Weekend of the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery

Saturday: Arrive and Explore Big Bear

Arrive in Big Bear on Saturday and check into your A Chalet cabin.

The associated Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out takes place that day, so you may encounter artists working outdoors in the area. Give painters space to work and avoid interrupting active competition sessions.

Spend the rest of Saturday exploring Big Bear Lake, enjoying a meal, or relaxing at the cabin.

Saturday Evening: Settle Into Your Cabin

An overnight stay gives you a comfortable base before the Sunday gallery.

Cook dinner, unwind with your group, and enjoy an unhurried mountain evening instead of making an early Sunday drive from Southern California.

Sunday Morning: Visit the Gallery

Have breakfast at the cabin and head to the Destination Big Bear Event Center for the 10:00 AM opening.

Browse the Moonridge-inspired paintings, consider purchasing a piece, and take your time comparing different artistic interpretations of Big Bear.

Sunday Afternoon: Add Another Big Bear Experience

After the gallery closes at 2:00 PM, use the rest of the afternoon for a relaxed local activity.

You could explore The Village, enjoy a scenic drive, or spend more time at your cabin before departure.

Check A Chalet cabins for the October 3-4 art weekend.

Where to Stay for the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery

Because the gallery is in Big Bear Lake, an A Chalet rental in Big Bear Lake is the most convenient base for the weekend.

For a smaller group, Dream Lake Cabin is currently listed for up to four guests with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Verified amenities include a kitchen, Wi-Fi, outdoor grill, air conditioning, and pet-friendly accommodations.

For a larger family or group of art-loving friends, Conklin Canopy is a current Big Bear Lake property with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and space for up to eight guests.

Its verified amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, game room, barbecue, secure deck, and parking for up to three vehicles.

A cabin is especially useful for an event weekend because you can arrive Saturday, enjoy Big Bear without rushing, visit the gallery Sunday morning, and relax afterward before heading home.

Always check the current A Chalet listing before booking to confirm occupancy, amenities, parking limits, pet policies, and house rules.

Browse current A Chalet rentals for the Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery weekend.

Tips for Booking an Art Weekend Cabin

Arrive Saturday if you can. The gallery opens at 10:00 AM Sunday, so staying overnight avoids an early drive up the mountain.

Choose Big Bear Lake. The gallery is held at 713 Stocker Road, making Big Bear Lake the most practical A Chalet destination.

Leave room in your vehicle. If you are seriously considering purchasing artwork, extra cargo space may be helpful for transporting a piece safely.

Ask before transporting purchased artwork. Confirm whether a painting can be taken immediately or must remain on display until a designated pickup time.

Check the live gallery schedule. Event information is current for October 4, but schedules can still change.

Consider the broader plein air calendar. If you enjoy the Moonridge gallery, the main competition gallery runs later in October.

Stay an extra night if your schedule allows. A Sunday-night stay can make the weekend even more relaxed and avoid leaving immediately after the gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery 2026?

The gallery takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Where Is the Gallery?

The event is at the Destination Big Bear Event Center, 713 Stocker Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

What Is the Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out?

The Paint-Out is the artist portion of the event on Saturday, October 3. Participating plein air artists create work inspired by the Moonridge area, with the public gallery following on Sunday.

Is There an Admission Fee?

No public admission fee is currently listed. Visit Big Bear invites the public to attend the 2026 pop-up galleries.

Can You Buy the Artwork?

Yes. Visit Big Bear states that artwork displayed at the plein air galleries is available for purchase. Individual prices and purchase arrangements are handled at the event.

Is the Gallery Family-Friendly?

No age restriction is currently published. Families are welcome to browse, although children should be supervised around displayed artwork.

Where Should I Stay for the Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery?

An A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake provides a convenient base for the October 3-4 weekend. Staying Saturday night lets you enjoy Big Bear at a slower pace and reach the Sunday morning gallery without an early mountain drive.

Check A Chalet availability for the Moonridge Corridor art weekend.

Plan Your Moonridge Corridor en Plein Air Gallery 2026 Getaway With A Chalet

Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery 2026 gives visitors a chance to see Big Bear through artists’ eyes on Sunday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The gallery at the Destination Big Bear Event Center showcases work connected with the October 3 Moonridge Corridor Paint-Out, and displayed artwork is available for purchase. No public admission fee is currently listed.

For art lovers, couples, and families, the event makes an easy centerpiece for a fall weekend in the mountains. Arrive Saturday, enjoy Big Bear, spend Sunday morning browsing locally inspired paintings, and return to a comfortable cabin before your trip home.

Browse A Chalet cabins and plan your Moonridge Corridor en plein air Gallery 2026 getaway.