In a town famed for art galleries, one of the biggest events of the year is the Carmel Art Festival (Mission St., Carmel-by-the-Sea, www.carmelartfestival.org, May). This four-day event celebrates visual arts in all media with shows by internationally acclaimed artists at galleries, parks, and other venues all across town.

This wonderful festival also sponsors here-and-now contests, including the prestigious Plein Air (outdoor painting). Visitors get a rare opportunity to witness the artists outdoors, engaging in their creative process as they use the Carmel scenery for inspiration.

Round out your festival experience by bidding on paintings at the end-of-event auction. You can get a genuine bargain on original artwork while supporting both the artists and the Festival.

Perhaps best of all, the Carmel Art Festival is a great place to bring your family—a wealth of children’s activities help even the youngest festival goers become budding artists.