Rodgers Ranch again, October 30, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Friday, October 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center

315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill CA 94526

Park website: Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center

Rodgers Ranch was so beautiful last week, let's go back! This quiet neighborhood park is tucked into a wooded hillside with terraced gardens full of colorful flowers, fruits and nuts, vegetables, herbs and succulents surrounding the charming 19th century farmhouse. Lots of pathways and nooks to explore and set up in, benches and picnic tables. We're even allowed to sit on the porch of the farmhouse and sketch. A docent will be on hand to give tours inside the house if you're interested.

Parking is on the street, the restroom will be open, admission is free but donations are appreciated, rain cancels. Should be a delightful day -- hope to see you there! 

Diablo View at Northgate HS, Walnut Creek, October 31, 2026

Jade Fon Saturday Painters and Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 31, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's go back to the scenic open space across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. There’s a great view of Diablo with foothills, woods and grasslands, and this time of year we may spot some glimpses of fall color.

We’ll be painting along Trails End Path, a wide, paved trail that borders the meadow. The gravel edge is a bridle path so please keep that area clear for horses. Also, keep an eye out for poison oak and ticks in grassy areas.

Parking is along the street on Castle Rock Road. There’s a gravel parking area next to the trail entrance, or you can park along the curb nearby. If you can’t find a spot in that area there’s more parking available on Trails End Drive (off of North Gate Road) with access to the far end of the trail. I’m attaching a map to help you get oriented.

Please note -- there are no public restrooms at this location but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain cancels. 

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, Pleasant Hill, October 22, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 22, 10 am - 2 pm

Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center

315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill CA 94526

Park website: Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center

Let's enjoy some fall harvest color at this charming historic farmhouse! The wooded hillside grounds are home to abundant gardens, peaceful pathways, benches and picnic tables. A docent will be on hand to give tours inside the house for those who are interested. 

Park in the small lot or on the street, the bathroom will be open, admission is free but donations are appreciated, rain cancels. Should be a delightful day -- hope to see you there!

East Contra Costa Historical Museum, Brentwood, October 18, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, October 18, 10 am - 2 pm

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

3890 Sellers Ave., Brentwood CA

Museum website: Home - East Contra Costa Historical Society

Let's go back to this beautiful setting in the middle of Brentwood farm country. We'll be painting at the East Contra Costa Historical Museum on Sunday, October 18th during regular public hours, 10 am - 2 pm. You're also allowed to arrive earlier if you'd like to set up in the grassy front yard or the rose garden.

Volunteers open the house, outdoor exhibits and restrooms at 10 am.  There's a main parking lot as well as an overflow parking area, admission is free (donations appreciated).  Always a fun day -- I hope to see you there!

Pioneer Cemetery, Antioch, October 15, 2026

Our casual group of local artists will meet to paint views of this historic pioneer cemetery located within a regional park in the hills south of Antioch on Thursday, October 15, 10 am - 2 pm. Artists on our plein air mailing list will receive an email with the details. If you'd like to be added to the list feel free to contact coordinator Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.

Admission to the park is usually free on weekdays, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Always a beautiful, inspiring destination -- hope to see you there!