New Cobleskill Art In Action Festival & Auction Makes the Perfect Day Trip From Albany
Looking for a unique Saturday day trip this summer? A vibrant new event is heading to Schoharie County that deserves a spot on your calendar. The inaugural Cobleskill Art In Action Festival & Auction is officially launching on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Located less than an hour's drive from downtown Albany NY, this landmark cultural event brings art to life by pulling back the curtain on the creative process, offering a fresh addition to the region's lineup of summer festivals.
Instead of just browsing finished pieces, attendees will get to watch over 40 exceptional creators design, paint, and build visual art live on-site. The festival has already drawn incredible talent from across Upstate NY, the NY Metro area (including Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Connecticut), and national artists traveling from as far as Maryland and Utah.
2026 Art in Action: Quick Facts
- Date & Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Cost: FREE ADMISSION (Optional $50 VIP Auction seating)
- Location: Veterans Memorial Centre Park & Main Street Sidewalks (Cobleskill, NY)
- Rain Location: SUNY Cobleskill campus
- Perk: Pre-register on Eventbrite to enter a raffle for a free gift!
What to Expect: The Three Presentation Tracks
The festival kicks off at 9:00 AM with vibrant vendor market displays, weaving interactive workshops and high-energy competitions throughout the day.
1. The Quick Draw Exposition & Live Auction
The excitement peaks between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM with the Quick Draw Exposition. This high-stakes, timed challenge features 15 juried artists who have exactly 90 minutes to create a complete masterpiece starting from a totally blank surface.
Directly following the timer at 12:00 PM, the event shifts to the public auction block. The public auction features two parts: an Opening Auction, followed by the Main Event Quick Draw Auction where you can bid on and take home the fresh pieces created that morning.
General attendance is free, but you can upgrade to a $50 VIP ticket for reserved auction seating and an exclusive pre-auction reception at the historic Bull’s Head Inn.
2. Interactive Art & Family Demonstrations
Distributed throughout Veterans Memorial Centre Park, these free, family-friendly spaces run all day long. Attendees of all ages can dive into hands-on creativity, featuring free pottery painting and whimsical water-gun art experiences.
3. Artist Vendor Market
From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, explore a diverse open-air market showcasing handcrafted goods and original art. Creators will be actively demonstrating their technical skills live at their booths, making it the perfect spot to meet the faces behind the masterpieces.
Join the Creative Community
Whether you are a lifelong arts enthusiast or simply looking for a fun Saturday drive, the Cobleskill Art in Action Festival is a standout addition to this year's lineup of summer festivals near Albany, promising a day filled with color and community.
Pre-register on Eventbrite today to secure your raffle entry and check out the full lineup at the Cobleskill Partnership website!
