Plan Your Spring Getaway Around These Augusta Weekends
Spring is one of my favorite times here in Augusta. The vines start to wake up, the weather is just right for exploring, and the calendar begins to fill with some truly special experiences.
This year, we’re doing something a little different at The Clay House — not just sharing what’s happening around town, but helping you plan your visit around weekends that are especially worth the trip. From live music and wine events to art festivals and exclusive experiences right here at the house, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Here are a few of the standout weekends you won’t want to miss.
April Highlight Events:
- 17th – 19th: A Weekend of Books, Music & Wine
- 23rd – 26th: The Clay House Plein Air Opening Weekend Experience
- 30th: Beginning of Plein Air Closing Celebration
Now… let me tell you more about this exciting month!
📚 A Signature Spring Weekend at The Clay House
A Weekend of Books, Music & Wine – April 17th – 19th
Books & Bites at The Clay House
Friday April 17th 7pm
If you’re looking for a relaxed, social, and memorable spring escape, this weekend is a perfect fit.
We’re kicking things off right here at the house with Books & Bites at The Clay House — a cozy and welcoming book discussion where guests are invited to bring a favorite read and share it with others. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to connect, discover new titles, and enjoy a laid-back evening with refreshments.
From there, the weekend opens up to some great local entertainment!
Enjoy A Day Of Live Music!
Saturday April 18th
If you’re in the mood for great music to go along with your weekend, Saturday offers several fantastic options around Augusta — making it easy to pair your stay with an afternoon or evening of live entertainment.
- 🎸 Drawl at Defiance Ridge – 1-4pm – for afternoon country music and vineyard views.
- 🎶 Javier Mendoza (aka Hobo Cane) Live at the Harmonie 7-10pm – blending soulful acoustic sounds with a relaxed, intimate vibe at the Harmonie.
Round things out at Defiance Ridge before heading home!
Sunday April 19th
- 🌸 Defiance Ridge Garden Party 1-4 pm on Sunday for acoustic rockabilly and country twang – a perfect way to wind down before heading home
It’s the kind of weekend where you can do a little of everything — relax, explore, and enjoy the best of Augusta at your own pace.
If this sounds like your kind of getaway, I’d recommend booking early — these spring weekends tend to fill quickly. When you book, please let me know what book you will be bringing!
🎨 The Plein Air Art Festival Comes To Augusta in 2026!
April 23rd Thru May 2nd
One of the biggest events of the season returns to Augusta — and it’s an incredible time to visit.
The Augusta Plein Air Art Festival brings artists from around the country to paint throughout the region, capturing the beauty of Missouri Wine Country in real time. For guests, it means a full schedule of events, workshops, and opportunities to experience art in a truly unique way.
The Plein Air Festival is one of the most exciting times to visit Augusta — but what makes this opening weekend truly special is the chance to experience it from the inside. With The Plein Air Insider Tour, guests of The Clay House get an exclusive guided, behind-the-scenes look at the artwork, the artists, and the best spots around town. It’s a unique opportunity that turns a great weekend into an unforgettable experience.
Plein Air Opening Weekend Festivities – A Don’t Miss Clay House Exclusive Weekend!
April 23rd – 26th
🖼️ Experience Plein Air Like an Insider With My ‘Plein Air Insider Art Tour’
April 24th & 25th
One of the things I’m most excited about this year is offering something a little more personal.
During the festival, I’ll be hosting The Plein Air Insider Art Tours, where I’ll take a small group around Augusta to see some of the most interesting and noteworthy pieces created during the event. Along the way, I’ll share where to find them, what makes each one special, and help you experience the festival from a more local perspective.
On Friday, we’ll wrap up by making our way to the Harmonie for a sneak preview of the new artwork, giving you a chance to see pieces before the larger crowds arrive.
It’s a really fun way to experience the festival — and something you can only get by staying with us.
🎨 Plein Air Opening Weekend Highlights
There’s so much happening during the kickoff weekend of Plein Air, and it’s one of the most exciting times to be in Augusta. Whether you’re an artist or simply love experiencing art in a beautiful setting, here are a few highlights to help you plan your visit:
Thursday – April 23
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🖼️ Framing Workshop
A great opportunity to learn how to properly present and preserve artwork — perfect for both artists and collectors. -
🎨 Sunflower Hill Farm Paint Out
Watch artists at work as they capture the natural beauty of one of Augusta’s scenic locations. -
🌿 Augusta Shores Paint Out
Another chance to see Plein Air in action along the river, with stunning views and incredible creative energy.
Friday – April 24
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🏡 Mystery Estate Morning Paint Out
A unique and exclusive setting where artists create in a location not typically open to the public. -
🖌️ Farley Lewis Compositions Workshop
A hands-on learning experience focused on composition and technique. -
🍷 Explore the Wineries
Spend the afternoon visiting Augusta’s wineries — including Augusta Winery, Balducci, Montelle, and Mount Pleasant — where you’ll often find artists painting on-site. -
🖼️ The Plein Air Insider Tour (with Kelly!)
Join a guided experience through Augusta to view standout pieces, learn more about the artists, and get a sneak preview of new artwork at the Harmonie before the crowds arrive.
Saturday – April 25
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⚡ Noboleis Quick Paint
A fast-paced and exciting event where artists create pieces in a limited amount of time — fun to watch and even more fun to collect. -
🎨 Paint Washington “Paint Out”
Artists spread throughout the area capturing scenes of historic Washington and the surrounding countryside.
Sunday – April 26
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🌅 Premier Artist Paint Out at Lakeshore Estates
Watch some of the festival’s top artists work in a beautiful lakeside setting. -
🍇 Triple 3 Vineyard Paint Out
A perfect blend of art and wine country scenery as artists paint among the vines. -
🌙 Mystery Estate Evening Paint Out
A unique chance to see artists work in a different light — literally — as the day winds down.
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🌿 So Much More to Explore During Plein Air Week
While the kickoff weekend is packed with incredible experiences, the truth is — Plein Air isn’t just a weekend… it’s a full celebration of art across Augusta.
From April 23rd through May 2nd, the entire area transforms into a living gallery. Artists set up throughout town and the surrounding countryside, capturing the beauty of Missouri Wine Country in real time. As a visitor, you’re not just viewing finished pieces — you’re watching them come to life.
Throughout the week, you’ll find:
- 🖌️ Paint Outs happening at scenic locations across Augusta
- 🎨 Workshops & Demonstrations led by talented artists
- 🍷 Winery Stops & Tastings woven into the experience
- 🖼️ Pop-Up Displays & Exhibits throughout town
- 👀 Opportunities to meet artists and see their process up close
Whether you’re deeply passionate about art or just looking for something unique to experience, there’s something special about being here during Plein Air week. You can spend your days exploring, discovering new pieces, and enjoying the relaxed, creative energy that fills the town.
And if you’re staying with us, I’m always happy to help point you toward the best spots to visit each day — there’s so much to see, and I love helping guests make the most of it.
🍷 Extend Your Stay: Plein Air All Week Long
The beauty of Plein Air is that it’s not just one weekend — it’s happening all week long.
From paint outs and artist workshops to wine tastings and gallery events, there’s something happening every day from April 23rd through May 2nd. Whether you’re an artist yourself or just someone who appreciates creativity, this is one of the best times of year to be in Augusta.
And honestly — there’s no “bad” time to visit during this stretch. Every day offers something a little different.
🎉 Close Out Plein Air with an Exclusive Art Experience
April 30th – May 3rd
As the festival comes to a close, the energy in Augusta really builds.
One of the most sought-after events is the Golden Ticket Art Sale — a limited-access, highly exclusive opportunity to purchase artwork before it becomes widely available. It’s not easy to get into, but guests staying at The Clay House may have a unique opportunity to attend, so be sure to ask me about it when you book your stay.
The weekend continues with the Final Art Sale, giving you one last chance to view and purchase pieces created throughout the festival.
If you’re an art lover, this is an incredible way to experience the grand finale.
🌸 Looking Ahead: Summer & Mother’s Day
As we move further into spring, we’re already planning a few more special experiences here at The Clay House.
We’re working on a Jazz Brunch coming in June, and we’ll also be putting together something special for Mother’s Day — whether that’s a relaxing weekend getaway, a thoughtful gift certificate, or even a whole house rental for a family gathering.
If you’re thinking ahead, now is a great time to start planning. A trip to Augusta is the best way to show the mothers in your life how much you appreciate them!
🧳 Plan Your Spring Stay at The Clay House
Whether you’re coming for a specific weekend, the Plein Air Festival, or just looking for a peaceful escape in Missouri Wine Country, spring is one of the best times to visit Augusta.
And with more curated experiences happening right here at the house, your stay can be as relaxed — or as activity-filled — as you’d like.
I’d love to have you join us for one of these upcoming weekends.
Take a look at availability and start planning your spring getaway — I hope to see you soon.
