Logo with a stylized autumn leaf and the text 'Autumn in the Country' in cursive writing.

ARTS FESTIVAL

Discover 40+ artists, live painting, open studios, music, workshops, and public art across Russell Township from September 18 - 20.

Public art in MacDougall Park in Russell Ontario, in the form of very large children's blocks

Friday September 18th

  • 6:30PM - 830PM
    MacDougall Park - 50 Craig St, Russell

    A new temporary public art piece by Leslie Chandler will be unveiled in MacDougall Park and will be on display for the festival weekend.

  • 6:30PM - 830PM
    MacDougall Park - 50 Craig St, Russell

    Come celebrate the opening of the 2026 Autumn In The Country Arts Festival. We’ve been working on the festival for a full year and would love to take some time to kick back, relax and sip a custom mocktail or two with you.

    This is your chance for a casual connection with artists and creative minds from across Russell Township

Battle of the Brushes in Russell, Ontario featuring a multicolor artwork by Val's Art

Saturday September 19th

  • 10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Public spaces across Russell and Embrun

    Walk, bike or drive along the open studio tour to see live demonstrations of ceramics, painting, and glass. Artists invite you into their spaces, giving visitors a chance to talk about their process, what inspires them, and how they keep their practice alive.

  • 10:00AM - 4:00PM
    Russell Fairgrounds - 1076 Concession St

    Some of the brightest and best visual artists from across Eastern Ontario are gathered together under one roof for your enjoyment. Complete with hay bales and corn stalks, this is the perfect setting to reignite your love of art and maybe even find the perfect piece for your living room

  • 4:30PM - 6:30PM
    Russell Fairgrounds - 1076 Concession St

    Watch professional and amateur artists go head to head, putting their creative skills to the test. Artists are given a prompt and a small amount of time to create something magical. Winners are voted on by the audience, and artworks are auctioned off after.

  • 10:AM - 4:00PM
    Russell Fairgrounds - 1076 Concession St

    The Photo Expo is a free open call to photographers to submit images taken with Russell Township limits. 4 Winners will be chosen by an independent jury, printed on panels, exhibited outdoors for up to 5 years, and be awarded the appropriate CARFAC fee. Honourable mentions will receive a small prize package. All submissions will be printed and exhibited during the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival.

A closeup of an artist painting in Russell, Ontario

Sunday September 20th

  • MacDougall Park - 50 Craig St

    To wrap up the festival, a painting meetup is scheduled for Sunday September 15th. Bring your brushes, canvases, and paints and join professional artists in an open air painting meetup in MacDougall park. Get inspired by the fall landscape, birds chirping, and public art.

Display of framed landscape and rural paintings, with a painting of a cow, and decorative small canvas pieces hanging on a wooden and wire display stand at an art or craft fair.

Highlights from past years

Colorful blocks spell out 'APITC' in front of trees in a park.
Woman painting a landscape of a river and forest on a canvas at an outdoor art event, surrounded by people.
People gathered at an outdoor art event under a wooden pavilion, with paintings on display and string lights hanging from the ceiling.
Art studio or gallery with paintings on display, a wooden easel, a white table with art supplies, and wall decor including framed pictures and inspirational quotes.
A woman with short brown hair wearing a black and white striped dress and an apron is working on a pottery wheel outdoors. Behind her, a wooden table with various pottery pieces and supplies is set up in a lush green environment.
Collage of photos from an art event showing attendees, artists, and their paintings, including a marsh scene, a tree, abstract art, and group photos of artists celebrating.