World Bodypainting Festival — attend an edition in Austria
The World Bodypainting Festival is the scene’s flagship event and competition, gathering international body- and face-paint artists, models and photographers for live painting, workshops, awards and exhibitions. Recent editions have been staged in Austria (Klagenfurt) and the organiser has moved to a travelling multi-location format in 2025–2026, so check the year’s host city before you travel. Plan to spend at least one full day at the festival to watch live competitions, visit vendor booths for paints and prosthetics, and attend short workshops or demos. Photographers often buy special photo tickets with limited numbers; organisers also sell artist registrations and dedicated contest entries. Admission options have included low-cost on-site day tickets (press materials listed day tickets from €12 in 2024) and higher-priced photo/photographer passes or special tickets for workshops. The festival is primarily a fixed, in-person experience staged at a specific venue in the host city (exhibition halls, festival arena or park spaces depending on the year). Expect crowds, close-up viewing of artists at work and indoor/outdoor zones — bring layers and a small daypack, and plan for modest walking between venue areas, hotels and transport hubs. If you are a model or participating artist, allow time for skin-safety testing, arrive early for prep and read the organiser’s rules on consent and photography. Book tickets, any special photo passes and nearby accommodation well before the festival dates, especially for summer or September editions when nearby hotels fill quickly.