Events and Awards in Australia dedicated to outdoor painting.
Australia has a growing calendar of plein air events, festivals, paint-outs and workshops that bring artists together from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a 1 day event, a week long festival, or entry to an exhibition that holds a category for outdoor painting – this page aims to list opportunities across the country.
We believe that by working together, Australia can continue to develop a vibrant, year-round plein-air calendar that benefits artists, communities, and event organisers alike.
Events
Capital Plein Air, Canberra ACT (Apr)
Wattle Day Plein Air, WA (Aug)
Sunshine Coast Plein Air Paint Out Qld (Aug)
Plein Air Down Under, Peel Region, WA (Sept)
Art Prizes
Western Australian Society of Arts – Plein Air Category (WA), (Members Only)
9×5 Landscape Art Prize
(Not strictly plein air, but inspired by the famous 9×5 exhibition in the late 1800’s)
International Events
Looking to start an event?
We encourage and celebrate the growth of plein air events across Australia. As the community expands, we hope to see events scheduled in a way that strengthens the overall calendar and allows artists to participate in multiple festivals throughout the year.
To support a thriving and connected community, we strongly encourage organisers to consider existing national and major regional events when selecting dates. Thoughtful scheduling helps build momentum, supports artist participation, and ensures events complement rather than compete with one another.
