Have you ever seen someone turn into a walking, breathing work of art? No, it’s not a sci-fi movie or some Hollywood makeup magic. It’s something more real, more vibrant, more awesome — welcome to the World Body Painting Festival!
If you’re like me, you probably thought body painting was something kids do at fairs or part of a Halloween costume. But let me tell you, this festival takes it to a whole new level. It’s where artists, models, photographers and free spirits from around the world come together to turn human bodies into living canvases.
Let’s get into this colourful celebration and find out why it’s one of the coolest art events you need to experience at least once.
Where and When Does the Magic Happen?
The World Body Painting Festival takes place every summer in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, a lovely lakeside town in Austria. Imagine crystal-clear waters, green landscapes and artists from all over the world gathering to paint bodies into art.
For 2025 the main festival will be in July, with plenty of side events throughout the year. Earlier in the year artists participated in competitions like the Creative Make-Up World Award in Helsinki in October 2025, a makeup artistry competition. Later in November online competitions like the WBF Online Awards took place, with winners announced by the end of the month. There were also smaller events like the World Camouflage Championship and Nordic awards for fashion and face painting, all supported by the global bodypainting community.
So if you are planning to visit during the main festival in summer or follow the smaller events throughout the year, 2025 will be full of inspiration, creativity and a lot of color! You can also book Australia Tour.
Types of Competitions and Activities
The festival is more than just painting bodies and wandering around. There are LOTS of competitions, workshops, and entertainment:
1. The Body Painting World Championship
Here is the main event. Artists compete against one another in multiple categories: realistic, surrealism, tribal designs, fantasy characters. Judges evaluate based on creativity, skill, color harmony, and a balance with the body model’s form.
2. Workshops and Training
For those who have always wanted to give body painting a go, it’s fun to take workshops where artists are teaching you how to paint in a safe way, blend colors, and create designs on body shapes.
3. Photo Contests
Because body painting is such a visual art form, photography is a huge part of it. Beautiful photographs are taken and celebrated.
4. Live Performances and Parties
Art, music and culture are interconnected in this country. Live bands, DJs, dancer performances, and participatory events will be a multi-sensory experience.
Austria is nature friendly
Austria generates electricity from Hydropower. The most natural and renewable sources. The best examples of sustainability. Austria has good tourism, especially the winter adventure activities. Also, Austria doesn’t get warm. The temperatures are always low. Every 500 ms, the temperature goes down 5 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Austria boasts the world’s largest ice cave. It is 26 miles long and every year almost more than 2 lakhs people visit. It is located in Werfen, Eisrienwelt. Make sure to wear warm clothes as it’s freezing. Coffee is life for the Austrian people. Furthermore, there are the oldest coffee houses. Along with coffee, the Austrian people prefer pastry too.
- Austria is quite sustainable.
- Best for winter adventure activities.
- Explore the Largest Ice cave.
- Immerse yourself in the best coffee culture.
Austria is very picture postcard centric
Above all Austria is known for its breathtaking landscapes. Austria boasts of natural landscapes and postcard-worthy natural setups. In fact, an Austria picture postcard is also used as a souvenir. Not only that Austria seems to be more celebratory. Such as every new year there is a traditional new year concert at Vienna’s Musikverein.
Another world-famous postcard spot is the church of Heiligenblut. Certainly the world-famous postcard location with Grobglockner in the background. Likewise, you cannot miss the snowy winter landscape in the Rofas in Tyrol. It screams the beauty of Austria. Also, Austria during Christmas is magical. Lake worthersee becomes the water that reflects the Fairy tale.
- Witness the world’s best postcard landscapes.
- Austrians love to celebrate.
- Visit the Church of Heiligenblut.
- Plan your holidays during Christmas.
Body painting festival in Austria
The world body painting festival was launched in 1998. Above all, this festival portrays the visual art form and promotes the extended version of art. Moreover, this world body painting festival has lasted for decades now. Interestingly, even during the pandemic, this festival did not stop. Moreover, the celebration of festivals became a quarter of a century.
Undoubtedly, there are many forms and types of body painting. Many might be quite new also for you. Such as sponge, airbrush, SFX body painting, make-up battle, camouflage body painting, and many more.
- Modern body art movement.
- The dates are 14-16 November 2025.
- Make sure to follow the guidelines.
- Learn about different types of body paintings.
You can also explore the top 5 must visit places in Australia
Culture of Austria and library obsession
Austrians love to read a lot. You can find a lot of book warms especially in Vienna. Surprisingly, Austria has the world’s biggest library. Named “ Austrian National Library”. In particular, there are 2 million books from and around the 14th century. It is located in the famous Baroque state hall of Hofburg. Not to mention, the architecture itself is quite postcard-worthy.
Austria is all about the sense of belongingness and friendliness. Also, the citizens of Austria are very open-hearted. Most importantly, Austrians really spend time and effort to make their home. And they are very proud of it. Family life and family meals together are major here. Likewise, even the youth of Austria spends time with family after school.
Austrians are quite disciplined and follow the order. Punctuality and direct communications they prefer. Overall the whole country has a high literacy rate. Following this, the right to free education and transportation is also provided to students. Lastly, Austrians highlight themselves as wealthy people. In terms of Art, landscapes, climates, and coffee.
- Austrians have a deep love for studying.
- World’s Biggest library is in Austria.
- Self-made Cozy cottages are their pride.
You should also explore these10 Music festivals in Australia to experience at least once in your life.
A Festival Where Everyone Becomes Art
What makes the World Body Painting Festival so special is that the human body itself is the canvas — with all its curves, textures and imperfections embraced, not hidden. Here it’s less about “perfect beauty” and more about self expression, creativity and diversity.
You’ll see all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds here. No judgment, just creativity and imagination.
One year a team painted a group of dancers to look like butterflies in flight — wings fluttering across shoulders and backs. Another time an artist turned a whole person into what looked like a cracked stone statue right before your eyes!
Final Thoughts
The World Body Painting Festival is a magical, amazing and thought-provoking event that combines art, culture and community in ways you won’t believe unless you see it. Whether you’re an art lover, a photographer or just looking for an experience of a lifetime, this festival will leave you with memories that stick — just like the paint!
So next summer, pack your bags, bring your curiosity and get ready to see humans turned into living works of art. You might even get painted yourself!
Frequently asked questions
The World Body Painting Festival is the largest event celebrating body art, where artists paint designs on people’s bodies. It’s held every July in Pörtschach am Wörthersee, Austria.
In 2025, the festival will take place in July. You can attend by booking tickets and accommodations in advance through the official website.
Yes! Artists use water-based, skin-friendly paints that are safe, non-toxic, and easy to wash off after the event.
Absolutely! Both professionals and beginners can participate, whether as models, artists, or even volunteers.
Expect a fun, colorful atmosphere with creative designs, workshops, live music, and a welcoming community celebrating art and self-expression.
You must be logged in to post a comment.