Paint with Australia’s Best at Capital Plein Air 2026
Join professional and amateur artists from across Australia for a week of outdoor painting, learning, and connection in Canberra’s stunning autumn landscape.
Australia’s East Coast Outdoor Painting Festival
For one spectacular week each April, artists gather in Canberra to paint the nation’s capital during its most colourful season—autumn. Whether you’re a professional artist or picking up a brush for the first time, CaPA offers an opportunity to paint iconic Australian landscapes, learn from leading instructors, connect with fellow artists, and showcase your work to the public.
2026 Festival Dates:
– April 18–19: Workshop Weekend with Featured Artist Scott Gellatley
– April 20–24: Pre-Festival Paint Out Week (various locations)
– April 25–26: Festival Weekend (with public events, awards, and Quick Draw Competition) Parliamentary Triangle & Kingston Foreshore
What’s Included in Your Registration
Everything You Need for an Unforgettable Week
Access & Permits – Painting permits for all festival locations including National Arboretum Canberra, Government House, and heritage sites – Access to premium painting spots across Canberra’s most scenic venues
Competitions & Awards – Eligibility for CaPA Awards and prize money – Entry to the Quick Draw Competition – Opportunity to exhibit.
Sales & Exposure – Opportunity to sell your artwork to the public (25% commission) and through festival marketing channels
Community & Learning – Access to register for festival workshops, attend social networking events throughout the week – Access to artist demonstrations – Connection with 100+ artists from across Australia
Who Should Attend
All Artists Welcome—From Beginners to Professionals
Capital Plein Air celebrates artists at every stage of their journey.
You’ll fit right in if you: – Love painting outdoors (or want to try it for the first time) – Want to challenge yourself and grow as an artist – Enjoy connecting with like-minded creatives – Are looking for a supportive, inclusive painting community.
Did you know? 66% of our 2025 Festival artists travel from interstate, with participants joining us from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania
Partners are welcome!
Travelling to Canberra for the festival? Your non-painting partner is welcome to join you! Whether they want to take photographs, enjoy nature walks, or simply relax while you paint, they can accompany you to all locations throughout the week. Just add their name when you register and we’ll provide them with a festival lanyard and access to all sites and social events. Included with your registration—no additional fee
What You Need to Know
What to Bring
- Your own art supplies (paints, brushes, easel, canvas/paper)
- Frames for exhibiting work (bring a variety of frames that match the panel sizes you are using during the festival) We will arrange a local framer for pre-ordering ahead also.
- Comfortable outdoor clothing and sun protection
- Folding chair or stool (optional)
- Water and snacks
- Camera for reference photos
What’s Provided
- Painting permits for all locations
- Festival booklet with maps, location information and schedules
- Access to facilities (toilets and parking at all venues)
- Exhibition space for awards and sales
- First aid support and emergency services on call
Getting Around
While Canberra offers beautiful painting locations, public transport to some of our more rural sites can be limited. If you’re travelling from interstate, we suggest driving to Canberra if possible, or hiring a car if you’re flying in—this will ensure you can easily access all our paint-out locations throughout the week.
If you’d prefer to share transport, join our Facebook group to connect with fellow artists and arrange carpools—many participants love traveling together!
Where to Stay
For accommodation, we suggest staying in the Kingston area, close to our festival hub at The Fitters Workshop in the Kingston Arts District.
This vibrant neighbourhood offers a great range of Airbnb options and nearby hotels, putting you right in the heart of the action. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly or nature-immersed option, Canberra also has several excellent campgrounds within easy driving distance of our painting locations. Staying near Kingston makes it easy to drop off artwork, attend social events, and connect with other painters throughout the week.
Note on Accessibility
We strive to make CaPA accessible to all artists. All locations have nearby parking and toilet facilities. While we cannot guarantee full wheelchair accessibility at every outdoor location, we’re committed to inclusivity and will work with you to accommodate your needs. Please contact us via the contact page to discuss specific requirements.
Capital Plein Air is a not-for-profit organisation run by artists, for artists. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.