World Bodypainting Festival (WBF) 2026 Europe
Overview
The World Bodypainting Festival 2026 is the premier global event dedicated to the art of body painting, bringing together the world’s most talented artists, models, and photographers. This year, the festival expands its reach with a series of high-profile World Award and WBA contests held across iconic European destinations including Spain, France, Croatia, and Italy. Each stop on the tour offers a unique thematic focus, from the vibrant “Circus” theme in Spain to specialized camouflage awards in the historic streets of Italy, creating a traveling masterpiece of human canvases.
As the largest event of its kind, the festival serves as both a competitive arena for professional artists and a spectacular visual feast for the public. Beyond the main competitions, attendees can participate in educational workshops, photography sessions, and “Jam Sessions” where creativity flows without the pressure of judging. The 2026 series continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, blending traditional brush and sponge techniques with modern special effects and creative makeup to celebrate the human form as a living work of art.
Event Highlights
- Global Contest Series: Features the World Bodypainting Show Award in Spain, the French Bodypainting Award in Paris, and specialized awards in Italy and Finland.
- Diverse Art Forms: Showcases elite categories including Brush and Sponge, Open Category, Camouflage, and Creative Make-up World Awards.
- Unique Settings: Competitions are integrated into legendary local festivities like the Carnaval de Aguilas in Spain and open-air locations in Hvar, Croatia.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers professional workshops and “Photo Days” where participants can learn from industry experts like Tobias Spranger.
Why Attend
The World Bodypainting Festival is a must-attend for professional artists, photographers, and creative enthusiasts who want to witness the pinnacle of body art. It provides an unparalleled networking platform where visitors can meet international champions and see live transformations that challenge the perception of reality. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for anyone passionate about fashion, makeup, photography, or fine arts.
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For the general public, the WBF offers a rare opportunity to experience a high-energy, colorful celebration that combines art with local culture and entertainment. Whether you are following the tour to enjoy the Mediterranean sun in Croatia or the historic charm of the Italian Alps, the festival promises an immersive experience filled with music, street performances, and breathtaking visual storytelling that is suitable for all age groups.
Date & Duration
| Event / Award Name | Dates | City | Country | Primary Location / Context |
| WBF Spain 2026 (World Award: Bodypainting & Show) | February 7, 2026 | Águilas | Spain | Within the Carnaval de Águilas |
| French Bodypainting Award (WBA Contest) | June 6, 2026 | Paris | France | To be confirmed |
| Hvar Bodypainting Festival (WBA Contest) | June 13–14, 2026 | Hvar | Croatia | Open air locations in Hvar |
| WBF Italy 2026 (World Award: Camouflage) | July 3–4, 2026 | Sterzing (Vipiteno) | Italy | City center/Historic district |
| WBF Finland 2026 (Creative Make-up & Nordic Awards) | TBA 2026 | Helsinki | Finland | To be confirmed |
| WBF Online Awards | TBA 2026 | Worldwide | Online | Digital Submission/Live Stream |
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Multiple locations, including Aguilas (Spain), Paris (France), Hvar (Croatia), and Sterzing (Italy).
- Venue: Carnaval de Aguilas, Sterzing Historic District, and various open-air sites in Hvar.
- Google Maps Address: Plaza de Espana, 30880 Aguilas, Murcia, Spain (WBF Spain Hub).
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online through the official WBF website and are available at the entrance for most public contest areas.
- Admission Type: General admission for visitors, artist registration passes, and special workshop tickets.
- Ticket Pricing: Visitor day passes range from approximately $22 to $45; artist registration fees range from approximately $33 to $110 depending on the category.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Photography passes for exclusive shooting areas range from approximately $150 to $270; VIP backstage access is available at select locations.
- Free Admission: Entry to the evening “Get Together” events and certain public square presentations in Sterzing and Hvar is completely free.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: information@bodypainting-festival.com
- Phone: +43 4245 21637
- Website: www.bodypainting-festival.com
- Social Media:
- http://facebook.bodypainting-festival.com/
- http://instagram.bodypainting-festival.com/
- http://twitter.bodypainting-festival.com/
- http://tv.bodypainting-festival.com/
- https://t.me/world_bodypainting
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Region of Murcia (RMU) for Spain; Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) for France; Split Airport (SPU) followed by a ferry for Hvar.
- Public Transport: High-speed RENFE trains serve the Murcia region; Paris is connected by an extensive Metro network; local buses connect Sterzing to Innsbruck.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber is available in Paris and major Spanish cities; local water taxis are the primary mode of transport between Hvar town and contest sites.
- Parking: Public parking lots in Sterzing center cost approximately $25 per day; in Aguilas, parking is limited during Carnival, so early arrival is essential.
- Other Access: Ferry services from Split to Hvar take approximately 1 hour; Sterzing is easily reachable by regional trains from the Brenner Pass.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Don Juan (Aguilas, beachfront views approximately $180-300 per night); Palace Elisabeth (Hvar, 5-star heritage approximately $450-700 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Rosskopf (Sterzing, traditional Alpine style approximately $140-220 per night); Hotel Mercure Paris (Central location approximately $190-310 per night).
- Budget Stays: Youth Hostel Hvar (Vibrant atmosphere approximately $40-80 per night); B and B options in Sterzing village approximately $70-130 per night.
Reviews
- The level of detail on the camouflage artists in Italy was so good I actually walked past the models twice.
- Attending the Spain event during the Carnival was the most colorful and energetic weekend of my entire life.
- As a photographer, the access I got to the world-class models in Hvar was worth every penny of the pass.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
When will the specific venues for the Paris and Helsinki 2026 events be officially confirmed?
The organization typically confirms exact venue addresses three to four months prior to the event date on the official website. Keep an eye on the WBA association pages for the latest updates on the French and Nordic awards locations.
Are there age restrictions for visitors attending the bodypainting competitions?
The festival is generally an open public event suitable for all ages, though some artistic themes may be more geared toward adults. Parents are encouraged to attend the daytime sessions where the atmosphere is very family-friendly and community-oriented.
How can a professional makeup artist register to compete in the World Awards?
Artists must submit an online registration form via the official festival portal along with a portfolio of their previous work. Registration typically closes about three weeks before each specific contest date or once the maximum number of participants is reached.
Is it possible to attend the professional workshops without being a registered competitor?
Yes, the educational workshops and the "Photo Day" sessions are open to any interested individuals who purchase the specific workshop ticket. These sessions are highly popular and have limited capacity, so it is recommended to book your spot as soon as they go on sale.
What happens if there is bad weather for the open-air events in Croatia or Italy?
The festival organizers usually have covered backup locations or "rain dates" planned to ensure the artists and models are protected. Detailed weather contingency plans are shared with all registered participants and ticket holders through the festival app 48 hours before the start.
