Plein Air Down Under Painting Festival

About the Event

Discover one of Australia’s most inspiring art events when Plein Air Down Under returns to Mandurah and Pinjarra from 26–28 September 2026. Known as Australia’s premier outdoor painting festival, this vibrant celebration brings together artists and art lovers to capture the beauty of the Peel region’s stunning landscapes, waterways and historic streetscapes.

Across the festival weekend, more than 200 artists will paint throughout Mandurah’s foreshore, town centre, cultural precinct and the historic town of Pinjarra, creating a lively outdoor gallery where visitors can watch artworks come to life.

The festival features an exciting program of paint-outs, workshops, demonstrations, artist talks, exhibitions and competitions, with over $12,000 in awards and prizes on offer. Visitors can stroll through painting locations, meet artists, watch live demonstrations and even try painting themselves through free have-a-go art activities.

When artists aren’t painting outdoors, the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre becomes the festival hub, hosting exhibitions, demonstrations and festival activities.

Festival Weekend Highlights: 26–28 September 2026

• Artists Meet & Greet at the Leon Holmes Gallery
• Live demonstrations by feature artists
• Day and evening paint-outs across scenic Mandurah locations
• Two-hour Quick Draw painting competition
• A full day of painting in historic Pinjarra
• Two art exhibitions showcasing festival artwork
• Free have-a-go painting activities for all ages
• Awards and prizes for participating artists

Pre- and Post-Festival Events

Extend the festival experience with a series of creative events leading up to and following the main weekend:

• Worldwide Paint Out – 5 September, Mandjar Square Mandurah
• Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, 5 September – 11 October
• PADU Experience Peel Paint Outs – 22–25 September across the wider Peel region

Masterclasses with internationally acclaimed artists

• Oil and Pastel Painting with Greg Barnes (USA)
• Oil Painting with Leon Holmes (WA)

Workshops with award-winning artists

• Watercolour and Digital with Andy Dolphin
• Oil – People in the Landscape with Leanne Pearson
• Gouache Painting with Linda MacAulay

Ticket Information

Spectators: Free entry to watch artists painting and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Artist Registration:

• Youth Artists (18 and under): $10 for up to 3 days of painting
• Adult Artists:
  • $95 Early Bird (until 31 July)
  • $120 Standard registration
  • Includes up to 7 days of painting activities

Artists of all experience levels – professional, amateur and youth – are welcome to participate.

Location

Multiple locations across Mandurah WA, Mandurah foreshore, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, and Pinjarra WA.

Date

Festival Weekend: 26–28 September 2026