Adult Open
All artists regardless of age, experience, or professional status may enter this category. You will be judged alongside professional and emerging professional painters.

Adult Non-Professional
For artists over 18 years of age who prefer to be judged among hobbyists, beginners, and intermediate painters rather than professionals. This is a supportive and encouraging category for developing artists.

Youth / Junior Artists (Quick Draw Only)
Youth and junior artists are welcome to participate in the Quick Draw event. They are not judged in the main Open or Non-Professional competitions.
Youth = Under Age 13 Junior = Age 14-18

Check Your Registration Details
We’ve had a few questions about ticket types and categories, so here’s how to read your ticket:

• Under “Price”
  This shows the type of ticket you purchased, for example:
  • Festival Adult – Open or Non-Professional
  • Quick Draw Adult
  • Quick Draw Youth/Junior
• Under “Category”
  This confirms the category you selected when registering (e.g. Adult Open (Including Professional)).
• Under “Section”
  This shows what you’re registered for:
  Full Festival (Pre-Festival Paint Out + Festival Weekend + Quick Draw), or
  Quick Draw only

If you think you’ve selected the wrong category, just email us and we can update it before the festival begins.

We understand that the current fuel situation is impacting travel plans for some artists, particularly those travelling long distances to Canberra.

As outlined in our Terms & Conditions, festival registrations are non-refundable. This policy is consistent with other Australian plein air events, including Plein Air Down Under, and is essential to ensure the festival can proceed as planned. As a small not-for-profit outdoor event, we rely on confirmed registrations to deliver venues, logistics, and prize funding. Allowing cancellations in response to changing external conditions would place the viability of the festival at risk.

Hotel/Apartment Accommodation

We have secured festival discounts with several accommodation providers in the Kingston / inner south area. There are some great options for multi-bedroom apartments if you’d like to share with another artist travelling to the festival.

1. Manuka Park Serviced Apartments (Manuka)
1-bedroom: $190/night 2-bedroom: $240/night
Dates: 17–26 April 2026 Book: manukapark.com.au
Promo codes: “Plein 2026” (1BR) / “2BR-Plein 2026” (2BR)
Includes: Free parking; free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in.

2. Oxley Court Serviced Apartments (Kingston)
1-bedroom (up to 2 ppl): $220/night 2-bedroom (up to 3 ppl): $240/night
Book: Email sales@oxleycourt.com.au, quote “Plein Air”
Includes: Wi-Fi, parking, kitchen, laundry, separate living areas, balcony/courtyard
Cancellation: 72 hours prior

3. TFE Hotels — Hotel Kurrajong & Adina Kingston
Approx 15% off their standard rate. Book Now

4. Forrest Hotel & Apartments (Forrest) +61 2 6203 4300
Offer: 10% off best available rate
Sample off-peak rate: ~$122/night (before discount; varies by date/room type)
There are **Promo Code:** PLEINAIR   **Discount Period:** 18 – 26 April, 2026
Call 02 6203 4300 and mention the promo code or event name.
Website Booking: Enter the promo code “PLEINAIR” on booking page.
Direct Link: Use this specific link to make a reservation online (The code has been preloaded)