World Bodypainting Festival

The World Bodypainting Festival (WBF) is coming to Sterzing / Vipiteno in South Tyrol!

For 29 years, the World Bodypainting Festival (WBF) has been the most important event in the international bodypainting scene. The only World Award event in 2025 will be the Camouflage Bodypainting category, taking place on July 3 and 4, 2026, in Sterzing.

For many years, this competition has celebrated the art of optical illusion, where artists masterfully blend painted bodies into their surroundings. The growing enthusiasm for this category has led to an expansion to a two-day competition, giving more artists the chance to showcase their talents.

The picturesque alpine town Sterzing, provides the perfect setting for this event. With its historic alleys, medieval towers, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, the town transforms into an open-air gallery. The peaceful atmosphere allows artists to fully focus on their craft, while visitors can enjoy a unique and immersive experience.Starting July 2, 2026, special side events, including workshops and networking gatherings, will help prepare participants for the competition and foster creative exchange.

Sterzing is also home to the internationally renowned, multiple world body painting champion Johannes Stötter.

The artists will demonstrate their skills in the difficult “Camouflage” category at 15 different locations in and around the historic town center of Sterzing. At the same time, the artists will have the opportunity to give free rein to their creativity at a Creative Bodypainting Jam Session in the town.

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