For the past few years, we’ve had the incredible experience of working New Year’s Eve at Dublin Castle, bringing walkabout face painting to the heart of the celebrations!

Unlike traditional face painting setups, walkabout painting requires a completely different approach—one that’s quick, efficient, and interactive while keeping up with the high-energy crowds. To make sure we stood out in the dark winter evening, our team dressed in matching uniforms, wearing pink caps and wrapping fairy lights around ourselves so people could easily spot us.

With live music, fireworks, and thousands of people celebrating, it was an amazing way to ring in the new year with color, glitter, and fun!

The Art of Walkabout Face Painting – Staying Fast, Clean & Engaging

Walkabout face painting is very different from working at a set station, and over the years, we’ve perfected the best techniques and tips to make it work smoothly.

The Perfect Walkabout Kit – Lightweight & Efficient  

Since we’re constantly moving, we streamline our kit for maximum efficiency:

Brush belt strapped around us – Holds our essentials for easy access.

Simplified one-stroke palette & stencils – Fast, effective designs without carrying too much.

Small bag for sponges – Keeping fresh ones separate from used ones.

Sewage bag for dirty baby wipes – Essential to keep everything tidy while moving.

Open glitters with a separate brush for each color – Since many adults just want glitter, this speeds things up!

Staying Clean While Painting on the Move

Walkabout face painting can get messy quickly, especially in crowded, high-energy spaces. Here’s how we keep things as clean as possible:

Use a spray bottle filled with water to control paint flow and prevent spills.

Keep designs smaller – They still stand out but minimize mess and drying time.

Wash brushes frequently – When brushes reach their limit, we wash them in the staff bathroom sink or a designated face painting station if one is available. 

Walkabout is Also About Promo & Social Energy

Unlike a typical face painting event, walkabout face painting is just as much about interaction as it is about painting. You’re constantly:

Chatting with festival-goers and engaging with the crowd.

Promoting the event and adding to the atmosphere.

Creating quick, stunning designs that keep the energy high!

At Dublin Castle, the New Year’s atmosphere is electric, and being part of the celebration makes the experience even more special.

New Year’s Eve at Dublin Castle – A Night to Remember

Every year, this event reminds us why we love what we do. The combination of music, fireworks, and an amazing crowd makes it the perfect place to bring color, creativity, and festive fun to the new year.

If you ever see a glowing team with fairy lights wrapped around them, you’ll know it’s us—ready to paint, spread some magic, and welcome in another fantastic year!

Stay creative,

Selena, Amber & The Team