Have you ever heard the phrase ‘dance like no-one is watching’? This event is for people who would like to paint outside but feel too self-conscious to give it a go. Or for people who already paint outside but want to come along for fun! Join artist Kate Gorringe-Smith at Dights Falls on Wurundjeri country in this judgement-free space for some arty connections by the beautiful Birrarung. Painting or drawing welcome.

Kate, a Naarm/Melbourne artist deeply connected to the river and Wurundjeri Country, will guide you on this journey of awareness and connection. There is no better way to truly pay close attention to a place than to try and render it on paper. Whether you consider the artwork a success is arbitrary – we are here to become absorbed in the sights, sounds smells of the wonderful Birrarung!

Accessibility: This event is wheelchair friendly. Riverfest welcomes everyone—we’re committed to making our events accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. If you have accessibility needs and require support to attend, please email carolyn.tate@yarrariver.org.au

What to bring: BYO paints/pencils and sketch pad. It can get quite breezy, so best to have a clipboard or a bulldog clip to hold down your pages.

Please note: This is not an art class, just a safe space for art-making, There are toilets nearby to wash hands or get water. This activity is WEATHER DEPENDENT - if it is raining it is cancelled. You will also be sitting on the grass for this one.

Bring the kids: Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a carer.

About Riverfest

This event is part of the 2025 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 60+ events hosted over three weeks from 6–28 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water.
Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.