Organising a painted rock event is a fantastic way to bring your community together for a day of creativity, outdoor fun, and connection. Whether it is a small neighbourhood gathering or a large public festival, a well-planned rock painting event creates lasting memories and fills your area with hidden treasures for weeks to come.
Planning Your Event
Choose a Venue
Select an accessible, family-friendly location with enough space for tables, seating, and foot traffic. Great options include public parks, community centres, school grounds, and library gardens. Ensure the venue has access to water for cleaning brushes and proximity to restrooms.
Set a Date and Time
Weekend mornings and afternoons attract the best turnout. Avoid scheduling during major local events or holidays. Plan for 2–4 hours — enough time for participants to arrive, paint, and join group hiding activities without feeling rushed.
Budget and Supplies
Calculate supplies based on expected attendance. For each participant, prepare:
- 2–3 pre-washed stones in various sizes.
- Shared acrylic paint sets (one set per 4–5 people).
- 2–3 brushes in different sizes.
- Paper plates for palettes and water cups for rinsing.
- Newspaper or plastic tablecloths for table protection.
- Paper towels and wet wipes for cleanup.
Event Activities
- Welcome and demonstration (15 min) — show basic techniques and examples to inspire participants.
- Free painting time (60–90 min) — let participants paint at their own pace with music and socialising.
- Registration workshop (15 min) — teach participants how to register rocks on RoxGeo and write codes.
- Group rock hide (30 min) — walk together to designated areas and hide rocks as a community activity.
- Photo station — set up a fun photo area where participants can photograph their creations before hiding them.
Promotion Tips
- Create an event page on social media with attractive visuals and clear details.
- Post flyers at local libraries, cafes, schools, and community boards.
- Reach out to local newspapers and community newsletters for coverage.
- Partner with local businesses for supply sponsorships in exchange for visibility.
- Encourage early registration to gauge attendance and plan supplies accordingly.
Day-of Logistics
- Arrive early to set up tables, supplies, and signage.
- Have volunteers ready to assist with painting tips, supplies, and cleanup.
- Provide a designated drying area where freshly painted rocks can set without being bumped.
- Keep extra supplies accessible but organised to avoid waste.
- Have bags or containers for participants to carry wet rocks home for sealing.
After the Event
Share photos from the event on your group's social media page. Encourage participants to seal their rocks at home and hide them within the following week. Post updates as rocks are found and checked into RoxGeo — watching the event's rocks spread across the community creates ongoing excitement and connection.
A successful painted rock event can become a beloved annual tradition in your community, growing larger and more creative each year. For guidelines on responsible rock hiding, visit our rules page.
