Battle of the Brush at the Pipe Shop

Battle of the Brush is a live painting competition hosted by Golden Brush Art. The event takes place at the Shipyards in North Vancouver.

Battle of the Brush in North Vancouver

Golden Brush Art hosts several live painting competitions each year. Its Battle of the Brush series began in 2008 and has continued since, except for a few years due to the pandemic. We attended one of their events a few years ago, when it was at Heritage Hall in Vancouver, and it was excellent!

When and Where in 2026

The 45th edition of Battle of the Brush takes place on Friday, February 27th, 2026. The event runs from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm. It’s at the Pipe Shop venue, which is located at 115 Victory Ship Way in North Vancouver. The venue is in the Shipyards District and just steps away from the waterfront. The venue is also just a short walk from the SeaBus terminal, making it very convenient to reach.

Future events may take place at different locations across Metro Vancouver. Exact details are to be confirmed.

Battle of the Brush

What To Expect

The Battle of the Brush event in February 2026 features 16 artists, each in a team of two.

At the events, each pair typically paints on the same canvas simultaneously, so they must work together and blend their brushstrokes. Multiple teams compete on stage simultaneously. There’s a time limit, so things get intense pretty fast. In addition, there will be DJ music and a surprise show midway through the event. There is also a bar. It’s akin to an exclusive nightclub setting, but with amazing art and painting for entertainment. It is most enjoyable and a cool experience.

Once all the paintings are complete, the artwork is displayed for everyone in attendance. Guests get to vote for their favourite pieces and collectively decide on a winner. The first-place team receives $500 and the Golden Brush title. The art is also available for sale.

Battle of the Brush is a fun and exciting way to watch artists compete. If you enjoy art and watching experts at work, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Note: This event is only for adults ages 19 and above. It’s a licensed event, meaning alcohol is available for purchase on site.

Painters at Battle of the Brush

Admission Details

Tickets for Battle of the Brush are available online. Prices vary depending on when you buy your tickets and how many you get at once.

You can expect to pay approximately $23 per ticket or $40 for two people if purchased in advance of February 27th, 2026. After that, the price increases to approximately $29 per person or $46 for two people. In all cases, taxes and online fees are extra.

There’s also a ticket option to add a donation to support the artists, priced at approximately $51 per person. Tickets purchased at the last chance, very close to the event, are around $35 per person.

Savannah Heelis at Battle of the Brush in 2024

Featured Artists and Performers

The night features a high-energy live painting competition with doors opening at 8:00 pm and the battle starting shortly after. The event includes two timed painting rounds, a mid-show break to grab drinks and explore the venue, and a final reveal where a winning team is crowned live.

In 2026, the event is hosted by MC Barbara Beam, with music curated by DJ K-Rec. As of late January 2026, the full lineup of competing artists for 2026 has yet to be confirmed. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Battle of the Brush

Battle of the Brush Video

Check out the video below for a good idea of what to expect at the next Battle of the Brush competition. The video was filmed at the September 2024 event. The Pipe Shop was crowded. Attendees were treated to live music and featured artists showcasing their skills.

Tips & Advice

The following tips are worth knowing before attending the Battle of the Brush in North Vancouver.

TIP #1: You’re allowed to bring almost anything legal to the event, except for alcohol (or illegal drugs, firearms, fireworks or anything else crazy ridiculous). This means you can pack snacks and non-alcohol drinks if you’d like.

TIP #2: The Pipe Shop is located about a five-minute walk away from the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus Terminal. It’s easily accessible by public transit. If you decide to drive, there are paid parking lots in the area, including at the Lonsdale Quay Market. Street parking is also available.

TIP #3: If you’d like to make a full day out of the event, be sure to explore the Shipyards area. Check out Lonsdale Quay Public Market, the Museum of North Vancouver and the Polygon Gallery. There are also a number of great restaurants nearby, such as Tap & Barrel, the Lobby and the Pier 7 Restaurant.