Fancy getting creative but don't know where to start? Plymouth Art Weekender, taking place from 16–18 October 2026, isn't just about looking at exhibitions. From playing with clay and making your own books to discovering printmaking and learning from local artists, there are plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves and have a go. And you certainly don't need to be an artist to join in!
It feels so good when you give it a go and start making things with your hands. Whether it's getting messy with clay, picking up a paintbrush or simply discovering a creative skill you never knew you had, getting involved in art can be just as enjoyable as looking at it.
And if your last artistic achievement was a slightly questionable school pottery project, don't let that put you off!
Plymouth Art Weekender is back from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, bringing a whole host of creative experiences to venues across the city. While there's plenty of incredible artwork to see, there are also opportunities to learn, experiment, meet artists and get involved yourself.
So, if you've ever fancied trying something creative but felt a little intimidated, here are some brilliant places to start.
1. Get Your Hands Messy with Clay – Off Centre: Play Clay
Forget perfectly shaped pots and carefully sculpted masterpieces. This is all about the joy of playing with clay.
At Flameworks in Devonport, artists Angie Wickenden, Christina Peters and Molly Budd are inviting visitors to help create an imaginative sculptural landscape, using their hands to pinch, squish, roll and stretch clay into curious creatures and unexpected shapes.
Working together, participants will help build a wonderfully imperfect world, with clay forms supported by scrap metal structures.
It's playful, tactile and a lovely reminder that making art doesn't have to be about getting everything right.
Even better, it's suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for families looking to try something a little different.
Where: Flameworks, 7 Richmond Walk, Devonport, PL1 4LL
When: Saturday 17 October, 10.30am–4pm
Suitable for: All ages, family-friendly
Find out more: Off Centre – Play Clay
2. Make Your Own Colourful Book – Rhizome Artists Collective
If you love stationery, notebooks or simply the satisfaction of making something yourself, this one's for you.
Rhizome Artists Collective is inviting visitors to create simple, colourful handmade books that can be kept as little works of art, used as journals or notebooks, or given as gifts.
You don't need any previous experience, and the activity is open to all ages and abilities.
Taking place in a lovely seaside setting at Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Club, it's a relaxed opportunity to try a new creative skill and leave with something you've made yourself.
And who knows? Your handmade book might even inspire you to start writing, drawing or collecting your own creative ideas.
Where: Stonehouse Lawn Tennis Club, 173 Durnford Street, Plymouth
When: Saturday 17 October, 11am–3pm
Cost: Free
Suitable for: All ages and abilities
Find out more: Rhizome Artists Collective – Book Making
3. Discover the Art of Printmaking – Devonport Guildhall
There's something quite magical about printmaking. From the anticipation of lifting a freshly printed image to discovering how different techniques create different effects, it's an art form full of possibilities.
As part of Plymouth Art Weekender, Devonport Guildhall is joining forces with Artemis Collective for a Print Emporium, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the world of printmaking and discover the work of local creatives.
Whether you're already a fan of handmade prints or you've never really thought about how they're made, this is a great opportunity to explore another side of Plymouth's creative scene.
Keep an eye on the event listing for details of any demonstrations or opportunities to take part.
Where: Devonport Guildhall, Plymouth
Find out more: Devonport Guildhall X Artemis Collective Print Emporium
4. See How a Painting Begins – Joe Meldrum's Oil Painting Demonstration
Ever watched an artist paint and wondered where on earth they start?
Local artist Joe Meldrum is offering visitors the opportunity to discover the early stages of creating an oil painting, providing a fascinating insight into the techniques and decisions that go into making a finished artwork.
It's a great introduction for anyone who has thought about taking up painting but isn't quite ready to pick up a brush themselves.
You'll have the opportunity to see the creative process unfold, understand a little more about how paintings come together and perhaps leave feeling inspired to have a go at home.
Where: 44 Portland Road, Plymouth, PL1 4QN
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, 10–11.30am
Find out more: Oil Painting Demonstration with Joe Meldrum
5. Explore Drawing and Meet Other Creatives – RAAY Drawing School
If you've ever said, "I can't draw!", perhaps this is the weekend to challenge that idea.
Drawing isn't just about producing a perfect picture. It's also about slowing down, noticing things and experimenting with different ways of seeing the world.
As part of Plymouth Art Weekender, RAAY Drawing School is featured alongside Reunions and the 200+9 Postcard Show Launch, bringing together different strands of creativity and offering an opportunity to discover the work of artists and makers connected to the space.
It's a good starting point for anyone curious about developing their creative confidence or finding out more about drawing opportunities in Plymouth.
Event: Reunions, RAAY Drawing School & 200+9 Postcard Show Launch
Find out more: View the event
6. Get Involved in a Conversation About Our Ocean – There Is No New Water
Not all creative participation involves paint, pens or getting your hands messy.
Sometimes it starts with a conversation.
There Is No New Water – Toolkit for Ocean Citizen Activism is an immersive community event exploring our connection to Plymouth Sound and what it means to live in Britain's Ocean City.
Organised by Take A Part with artists Owen Griffiths, Alessandra Saviotti, Anne-Marie Culhane and Dana Olărescu, the event brings people together around a guided meal to explore ideas about access, imagination, climate and social justice in coastal life.
It's a different way to experience art, where sharing ideas and listening to others become part of the creative process.
Ideal for anyone interested in Plymouth's waterfront, the environment, community or simply taking part in an interesting conversation.
Where: Sherwell United Church, North Hill, Plymouth, PL4 8ER
When: Saturday 17 October, 12–3.30pm
Booking: Ticket required
Find out more and book: There Is No New Water – Toolkit for Ocean Citizen Activism
7. Discover Creativity in the Great Outdoors – Plein Air, Out There
Sometimes all it takes to spark a little creativity is a change of scenery.
Plein Air, Out There is part of this year's Plymouth Art Weekender programme and offers a starting point for discovering art inspired by the world beyond the studio.
'Plein air' simply means working outdoors, usually painting or drawing directly from the landscape rather than from a photograph or memory.
If you're someone who enjoys being outside, this could be a lovely introduction to the relationship between art, observation and the places around us.
Find out more: Plein Air, Out There
Give It a Go!
Perhaps the best thing about Plymouth Art Weekender is that you don't have to arrive with any special skills, knowledge or experience.
You don't need to be good at drawing, understand contemporary art or have a creative hobby already. You can simply turn up curious, ready to try something different.
And while you might discover a new favourite artist or learn a new technique, you could also find a hobby, meet some interesting people or just enjoy spending an afternoon doing something completely different.
So why not put down your phone, pick up a paintbrush, get your hands into some clay or try something you've never done before?
After all, the only way to discover whether you're creative is to give it a go!
Plymouth Art Weekender takes place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026, with exhibitions, workshops, open studios, performances and creative activities happening across the city.
Some activities are free, while others require advance booking or have limited capacity, so check the individual event listings before visiting.
Explore the full programme at www.plymouthartweekender.com.
