You don't need to know your Picasso from your Pollock to enjoy Plymouth Art Weekender! Taking place across the city from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026, this three-day celebration of creativity is an invitation to explore, discover, get curious and perhaps try something completely new as Bracken Jelier finds out.
If you've ever walked past an art gallery and wondered whether it's really for you, Plymouth Art Weekender might just change your mind.
With exhibitions, open studios, creative activities and unexpected encounters happening across the city, there's plenty to discover. And the best part? You don't need any artistic knowledge to get involved.
Here are five welcoming places to start your creative adventure.
1. Step Inside an Artist's Studio – Grow Plymouth
Ever wondered where artists come up with their ideas, what their studios look like or how they actually make their work?
Grow Plymouth is opening its doors for the weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to explore working studios, meet local artists and discover everything from painting and printmaking to sculpture and photography.
You'll also find Totems for Troubling Times, an exhibition by artist collective Room to Manoeuvre alongside invited artists, exploring belief, value and the objects we give meaning to.
It's a great opportunity to ask questions, see creativity in progress and discover the people behind the art.
Where: Grow Plymouth, 14 Drake Circus, PL4 8AQ
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, open studios 11am–3pm
Cost: Free entry, all welcome
Website: Grow Plymouth – Events
Accessibility note: The ground-floor exhibition space is accessible at street level, but the upstairs studios are accessible by stairs only.
2. Discover Art With a Story – The Box
Sometimes the easiest way into art is through the stories behind it.
At The Box, visitors can explore nine paintings from Plymouth's art collection that have recently been displayed in Downing Street through the Government Art Collection's Museum in Residence scheme.
Selected for the stories they tell about innovation, resilience and creativity, these paintings offer a fascinating starting point for discovering Plymouth's artistic heritage.
Whether you're interested in history, people, places or just beautiful paintings, there's something here to spark a conversation.
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place, PL4 8AX
When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, 10am–5pm
Website: The Box
Event details: Art Collection Highlights
3. Discover Art Somewhere Unexpected – Café Momus
Who says art has to be displayed in a traditional gallery?
As part of Plymouth Art Weekender, Artemis Collective is taking over Café Momus with an exhibition of work by its members.
It's an opportunity to experience art in a more informal, familiar setting and discover some of the creative talent working across Plymouth.
Ideal if you fancy dipping your toe into the art world without committing to a whole afternoon of gallery visits and also enjoying all sort os drinks, cakes and company then this is your place!
Where: Café Momus, 14–17 Manor Street, PL1 1TL
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, 12pm–5pm
Suitable for: All ages
Event details: Artemis X Café Momus
4. Take an Art-Filled Wander – Royal William Yard
If you love the idea of combining a walk, some beautiful surroundings and a bit of culture, head to Royal William Yard.
The historic waterfront destination is hosting a selection of exhibitions in the Melville Building as part of its wider Artober programme.
Discover work by local artists including Polly Plouviez, Emma Sprawson and Rosie Allen-Perdikeas, alongside photography, installations and Hope Begins with a Home, a creative response to homelessness in Plymouth.
It's a lovely way to experience a range of artistic styles and ideas in one location, with plenty of opportunities to explore the Yard afterwards.
Where: Melville Building, Royal William Yard, PL1 3RP
When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, from 11am
Website: Royal William Yard – Plymouth Art Weekender
5. Discover Something Different – The Shallows
If you prefer something a little more unexpected, why not experience a contemporary art exhibition that invites you to look at things differently?
Luke Hall's The Shallows, presented at Fotonow on Cornwall Street, offers another stop on your Plymouth Art Weekender journey.
It's a chance to experience an artist's work in a dedicated creative space and discover something that might be completely different from what you usually associate with art.
You don't need to understand everything you're looking at. Just approach it with an open mind and see what catches your attention.
Where: Fotonow, 107 Cornwall Street, PL1 1PA
When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, 11am–5pm daily
Full programme: Plymouth Art Weekender
Your Art Weekender, Your Way
The wonderful thing about Plymouth Art Weekender is that there isn't a correct way to experience it.
You can visit one exhibition or spend the entire weekend exploring. You can ask questions or simply enjoy looking. You can love something, feel confused by something else or discover an artist whose work stays with you long after you've left.
The point is to give it a go.
Plymouth Art Weekender runs from 16–18 October 2026, with events happening in galleries, studios, cafés and unexpected places across the city.
Many activities are free to enjoy, although some require booking or have limited spaces. Check individual listings before visiting.
Explore the full programme, venue details and booking information at www.plymouthartweekender.com.
