Spike Island's annual Open Studios returns, celebrating 50 years of championing artist-led experimentation

One of Bristol’s most anticipated cultural weekends is back. From Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May 2026, Spike Island opens its doors for Open Studios 2026: a free, city-wide highlight set to draw thousands across the May bank holiday.

Image: Spike Island Open Studios

Spike Island is a place where art is made and enjoyed, and over the Open Studios weekend visitors will have access all areas: make new discoveries around every corner in over 70 artist studios, get inspired in creative workshops, watch experimental new performances, meet local creative businesses and industry experts, and see in the Summer with some of Bristol’s most beloved names in street food and beer. Open Studios is a chance to experience Bristol’s internationally recognised art scene up close, with plenty on offer for families, first-time visitors and art lovers alike.

Across three days, visitors can explore a packed programme of activity throughout the building, including:

• Artist studios open to the public, with opportunities to meet artists and buy original work
• Major exhibitions from international artists Olukemi Lijadu and Phillip Lai, alongside Spike Island’s acclaimed community of artists working across all discipline 
• Family-friendly workshops, creative drop-ins and hands-on activities
• Live performances, screenings and talks
• Street food from Bristol favourites and pop-up bars across the site: Tasty Ragga, Jim’s Pizza, Bristol Pie Society, and Spike Island’s ever popular residents, Emmeline Café
• Spike Island’s partnership with Bristol brewery Left Handed Giant continues with the release of New Edition – a new pale ale celebrating Spike Island’s 50th anniversary, with limited edition beer can artwork by Spike Island artists.

The weekend begins with a special Launch Night on Friday 1 May (6–9pm), a lively preview event and the first chance to explore the studios before the crowds arrive. Visitors can expect live performances and a buzzing atmosphere across the site, making it the perfect way to kick off the bank holiday weekend. Beer, cider and soft drinks will be provided by Left Handed Giant, Bristol start-up Tribo offer a modern take on traditional yerba mate, and Caribbean street food legends Tasty Ragga will be keeping everyone fed. Music will be provided by NOODS Radio’s resident DJs from their new mobile studio, Tread. The Friday launch event is free entry, but early booking is strongly recommended. 
Other programme highlights include interactive screen-printing and monotype drawing workshops with Spike Print Studio; installations by Spike Island Studio Artists Kathy Hinde, Harriet Bowman and Jo Lathwood; film screenings and talks by Spike Island Associates Guy Undrill, Simone Marconi and Art in Motion; and family-friendly workshops exploring papier mache, ceramics, bookbinding and natural dyes. 

In 2026, Spike Island celebrates its 50th year since its founding as Artspace Bristol in 1976. This weekend will be a celebration of the past, present and future of our artistic community, and in honour of our milestone year we are inviting visitors to help support our work through our special 50th anniversary fundraiser. There will be plenty of ways to get involved, including an exciting opportunity to win a range of prizes, from artworks made at Spike Island, to local restaurant vouchers, goody bags from Bristol icons like Aardman Animation, and even tickets to Forwards Festival 2026.

Spanning a weekend of bold artwork and inspiring creativity, Spike Island Open Studios is the perfect way for visitors of all ages to discover, celebrate and support Bristol’s internationally renowned art scene.