Creativity in the Community
South Bristol Arts Trail 2026
Celebrating creativity in Southville, Bedminster and Ashton, 19 and 20 September 2026
The South Bristol Arts Trail returns on 19 and 20 September 2026, 11am to 5pm both days, and Boardwalk is proud to be Lead Supporter for a fourth year. It is a free event, open to everyone, and takes place once a year in venues across Southville, Bedminster and Ashton. Artists and creatives from across the area open their doors and welcome visitors into their homes and venues to showcase their talents.
*All surveys completed by Monday 5th October will be entered in the prize draw. One entry will be drawn at random on the 12th October and will win £150 towards their favourite artist's work. The selected artist will invoice Boardwalk Property Co Ltd for £150 and the chosen winner will be able to choose a piece of work from the selected artist. Any difference in price above £150 will need to be covered by the winner, not Boardwalk Property Co Ltd. If the piece is below the value of £150 Boardwalk Property Co Ltd will still pay the artist £150. No cash alternative is available for Artwork. The competition closes on the 9th October 2026. Boardwalk Property Co Ltd reserves the right to cancel this competition at any time.
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The South Bristol Arts Trail is a free event, open to everyone, and takes place once a year in venues across Southville, Bedminster and Ashton. Artists and creatives from across the area open their doors and welcome visitors into their homes and venues to showcase thier talents.
It has been running for over 15 years and is now a well established part of the arts calendar in Bristol. As Lead Supporter for a fourth year, we help the volunteer-led team promote the event, put up trail signage and boards across BS3, and champion the makers showing their work over the weekend.
This year more than 165 artists exhibit in venues across BS3. Artists open their homes and studio spaces, as well as exhibiting in community venues from schools and shops to cafes and community centres. Wander through our streets and discover new artists, favourite local venues and creatives that might just surprise you.
A few venues make natural anchors for a route. The Tobacco Factory on North Street hosts an exhibition and art market across the weekend, with a Sunday market too. Mudworks brings together a table of local ceramicists, while Riverside Garden Centre sets artists among the plants in its covered outdoor space. Bedminster Library offers step-free access and runs a workshop each day, and St Aldhelm's Church, The Southville Centre and Willway Yard each gather several makers under one roof. Most sit close enough to walk or cycle between, though accessibility varies from site to site, so it is worth checking the map before you set off.
From performers, painters and papercraft to ceramics, sculptures and sketchers, the Trail celebrates the breadth of creativity locally, with something for all to enjoy. There is no fixed order to the trail. Alongside the exhibiting artists you will find hands-on workshops across the weekend, plus cafes and pit stops along the way to keep you going.
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