The Island Open Studios 2026

We’re throwing open The Island doors for our annual Open Studios weekend, 15th – 18th October.

Illustration of buildings and wacky, colourful characters including clowns and a huge flamingo

The Island programme of events is below. Please book in advance with Headfirst Bristol for taster classes and building tours.

PROGRAMME

ACTIVITYWHERETIMEDETAILS
Thursday 15th
Illustration of a clown on a tightrope holding an umbrellaAGM and Studio Holders’ Exhibition previewThe Island Gallery18:00-20:00Free, book in advance
Friday 16th
Illustration of a man painting at an easelStudio Holders’ Exhibition
Gallery12:00-17:00Free
Saturday 17th
Illustration of a person playing the guitarThe Island Open StudiosWhole building12:00-17:00Free
Illustration of a man painting at an easelStudios Holders’ ExhibitionGallery12:00-17:00Free
Open CourtsThe Courts13:00-18:00Free
Illustration of a man wearing a top hat and spangly jacketThe Island and The Courts Heritage TourWhole complex13:00-14:00Paid, book in advance
£8 for 1; £12 for 2; kids go free
Illustration of a DJ and person dancing outside The Island building in BristolWorld Fusion Dance Taster ClassDance Studio15:00-16:00Free, book in advance
Illustration of a man wearing a top hat and spangly jacketThe Island and The Courts Heritage TourWhole complex15:00-16:00Paid, book in advance
£8 for 1; £12 for 2; kids go free
Illustration of a person dancing in front of a buildingKathak and Bharatnatyam – Classical Indian Dance Taster ClassDance Studio15.30-16.30Free, book or drop in
Illustration of a hot air balloon with some clowns in itPro-wrestling Taster Class Circus Studio12:30-13:30Free, book in advance
Illustration of a clown standing on a buildingFamily Circus Workshops with The Hula Hoop LadyCourtyard13.00-16.00Free, drop in
Illustration of a woman lying inside an aerial hoopIntroduction to Aerial HoopCircus Studio14:00-15:00Free, book in advance
Illustration of a person knittingIntroduction to Sewing Taster ClassThe Sewing Room13:00-13:30Free, book or drop in
Illustration of a small planeIntroduction to Pattern Cutting Taster ClassThe Sewing Room14:00-14:30Free, book or drop in
Illustration of a woman lying inside an aerial hoopBadge making for familiesGraft Studio12.00-18.00Free, drop in
Illustration of a person DJingDJ – Creative Youth Network PresentsCourtyard16.00-18.00Free, drop in
Sunday 18th
Illustration of a man painting at an easelStudio Holders’ ExhibitionGallery, first floor12:00-16:00Free
Illustration of a person playing the guitarThe Island Open StudiosWhole Building12.00-16.00Free
Illustration of a man wearing tutuIntroduction to BalletDance studio14:00-15.00Free, book in advance
Illustration of a clown juggling on a buildingCircus Skills Drop InCircus Studio12.30-13.30Free, drop in