The Island Open Studios 2026

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

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 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 woman dancingKathak and Bharatnatyam – Classical Indian Dance Taster ClassDance Studio15.30-16.30Free, book or drop in
Illustration of atwo clowns in a hot air balloonPro-wrestling Taster Class Circus Studio12:30-13:30Free, book in advance
Illustration of a clown on a tightrope holding an umbrellaFamily 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 hoopPrint and badge making for familiesGraft Studio12.00-18.00Free, drop in
Illustration of a woman Dj'ingDJ – 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 person in a ballet tutu Introduction to BalletDance studio14:00-15.00Free, book in advance
Illustration of a person jugglingCircus Skills Drop InCircus Studio12.30-13.30Free, drop in