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arts · Saturday 1 August 2026 · Various 
Creative Peninsula
At Multiple venues across Ards and North Down · Ards and North Down, Co. Down
At Multiple venues across Ards and North Down · Ards and North Down, Co. Down
Creative Peninsula is a month-long celebration of visual arts, applied arts, and craft spread across the Ards and North Down area throughout August. Now in its 25th year, it is one of Northern Ireland’s longest-running arts festivals, built around the idea that art should be accessible rather than intimidating - most events are free, and the emphasis is on meeting the people who actually make things. It suits anyone with a passing interest in ceramics, textiles, print, or jewellery, and it works especially well for families who want something more active than a gallery walk.
The anchor exhibition runs at Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards for the full month, with original works by artists and makers from across the borough. The theme for 2026 is ‘Elementals’, with each piece taking its cue from earth, water, fire, or air. Work is for sale, and many of the exhibiting artists also accept commissions - worth asking if something catches your eye.
The highlight on the calendar is the Twilight Market and Arts Night on Friday 7 August, in Conway Square, Newtownards, running from 3pm to 8pm. Around 25 local artists and makers set up stalls with ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, and mixed media. There is a drop-in arts and crafts zone for younger visitors run by Boom Studios, live demonstrations, and music in the square. It draws a good crowd without feeling overwhelming.
Open Studios Weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday 9-10 August, when artists open their working spaces across the peninsula. Visiting a studio - seeing the tools, the half-finished pieces, the mess - gives a very different picture of how art gets made than a finished show does.
Newtownards sits about 10 miles east of Belfast at the head of Strangford Lough. By car, the A20 from Belfast takes roughly 25 minutes outside peak hours. There is regular Translink bus service from Belfast Europa Bus Centre (Route 10 towards Newtownards), with the journey taking around 40 minutes. The town centre has several car parks close to Conway Square and Ards Arts Centre, and on-street parking is available in surrounding streets.
For events at studios across the peninsula, a car is useful - the Ards Peninsula stretches south along a narrow strip of land and public transport thins out once you leave the main towns.
Newtownards is a solid market town with a good range of cafes and independent shops around Conway Square, and the ruins of Movilla Abbey on the edge of town are worth the short walk. Strangford Lough is minutes away if you want to follow the visit with a drive along the shore. There is more to see in Newtownards and across Co. Down.
Heading to Multiple venues across Ards and North Down? Down has plenty more to see. Browse the area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.