Artober

About us

Artober returns to Royal William Yard this October, transforming the historic waterfront destination into a vibrant hub of contemporary art and creativity. Now in its third year, the festival features a diverse programme of exhibitions, installations, workshops and events, showcasing work from both local and nationally recognised artists.

Visitors can explore everything from painting and photography to ceramics, mixed media and interactive installations, with exhibitions and pop-up displays evolving throughout the month.

What's on during Artober

Paint Out

Saturday 3 October | 11am - 3pm

Artists of all abilities are invited to capture Royal William Yard's iconic waterfront setting in this open-air painting competition. Finished works will be judged on the day, with prizes up for grabs and selected pieces going on to feature in the Artober Exhibition.

Good Food & Craft Market

Sunday 4 October | 10am - 3pm

The Yard's popular market returns with a special Artober focus, bringing together local artists, makers and producers. Browse original artwork, handcrafted gifts, jewellery, homewares and delicious local food and drink.

The Affordable Art Market

2 - 18 October | Melville Corner

Discover original artwork priced between £25 and £500, with landscapes, abstracts, ceramics, prints and more available to purchase directly from the artists. A fantastic opportunity to start or grow your art collection.

Hope Begins With A Home

10 - 18 October | Melville Building

Presented by homelessness charity Path and supported by Ocean City Arts, this community exhibition explores themes of home, hope and homelessness through a range of creative mediums including painting, photography, textiles and written work.

Plymouth Art Weekender

16 - 18 October | Melville Building

Artober once again forms part of Plymouth Art Weekender, the city-wide celebration of Plymouth's independent creative scene. Expect exhibitions, workshops and showcases from both local artists and visiting creatives.

Artober Exhibition

23 October - 1 November | Melville Corner

The flagship Artober exhibition brings together a wide range of contemporary artists under one roof, featuring paintings, prints, ceramics, collage, mixed media and the winning works from the Royal William Yard Paint Out.

South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of the South West Coast Path through a collection of stunning large-format photographs. The exhibition highlights the landscapes, wildlife and communities found along the iconic 630-mile trail.

Workshops & Creative Experiences

Throughout October, visitors can take part in a programme of creative workshops and hands-on experiences, including paint-and-sip evenings, sketching sessions, drawing workshops and artist-led masterclasses. Whether you're a complete beginner or a practising artist, there are opportunities to get involved and try something new.

Meet the Artist in Residence

Royal William Yard's Artist in Residence, Sally Holt, will be exhibiting as part of Artober and leading drawing workshops during the festival. Known for her expressive charcoal work and sought-after dog portraits, Sally's studio in the Brewhouse is open during selected events, offering visitors the opportunity to view her work and learn more about her creative process.

Family-Friendly Activities

Artober offers plenty for younger visitors too. Free colouring activities run throughout the month, with weekly drop-in sessions and colouring sheets available at various locations across the Yard. Family-friendly restaurants and cafés will also be providing creative activities for children, making Artober a great day out for all ages.

Plan Your Visit

With exhibitions, workshops, markets and creative events taking place throughout October, Artober offers the perfect opportunity to discover contemporary art in one of Plymouth's most unique waterfront settings. Combine your visit with independent shopping, dining and harbour views for a memorable autumn day out.