Saturday 1– Monday 31 August 2026
Across various locations
A celebration of artists and makers in Ards and North Down.
Every August, the Borough of Ards and North Down comes alive with art and craft — a month‑long celebration featuring exhibitions, open studios, live craft demonstrations, and workshops where visitors can view, buy or even make unique handmade pieces.
Creative Peninsula is Northern Ireland's premier celebration of Art and Craft, taking place in the picturesque borough of Ards and North Down.
Now in its 25th year, and with some exciting new collaborations, this thriving annual event features exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations and our annual outdoor Twilight Craft Market, all taking place in the picturesque Borough of Ards and North Down.
Our Borough is well known for its many resident Artists and Makers and during the Creative Peninsula visitors have the opportunity to view their work, make a purchase or a commission or try their hand at making something unique.
Highlights of the programme include the Creative Peninsula Twilight Market and Arts Night held in Conway Square, Newtownards on 7 August 2026, plus a series of 'Meet the Maker' events with local artists and makers from across the borough, as well as exhibitions showcasing our local creative talent.
So why not take the opportunity to immerse yourself in this celebration of creativity!
For full details visit the Creative Peninsula website to view the programme.
Alternatively, pick up a printed programme from one of our locations:
Please note
- Online booking fees apply where relevant. None when booking in person or by phone via our Visitor Information Centres.
- Details are subject to change.
- This event is being photographed/filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff
- These events are no drone zones. Only official event drones authorised by the event organisers are permitted
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Make a Break of it and Stay a While
Stay a while and take a break on our shores. Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.
Find out more in our Plan Your Trip section.
Sustainability
Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We encourage visitors to travel via public transport, there are fresh water stations on site bring along refillable water bottles, reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event and please dispose rubbish in the correct bins when on-site. Read more about our Roadmap to Sustainability and Recycling at Council-run Events in Ards and North Down.
Please enjoy the day responsibly and help us protect, respect and enjoy our place together by following The Good Visitor Promise.
Experience the Creative Peninsula Twilight Market and Arts Night, Friday 7 August, in Conway Square, Newtownards, where local artists, makers and performers come together for an evening of craft, music, food and family-friendly fun.
