9–18 February 2026 | Multiple city-centre venues
The Cambridge Arts Festival returns for its third year from 9–18 February 2026, bringing 10 days of creativity, culture and community to the heart of the city.
Delivered by Cambridge BID, the festival celebrates the extraordinary artistic talent that makes Cambridge so distinctive. The 2026 programme will feature a diverse mix of exhibitions, workshops, tours, public art and family-friendly events, taking place in venues across the city centre.
Thank you to the sponsors of the Arts Festival 2026, Mills and Reeve and Clarendon Fine Art.
With a mix of free, pay what you wish and ticketed events, the Cambridge Arts Festival is accessible and welcoming to everyone.
King Street Mural
9th February – 14th February
Darin Mount, Melissa Lhoirit and Susy Snow are three Cambridge-based artists commissioned by Cambridge BID to create a new public art mural on King Street. read more
Rowan Humberstone mixed media workshop (drop-in)
Tuesday 17th February
Join Rowan for a welcoming, drop-in creative workshop at Cambridge Central Library in the EverySpace area (3rd floor). read more
Family-friendly comedy show with Big Deal Comedy (& optional comedy workshop for kids)
Wednesday 18th February
Celebrate the final day of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026 with an afternoon of laughter, creativity, and family-friendly fun, hosted by Big Deal Comedy. Designed especially for children and young people, this event is a brilliant way to spend a half-term afternoon. Families can choose to attend the comedy show, take part in the workshop, or enjoy both as a great-value package. read more
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Competition: “Secrets of Cambridge”, with Campkins Cameras
Over Arts Festival
Hidden Courtyards. Untold Stories. Overlooked Corners. Which secrets will you uncover? read more
Art Makers Fair
Saturday 14th February
Discover a brand-new addition to Cambridge Arts Festival 2026 with our vibrant Art Makers Fair. Visitors and residents are invited to explore an inspiring showcase of regional artists, makers, and creators working across a wide range of disciplines. read more
MODO: Cambridge Lectures on Art and Intelligence
Sunday 8th Feb, Wednesday 11th Feb, Thursday 12th Feb, Monday 16th Feb, Wednesday 18th Feb
A public lecture series exploring how human intelligence evolves alongside AI, from education to industry, innovation, and the future economy. read more
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Twilight at the Museums
Wednesday 18th February
Delivered by the University of Cambridge Museums, family favourite Twilight at the Museums returns this half term for a special 20th anniversary edition. Museums across the city will open their doors and dim the lights for an evening of torchlit trails, hands-on activities, crafts, storytelling and more. On Wednesday 18 February - the closing day of Cambridge Arts Festival - enjoy fun and games at city-centre museums including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Polar Museum, and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. read more
Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop at the Fitzwilliam Museum (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday 11th February
Spend a creative afternoon at the Fitzwilliam Museum as we explore the art of responding to objects and artworks through poetry. This relaxed, free session welcomes everyone - from complete beginners to seasoned writers, from students to freelancers to anyone with a free afternoon to immerse themselves in the museum’s collection! read more
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Cocktails and calligraphy workshop at The Lab
Friday 13th February
The Cambridge Calligrapher has teamed up with Cambridge BID and The Lab, as part of The Cambridge Arts Festival, to bring you a creative evening of Valentine's Day themed calligraphy, great company and excellent drinks*. Your ticket includes one cocktail from our whimsical festival themed collection. read more
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Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Traditional Brush Painting
Monday 16th February and Tuesday 17th February
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a free, artist-led workshop at Lion Yard Shopping Centre, open to all ages and perfect for families and young creatives alike. read more
SketchTogether with Cambridge Drawing Society & Café au Chocolat (SOLD OUT)
Monday 9th February
Join the Cambridge Drawing Society as we kick off the Cambridge Arts Festival with SketchTogether - an inspiring opportunity to draw alongside members of one of the UK’s oldest art societies. read more
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In Bloom: a playful light and sound installation at Station Square
9th February - 18th February
In Bloom is a striking interactive light and sound sculpture coming to Station Square, CB1 as part of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, inviting visitors to pause, play and explore. read more
Yarn Art Takeover
9th February to 18th February
As part of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, a joyful yarn art project brings handmade public art into the heart of the city. read more
CamCreatives Art Show: Drop-in sessions
Monday 9th February - Wednesday 18th February
All sessions are drop-in, free to take part, and designed for curious minds of all ages - from first-time makers to experienced creatives. read more
Cambridge Arts Festival: Opening Night at Clarendon Fine Art Cambridge
Monday 9th February
Join us as we celebrate the opening of the Cambridge Arts Festival with a new exhibition inspired by water - the element that captures light and transforms views through movement and reflection. read more
Christ’s Lane Exhibition Benches
9th February to 18th February
Visit Christ’s Lane to view prints by three Cambridge artists commissioned by Cambridge BID to create the new King Street Mural. Darin Mount, Melissa Lhoirit and Susy Snow will be showcasing prints of their original work. read more
Studio Sundays at Kettle’s Yard, Supported by Cambridge Arts Festival 2026
Sunday 15th February
Join our free, artist-led Studio Sunday workshops for families and unlock your creativity. This workshop is supported by Cambridge Arts Festival 2026. read more
Introduction to Indian Block Printing Workshop with artist Jenny Rampling (SOLD OUT)
Tuesday 10th February
Step into the Dishoom Permit Room in Cambridge for a creative morning of Indian wood block printing with artist Jenny Rampling from Emerald & Embers. Enjoy a relaxed, hands on experience where you will experiment with patterns, colours, and composition using an array of beautifully carved wooden blocks. You will be able to choose to print a cushion cover, tote bag or tea towel. read more
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Pendant Design Competition with Harriet Kelsall
Monday 9th February
Spark your child’s creativity with Harriet Kelsall’s free "Kindness in my world" pendant design competition (open across all four of their studios). Four winning children will have their inspired artwork transformed into a beautiful hand engraved keepsake. read more
A Stage in Time: Celebrating 150 Years of the Corn Exchange
Tuesday 17th February and Wednesday 18th Feb
Visit the Corn Exchange during February half-term to celebrate 150 years of Cambridge Corn Exchange in a new exhibition. read more
Community Open Day at Corn Exchange
Monday 16th February
Last year’s Open Day saw over 1000 visitors through the doors of the Corn Exchange, experiencing everything this venue has to offer for our local communities. read more
Cambridge Arts Festival 2026: Gallery Crawl
Thursday 12th February
njoy an inspiring evening of culture and creativity with the Cambridge Arts Festival’s Gallery Crawl. Taking place between 5–7pm, visitors and residents alike have the chance to discover new artworks, hear inspiring talks, and watch artists at work across the city – all with a complimentary glass of bubbles in hand*. read more