Art After Dark 2026: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter!

Join us for a spectacular evening celebrating the beating artistic heart of Birkenhead!

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Art After Dark is returning, and this year, it’s even bigger! We’re teaming up with more venues than ever before to bring you an expanded night of incredible art, creativity, and community across the town.

Mark your calendars: 🗓️ Friday 20th March 🕖 Evening Event 📍 Across Birkenhead

✨ What to Expect This Year

Get ready to explore the town’s thriving creative scene with a packed programme that includes exhibitions, talks, and hands-on workshops.

• Major Exhibition Launch at Make: The evening will kick off with the exciting launch of a brand-new, month-long exhibition at Make CIC, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured within our creative community.
• Demonstrations and and exhibition of local potters and creatives at Rathbone Studio
• Many more venues to be announced
• Confirmed partners so far: Birch / Future Yard / Green Jam / Landlines / Make CIC / Make it Happen / Rathbone / Start Yard / Williamson

🏢 The Venues (More being announced every week)

• Start-Yard – Acreative coworking space and business incubator in Birkenhead that supports startups and freelancers.
  Throughout the evening, Start-Yard welcomes Wirral-based photographer and artist Alan McAleavey. 📸
  Alan will be exhibiting a collection of modernised, graphic prints—a fresh, contemporary take on our local coastal locations and landmarks—alongside a selection of his professional photography.
• Play Play Play – Organised by graphic designer and educator Mark Simmonds (@kimmdrossman), the studio will be opening its doors and printing late into the night.
  🖨️Live Printing: Drop in any time to see the risograph process in action and learn about their workshop programmes and facilities.
  👥Get Involved: Visitors will have the chance to create their very own riso print to take home.
  🛍️Studio Shop: Special edition prints and items will be available for sale throughout the evening.
• Make Hamilton – MAKE HAMILTON RESIDENT SHOWCASE
  On Friday 20th March, we’re opening the doors to Make Hamilton for the launch of our Resident Showcase.

  This exhibition is a celebration of the community right here at Make, featuring work from 17 of our own resident artists and makers. It’s a massive cross-section of the talent housed in our building, including sculpture, painting, illustration, jewellery, prints, and more.The evening marks the official launch of the showcase, which will then run for one month.

  Studio Tours: We’ll be running tours throughout the night. This is a rare chance to go behind the scenes of Make Hamilton, see where our residents work, and get a look at the making process firsthand.

  Late Night Coffee: Our residents @bloomingskullcoffee will be open late for all your refreshment needs while you explore the building.

  📍 Where: Make Hamilton, 69-71 Argyle Street 📅 When: Friday 20th March | From 5pm

Why Creative Culture Matters

Art After Dark is more than just an exhibition crawl; it’s a movement to foster collaboration, encourage engagement with the local arts community, and inject new energy into Birkenhead’s cultural offerings.

Building on the foundation set last year by amazing partners like Hamilton Vault Studios, Spider Project, the Williamson Art Gallery, Future Yard, and many others, the 2026 event promises even more discovery and connection for everyone – from dedicated art enthusiasts to curious newcomers.

This event is FREE and open to all ages!

Support Our Growth: While attending Art After Dark remains free for all, we are offering an optional donation at the time of booking your ticket through Eventbrite. Any contribution received will go directly towards the running costs of the event, helping us manage logistics, invest in growth, and ensure Art After Dark remains a sustainable and fantastic annual celebration for the community. Thank you for helping us keep this event thriving!

Additional events

Happening after Art After Dark

• The Power of Creative Culture: This year, we’re diving into an important discussion. Join us for engaging panel talks, discussions, and workshops focused on the vital role creative culture plays in revitalising our high streets and local economy.

Meet the Makers: Get inspired by the people behind the work with exclusive Artist Talks and opportunities to chat with local makers and creators.