Visitor Information
View the Plan Your Visit page for key information about your visit to the Art Trail.
Sections include getting to Kirkstall, the locations of toilets, and where to find food and drink. There are also explanations of the venue access guides and artists entries.
Art Trail 2026 Maps
The interactive 2026 Art Trail map helps to plan your visit in more detail, including all the venues and useful points of interest.
You can also download a copy of the printed trail map (PDF), and there will be copies of this map available on the day.
Venue and Artist Directories
Click on the links in the 2026 Venue Directory to find the individual venue pages. Each page features an access guide, artist information, and activity details.
There is a separate directory for the 2026 Artists.
Kirkstall Art Trail 2026 – What’s on
Sunday 22 June to Sunday 19 July
Grassy Knoll – St Stephens Church, Morris Lane
The KAT sign is back, heralding the imminent return of the 2026 Kirkstall Art Trail. It’s one of many public art projects you can find on your journey around the trail. Be sure to take a photo with it and share it with us on your social media.
Monday 13 July to Friday 14 August
Butlers, Kirkstall Forge and Kirkstall Leisure Centre
The ‘Capture Kirkstall’ photography competition showcases the area and its people as seen through the eyes of the public. The winning images feature in an exhibition at Butlers (Venue 25) for a month. During the weekend of the Art Trail, on 18 and 19 July, the exhibition moves to Kirkstall Leisure Centre (Venue 21).
Saturday 18 July, 2.00pm
Kirkstall Abbey Church
The Sustainable Fashion Show is returning, and with a new theme for 2026, ‘Dreamscape’. Designers will once again be transforming pre-owned clothes into brand-new outfits. Join us in the Abbey Church (Venue 2D), as the nave becomes a magnificent catwalk for these designs.
Saturday 18 July, 2.00pm
Kirkstall Abbey Church
The 2026 Fashion Show will be introduced in style as contemporary dance comes to Kirkstall Abbey, sharing original choreography to kick off this year’s Dreamscape theme. If you want to watch the performance, head over to Abbey Church (Venue 2D).
Saturday 18 July, 7 pm to 9 pm
Cardigan Arms, Kirkstall Road
The Spoken Word event has a new home this year, as it heads down the road to the Cardigan Arms (Venue 26). Tucked away in an intimate setting, live poetry performances will bring the page to life. Open mic slots will be available.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
Various locations
There are a variety of activities that you can join over the weekend. Along with traditional workshops, there are artist demonstrations and performances. Check the Art Trail map for locations and the 2026 Activity Directory to find out more about what is on offer.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
Kirkstall Abbey
Students from Lawnswood School and Abbey Grange School came together to decorate pre-loved vinyl records with artist Kayle McCoy. Inspired by their artwork, mural artist Jamie Steward has revamped the backdrop that serves as the catwalk entrance. The resulting works will be on display during the fashion show in the Abbey Church (Venue 2D).
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
Kirkstall Abbey
The Bunting Festival brings together bunting flags created by school children and members of the community. Celebrating all things Kirkstall, the display will brighten up the Abbey Church (Venue 2D) during the Art Trail. This project was coordinated by Natasha Joseph of We Belong Here.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
Various locations
Kirkstall is transforming into a permanent open-air gallery with large-scale murals and public art installations. Follow the mural trail this weekend and if you don’t get chance, you can still enjoy most of the art long after the event ends.
Saturday 18 July onwards
Various locations outdoors, Kirkstall
The Poetry Trail blends contemporary writing with everyday neighbourhood strolls. You can find submitted poems on various street furniture, where they will remain long after the main Art Trail weekend has passed. Use the Poetry Trail map to see the route.