Enrique Conzalez, Young Swimmers, oil on gold leaf on board, £4000, Al Contar del Arte.
What’s On | Hampstead
Summer’s on its way, and the Hampstead fair is just around the corner. With 107 contemporary galleries, thousands of artworks, and a packed programme, there’s never been a better time to discover art you love. Expect brand-new exhibitions, outdoor art workshops on the Heath, delicious food and drink, and so much more. Explore the full programme below.
“Great art and fabulous location.”
2025 visitor
Over 100 exhibiting galleries
Discover the best in contemporary art from over 100 galleries across 18 countries. From striking paintings and sculpture to photography, printmaking and mixed-media, there’s something to suit every taste, space and budget. And keep an eye out too for our debut exhibitors, making their very first appearance at a London Affordable Art Fair.
Kate Boxer, Red Wolf, drypoint, £1140, Columbia Road Gallery.
Eelco Hilgersom, Cocoon 1 (Pink), Habitat, Lenses on wood, ARTITLEDcontemporary.
NEW: CERAMICS UNBOUND
For the first time at Hampstead, we’re welcoming a brand-new spotlight exhibition: Ceramics Unbound, curated by artist and curator Caroline Jackman, and featuring works by over 27 artists who push the boundaries of this ancient and endlessly evolving medium. From quietly poetic to boldly sculptural, the exhibition showcases ceramics as the highly desirable art form it has become: a must-see for seasoned collectors and curious first-timers alike.
“Renowned for its rich historical roots, ceramics is now being reimagined by artists who bring extraordinary craftsmanship, compelling storytelling and innovative design to this ancient material. Whether subtly expressive or boldly striking, these are true objects of desire.”
Caroline Jackman, Curator
Caroline Jackman, Curator of Ceramics Unbound.
Mella Shaw, Janus Forms, image © Shannon Tofts, Ceramics Unbound.
Ying Zheng, Purity of True Feelings (Before It Withers) III, Ceramics Unbound.
Jane Preston, Odyssey No.3 (iii), Stoneware clay, black underglaze, black satin glaze, white crackle glaze, clear glaze, Ceramics Unbound.
Afternoon Art Classes
Get creative on the Heath with artist Estelle Lovatt, who will be hosting outdoor watercolour workshops painting the very landscape that inspired the renowned Hampstead-based artist John Constable, this year marking the 250th anniversary of his birth! From 2–3.30pm on Friday 8 May, visitors will have the opportunity to learn Constable’s techniques for capturing light on water and dramatic skies, from the very place where he lived and worked.
These are small group workshops with limited places. To book, select the Friday 2pm time slot and add it as an extra during checkout (links below).
Friday 8 May, 2–3.30pm
Meet at the Info Desk
Materials: watercolour on Hahnemühle Sugar Cane and Agave paper
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, photo by Graham Turner.
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, photo by Graham Turner.
JACKSON’S ART PRIZE 2026
Now in its seventh year at the Affordable Art Fair, Jackson’s Art Prize returns with a compelling selection of shortlisted and prize-winning works from the 2026 edition – chosen from 16,280 submissions from 110 countries. Spanning painting, drawing and printmaking, it’s a vivid snapshot of where contemporary art is heading.
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, photo by Graham Turner.
Fair Bookshop
In partnership with Papercup, this edition we welcome Phaidon Press and Thames & Hudson: two of the world’s leading art book publishers, perfect for picking up a little extra inspiration to take home.
Arty fun for all the family
The fair is a joy for all the family, and our ever-popular Family Mornings make it even more so. Running from 10am–12pm on Saturday and Sunday, little ones can enjoy an art treasure hunt, face painting, a giant Colour Me In wall, and hands-on creative activities at the Kid’s Creative Corner.
All activities are drop-in and first-come, first-served. Baby changing facilities are available onsite.
Kids’ Creative Corner
Family Morning at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead. Photo by Graham Turner
Throughout the day from 10am – 2.30pm, sustainable children’s clothing brand Petit Pli will be hosting drop-in workshops, including:
- Origami Workshop – Design your own pattern for a pair of Petit Pli expandable bottoms
- Jet Pack Activity – Decorate your own wearable Petit Pli jet pack to take around the fair, then enter your design for a chance to win
This workshop is suitable for all ages and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to arrive early. Parental supervision is required.
Children’s Art Competition
Family Morning at Affordable Art Fair. Photo by Graham Turner
We’re inviting the next generation of artists to explore their connection with the natural world through art. Open to children from Reception to Year 9, this competition encourages young artists to submit artwork inspired by this year’s theme: Heath & Heart, Celebrating Your Local Community. Winning entries and runners-up will be showcased at the fair, giving young artists the exciting opportunity to have their work celebrated at a major art event!
Submissions close 20 April.
Summer lates
The only event of its kind on Hampstead Heath.
Explore all the fun of the fair after hours at our Summer Lates on:
- Thursday 7 May, 5 – 9pm
- Friday 8 May, 5 – 9pm
Dance to live DJs and sip on something delicious, including wines, Moretti beer, and Old Mout at the central bar. Whether you’re here for the art, the atmosphere, or both, it’s an evening not to be missed. This edition, the Treetop Terrace Bar, the only bar overlooking the Heath, is being taken over by Spritz Partner St-Germain. As the sun goes down, they’ll be serving their iconic elderflower cocktails with sweeping views across Hampstead Heath.
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Sip & Screenprint
On Thursday evening, join a drop-in workshop with artist M.E. Ster Molnar, represented by Dalloz Contemporary. Inspired by a love of vintage textiles and colour, sip something delicious while you try your hand at screenprinting and take your own designs home.
6.30 – 8.30pm | Café | First-come basis | Free with your Thursday Summer Lates ticket
Materials: watercolour on Hahnemühle Sugar Cane and Agave paper
Curated Displays
Looking for something special? Our curated displays are designed to help you discover art you’ll love, organised around standout themes.
Heath & Heart celebrates art inspired by Hampstead Heath itself – a love letter to one of London’s most beloved landscapes. Invested in Her, our collaboration with AJ Bell Money Matters, shines a light on brilliant women artists. And for savvy art hunters, our Finds Under £500 selection makes it easier than ever to bring something beautiful home.
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, photo by Graham Turner.
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, photo by Graham Turner.
Fuel your art hunt
Our beautiful Central Bar boasts a wide selection of tipples, including still and sparkling wines and ice-cold beers. Settle in with a cheese or charcuterie board – the perfect complement to your drink and an ideal spot to unwind between galleries.
Feeling peckish? Our outdoor food trucks have you covered, from wood-fired pizza to Moroccan street food, ice cream, and beyond. And for something a little special, our official Spritz Partner St-Germain will be serving signature elderflower cocktails throughout the week – with complimentary samples to welcome you on arrival.
Audio Guide & Digital Fair Map
Make the most of your visit with our interactive digital map, featuring audio stories from select artists. As you explore, clips play automatically based on where you are in the fair, bringing you closer to the art and the people behind it.
Works offline once loaded, and takes around 30–45 minutes to complete at your own pace. No app needed, simply bring your smartphone and headphones (or pick up a pair at the Info Desk), then scan the QR code to begin. A wonderful option for a relaxed Thursday or Friday afternoon, when the fair is at its quietest.
Add Audio Stories to your ticket for just £3, or purchase on the day at the Info Desk.
Fair charity: Royal Free Hospital
We’re delighted to be supporting Royal Free Hospital as our Charity Partner for the Hampstead 2026 edition!
The Royal Free Charity is an NHS charity supporting the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, with a vision for everyone served by the Trust to have access to world-leading healthcare – delivered by a thriving workforce and driven by research with global impact. The charity funds medical research, facilities and patient support across Barnet, Chase Farm, North Mid and Royal Free hospitals, made possible through the generosity of supporters like you.
You can support them by adding a £5 donation when purchasing your ticket online, or visit their stand at the fair to learn more.
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead runs from 6 – 10 May. We can’t wait to welcome you along – make sure to grab your tickets online and save.