Each September, towns and villages across Lewes District join together to celebrate all that is creative with hundreds of artists and makers showcasing their work.
The annual Artwave festival gives art lovers the chance to discover new work, meet artists and makers, and buy directly from them, with more than 60,000 visitors each year.
Discover more about one of the biggest art festivals on the south coast.
More than 170 venues will this year host free-to-visit exhibitions ranging from artists studios and private homes to farms, churches and windmills. Plus for the first time Artwave will travel the waves from Newhaven to Dieppe with artwork displayed on all DFDS ferry crossings during the festival.
The festival also features artist trails with maps available to download for Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven & Peacehaven and a rural trail across the District.
New for 2026, Foodwave is a food festival taking place across all 16 days of Artwave in Lewes and the surrounding area. Featuring markets, makers, talks, trails and tables, the programme includes special menus, supper clubs and producer evenings. The events have been co-ordinated by Common Cause Co-operative, which has sat at the heart of Lewes food for over 30 years.
Venue registrations will reopen in Spring 2027.
📷Photos by Alun Callender
© Visit Lewes 2026. All Rights Reserved
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