Visit the Pittenweem Arts Festival

Explore local art and culture during your holiday in St Andrews

Pittenweem harbour

Pittween is a beautiful village in the heart of Fife which encapsulates the spirit of the region. With a working harbour that boasts daily catches from the sea and even a cave said to once be inhabited by a saint, it’s a picture-perfect location to visit at any time of the year. However, come August, every inch of the town becomes a large art display, with homes and even garages opened up to display some of the finest artwork from local artists. Welcome to the Pittenweem Arts Festival.

In 1982 the creative minds of Pittenweem came together and decided to exhibit their works in the spaces available to them in the village. Since then the festival has only grown, now welcoming hundreds of arts and crafts people from all over Britain. This unique creative hub exhibits works in studios, galleries, houses and public spaces making even the means of exhibiting works an art in itself.

What to see at the Pittenweem Arts Festival

Painting of boats and sea

Set in ‘painters paradise’ next to beautiful seascapes and rows of colourful seaside cottages the festival runs over 9 days and welcomes an astonishing 25,000 visitors each year. There is a choice of exhibitions displaying artists works in a variety of media. From stunning abstract seascapes to contemporary jewellery and captivating sculptures you will marvel at what is around every corner.

Invited artists for the 2024 festival include brothers David and Robert Mach with their show ‘Joint’, and Scottish photographer and filmmaker Liam Dickson.

If you are looking for family days out in Fife then a visit to the arts festival is ideal as there are events the whole family can enjoy. These include discovering stories in the stones with Neil Paterson, and family stone carving experiences. You can see a full list of events on the Pittenweem Arts Festival website to help you plan ahead which include many workshops for all abilities in everything from pottery to painting.

Winding street in Pittenweem

Live performances are also part of the of the weeks events. Previously, they have included an evening of Blues, Soul and Rock and Roll by ‘Wolfman’ Jock, a varied programme of Chamber music at the Castle Concert Series and some smooth jazz. The 2024 lineup includes exciting guests such as Priory Singers, the East Neuk’s own chamber choir, and bluegrass-inspired band Good Guy Hank. Find out more here.

Edinburgh isn’t the only arts festival in Scotland!

The festival takes place around the first week of every August, and in 2024 runs from the 3rd – 10th of the month. It’s definitely worth a day trip to experience. There is a stewarded car park available to make parking easy and you can pick up a colourful festival brochure here or in many of the venues to get a complete guide to what is on.

If you are still looking to book your holidays in Fife and are looking for self-catering accommodation near St Andrews then check out our superb luxury lodges. We offer fabulous accommodation at fabulous prices. Get in touch with us today on 07840 801114 or contact us here to find out more. We hope you have found this helpful in planning things to do in Fife while on your holidays in St Andrews.