Art, Kites and Culture: What’s New in St Ives This March

With the clocks set to go forward and a sense of spring in the air, March in St Ives is quietly uplifting, with crisp sea air, shifting skies and some of the best natural light of the year - long admired by artists and photographers. It’s an ideal moment to slow down, explore the town’s galleries, and enjoy what’s on before the Easter rush begins.

At Orange Roofs, we’ve spent over 10 years delivering exceptional St Ives holidays from our collection of 5* holiday cottages. Using our local insight, we’ve rounded up some of the best events, exhibitions and activities happening this March – helping you make the most of your stay, whatever the season.

A Season for Art Lovers

St Ives has long been a magnet for artists, and March is one of the best times to experience its cultural heartbeat. The changing light alone is reason enough to bring a sketchbook or camera – rain showers rolling in from the sea can transform the landscape in moments, offering dramatic skies and ever-changing colours.

This month also brings a “last chance” opportunity to catch some highly acclaimed exhibitions before they draw to a close.

At Tate St Ives, visitors can immerse themselves in a striking exhibition by Lithuanian-born artist and filmmaker Emilija Škarnulytė, running until 12th April.

Her work blends documentary and myth to explore deep time, environmental change and humanity’s impact on the planet through cinematic journeys across oceans, abandoned military sites and submerged worlds.

For families visiting over the Easter holidays, the gallery’s STUDIO DO programme offers a playful and imaginative way for children to engage with Škarnulytė’s work. These hands-on sessions encourage young visitors to explore cosmic light, natural forms, and mermaid characters through dress-up and and creative play.

 

Local Talent and Creative Spaces

Beyond the major galleries, St Ives thrives on its independent art scene.

The Crypt Gallery in Norway Square hosts a week-long painting event with Andrew Barrowman (21st–27th March), showcasing work by local artists in a lively exhibition and sale.

Then from 28th March to 3rd April, the gallery presents a solo exhibition by Liam Alvy, a British painter and tattoo artist known for bold, graphic work that blends tattoo influences with fine art detail. His compositions draw on folklore, animals and storytelling, creating striking, highly stylised pieces. His studio, Tattoo Days, is also just a few minutes from St Ives Harbour.

At the Penwith Gallery, you can catch various highly coveted exhibitions offering a diverse showcase of work by members of the Penwith Society of Arts. Alongside the Members’ Exhibition, visitors can also explore work by contemporary painter Kimmy Hussey, whose vivid, expressive pieces blur the lines between observation and imagination, as well as a collaborative exhibition by Tom Leaper and fellow artists, inspired by the raw, untamed landscape of the Penwith peninsula. Well worth a visit on Back Lane near Porthmeor Beach before collections change on 28th March.

Stories of the Sea

St Ives’ connection to the sea runs deep, and this heritage is celebrated in a special illustrated talk at the St Ives Arts Club on 28th March. Titled Wooden Ships and Iron Men, the event explores the history of New England fishing schooners, tracing their evolution and their role in the famous International Fisherman’s Races. Combining storytelling with models and artwork, it promises to be an engaging evening for anyone interested in maritime history.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

For something a little more light-hearted, the St Ives Kite Fest returns on Saturday 28th March (13:00–15:00), bringing a burst of colour and energy to The Island. Now in its fifth year since being revived in 2022, the festival has quickly become a favourite for families and visitors alike.

The event is wonderfully simple: wrap up warm, bring a kite – or make one at a workshop in the days leading up – and watch as the sky fills with movement and colour. With the Atlantic breeze providing ideal flying conditions, it’s a joyful spectacle whether you’re taking part or simply watching from the sidelines.

 

Plan Your Spring Escape

From world-class exhibitions to independent galleries, children’s workshops to community events, St Ives continues to blend its rich artistic heritage with a vibrant, evolving cultural scene. It’s a place where simple moments matter just as much – a stroll along the harbour, time spent watching the waves, or an afternoon gallery-hopping through town.

With Easter just around the corner, March is an ideal time to visit and enjoy St Ives at a gentler pace, with plenty to see and do before the busy summer season begins. At Orange Roofs, our carefully curated portfolio of 5* holiday cottages offers the perfect base for your stay, each chosen for its comfort, character and standout location.

Whether you’re drawn by art, culture, or simply the promise of sea air and stunning views, there’s no better time to plan your escape.

Easter is just around the corner – secure your favourite view before it’s gone.