Throughout the year, Art at the Alex takes part in extra events, which may be town-based, national or regional and also runs its own special events. Frequently, these result in longer opening times, or extra days. They will often involve additional local artists showing, selling and demonstrating. Below is information about our Alex extras and also links to websites for larger events we engage with and an indication of when they usually occur. (For details on events see the WHAT’S ON page, or look for posts about specific events on our HOME page).

MUSIC (First Thursdays and other musical events)
Once a month we open in the evening (6-9pm) for music written and performed by local artists. Organised by Ben Jennings, First Thursdays are often quiet and reflective. The music is generally acoustic is sometimes experimental. The Alex has no juke box, television or slot machines, so you can really listen to the music and hear the words. If the weather is good then summer performances may be in the garden.
ARTIST-LED WORKSHOPS
We often have artist-organised/run events by local artists and makers. These can range from woodworking in the garden, to lino printing using some of Steve’s printing presses, to Gelli printing and needlefelting. In 2025 also look out for Crafternoon Tea sessions with Lou’s Sewing Studio.
**NEW** SECOND SUNDAYS
From 2025 we will open on Second Sundays (11-3). This is an informal event especially suited to (but not restricted to) spinners, weavers, knitters, sewers etc. (feel free to BYO wheel, knitting project etc). Enjoy some social crafting with artists like Chris Pegler – who has her fibre arts studio at the Alex). Cake and coffee available.

EXTRA EVENTS (broad annual schedule – see WHAT’S ON for details)
MID-FEB – Reopening after Winter break
APRIL – Rugby Food and Drink Festival (also September) (organised by RugbyFirst)
MAY – Bikefest (organised by RugbyFirst)
MID-JUNE – Lewis Carroll Yarnbombing in Rugby town (organised by Wild+Free)
MID-JUNE/EARLY JULY – Warwickshire Open Studios
SEPTEMBER – Northants and Rutland Open Studios (**NEW** for the Alex)
SEPTEMBER – Heritage Open Days (organised by the National Trust)
OCTOBER – Rugby Literary Festival (organised by RugbyFirst)
DECEMBER – Rugby Lantern Festival (organised by RugbyFirst)
DECEMBER – Alexmas (organised by the Art at the Alex – free drop in workshops and Steampunk Saturday – nearest Saturday to 9th Dec)
NEWSLETTERS:
Art at the Alex publishes a newsletter (currently five times a year) with more in depth information about our plans and activities. You can sign up using this link. But you can also read the currently and past newsletters using the links below.

#26 – Dec 22 (LINK) Special Dec catch up issue
#25 – Nov/Dec (LINK) Current issue
#24 – Sept/Oct (LINK)
CHANGE FROM MONTHLY (12 issues pa.) TO BI-MONTHLY WHEN OPEN (5 issues pa.)
#23 – July (LINK)
#22 – June (LINK)
#21 – May (LINK)
#20 – March (end of)/April 2024 (LINK)
#19 – Feb 2024 (LINK)
#18 – January 2024 (LINK)
#17 – December 2023 (early) (LINK)
#16 – November 2023 (LINK)
#15 – October 2023 (LINK)
#14 – September 2023 (LINK)
#13 – August 2023 LINK
#12 – July 2023 LINK
#11 – June 2023 LINK – WOS extra edition
#10 – June 2023 LINK
#9 – May 2023 LINK
#8 – April 2023 LINK
#7 – Late March/Early April 2023 LINK
#6 – March 2023 LINK
#5 – February 2023 LINK
#4 – December 2022 LINK – End of year
#3 – December 2022 LINK – Alexmas guide
#2 – November 2022 LINK
#1 – October 2022 LINK