30 fantastic festivals in the Cotswolds for 2026

The Cotswolds is best known for its natural beauty, but the region also has a packed calendar of events, featuring world-class music, literature, food and history festivals. Whatever your interests there’s a Cotswold festival to suit you, from classical music to cookery, steam trains to science fiction, country walks to real ale – and there are plenty of family-friendly options too. So if you’re looking to fill up your diary, here are 30 fantastic Cotswolds festivals in 2026 to get you started.

2026 festivals in the Cotswolds

Gloucester History Festival

Gloucester History Festival brings the past to life with two annual events – a spring weekend over 17–19 April 2026 and an autumn festival from 5–20 September 2026. Over 100 of Britain’s top historians and broadcasters take part each year, including David Olusoga, Alice Roberts and Frank Skinner, with many events being held in the atmospheric setting of Blackfriars Priory.

Chipping Campden Festivals

The North Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden holds not one but two festivals each May. Its Literature Festival from 4–9 May 2026 includes talks, interviews and readings on a diverse range of subjects. Then the Music Festival from 11–23 May 2026 features top-class musicians performing works by Beethoven, Bach and Debussy in spectacular St James’ Church.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival

The first of Cheltenham Festivals’ four annual events takes place on 29 April–4 May 2026. The 30th anniversary edition of Cheltenham Jazz Festival sees a stellar lineup of jazz legends and emerging talents from across the spectrum of jazz styles – classic to contemporary, bebop to blues. Plus there’s local talent and street food at the free stage in Montpellier Gardens.

Meadow Fest

New for 2026, Meadow Fest is a boutique festival bringing together a love of British farming and music in Cornbury Park near Chipping Norton on 1–3 May 2026. Catch 90s indie bands Cast, Reef, Sleeper and The Fratellis on stage, try hands-on workshops in growing and cooking your own veg, and shop the farmers’ market. And pre-pitched tents means you don’t have to rough it.

Winchcombe Walking Festival

Lace up your walking boots for Winchcombe’s award-winning Walking Festival, which has been taking place since 2009. This year’s event runs from 15–17 May 2026 and includes over 20 guided countryside walks. With different lengths and levels of difficulty, there’s something for every fitness level, with knowledgeable leaders to share insights into local history, flora and fauna.

Bath Festivals

Bath Festivals take over the historic city this spring, with the Bath Literature Festival on 16–24 May 2026 and Music Festival from 30 May–7 June 2026. They’re known for their eclectic lineup – from classical concerts and poetry open mic nights to guided walks. There’s also Party in the City on 15 May, when Bath comes alive for a night of free entertainment in over 30 venues.

Blenheim Palace Food Festival

In the grounds of the Baroque palace, Blenheim Palace Food Festival showcases the best of the region’s food and drink from 23–25 May 2026. This popular festival is back for its 12th year, and as well as plenty of opportunities to try and buy culinary treats, there are demonstrations and Q&As from celebrity chefs, tastings and masterclasses, live music and entertainment.

Cotswold Festival of Steam

From 23–25 May 2026, the Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Steam Railway’s Cotswold Festival of Steam transports you to the golden age of railway travel. The festival takes place at Toddington station, and visitors can see steam locomotives in action alongside displays of historic railway artifacts and memorabilia. It’s a favourite with both railway enthusiasts and families.

Wychwood Festival

Winner of Family Festival of the Year 2025, Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse kicks off the summer with music, arts and plenty of fun. This year’s event is being held from 29–31 May 2026, with a headline set from the Kaiser Chiefs. There’s a relaxed feel, with boutique camping under the Prestbury Hills, four stages of music and comedy, and over 100 workshops.

Cheltenham Science Festival

Feed your curiosity at the annual Cheltenham Science Festival, which comes to town on 2–7 June 2026. From cutting-edge research to hands-on experiments, get insights from top scientists and big thinkers who are asking the most important questions about the world today. There’s also a diverse programme of free events, including family activities to inspire young minds.

Charlbury Beer Festival

The non-profit Charlbury Beer Festival raises thousands of pounds for good causes each year – with the next event on 27 June 2026. Over 6000 pints of ale, craft beer and cider were served last year, washed down with live music, talks, craft sessions and face-painting. The festival is also the venue for the Aunt Sally World Championship, with competitors coming from across the world.

Blenheim Palace Festival

Debuting this summer, Blenheim Palace Festival is an exciting addition to the Cotswold festival calendar. Some of the world’s biggest artists take to the stage in the Great Court between 27 June–4 July 2026, including Alanis Morissette, Katy Perry, Teddy Swims, Neil Young and Michael Bublé. Plus DJ Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics combines iconic dance anthems with a full orchestra.

Cheltenham Music Festival

Cheltenham Music Festival has been bringing the best of classical music to the town for over 80 years. From 3–11 July 2026, a series of concerts and recitals take place in venues across Cheltenham, including the Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room. The programme features world-class musicians from across the classical spectrum, from soloists to symphony orchestras.

The Cotswold Show and Food Festival

The Cotswold Show and Food Festival showcases the Cotswolds’ agricultural heritage and culinary delights in picturesque Cirencester Park on 4–5 July 2026. The show has been running for over 35 years and includes equestrian and falconry displays, livestock competitions, dog shows and high-octane monster trucks. There’s also plenty of tasty local produce to eat and drink.

2000trees

Multiple winner of the UK’s Best Medium-Sized Festival, 2000trees brings indie, rock, punk and alternative music artists to the scenic surroundings of Upcote Farm in Withington. This year’s festival takes place on 8–11 July 2026, with camping and glamping on site, locally sourced food and drink, a forest school and play area for kids, comedy and yoga alongside the music.

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival on 11–12 July 2026 is the largest free medieval gathering in Europe. The highlight is a reenactment of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury on the site of the original battle. But there’s also plenty of period entertainment, including music, dance and drama. And you can shop the medieval market, dress up in costumes and even try a specially brewed ale.

Chalfest

The non-profit, community-run festival Chalfest brings the community around Chalford and Eastcombe together for a weekend of live music on 17–18 July 2026. This year’s headliners include Chesney Hawkes, Heather Small and Tinchy Stryder. There’s no camping, but you can enjoy three music stages, a village green, comedy shows, workshops, food trucks and bars.

Cotswold Beer Festival

The Campaign for Real Ale’s Cotswold Beer Festival has been bringing its blend of local brews, live music and a friendly atmosphere to Postlip Hall on the edge of Cleeve Hill for over 45 years. Taking place from 17–19 July 2026, the festival has a wide selection of real ales, lagers and ciders on tap, with musicians, Morris dancers and kids’ activities to keep visitors entertained.

Fantasy Forest Festival

A magical world of fairies, knights and superheroes comes to Sudeley Castle for the Fantasy Forest Festival on 17–19 July 2026 – one of the more unusual festivals in the Cotswolds. Sci-fi and fantasy fans come together to show off their costumes, enjoy live music, visit the UK’s largest fantasy market and meet their favourite characters – ending with the Wicker Fire Ceremony.

Royal International Air Tattoo

Over 200 military and civilian aircraft take to the skies above RAF Fairford on 17–19 July 2026 for the annual Royal International Air Tattoo. This exhilarating aviation spectacle is the largest air show of its kind and includes flypasts and precision acrobatics, flight simulators and static aircraft exhibits. And the event also helps raise money for the Royal Air Force’s Charitable Trust.

Guiting Music Festival

Guiting Music Festival in the village of Guiting Power is the home of exceptional music in the Cotswolds, featuring classical, jazz and blues by artists from around the world. The festival was founded over 50 years ago and has a loyal local following. This year’s event runs from 24 July–2 August 2026, with a mix of indoor and open-air concerts where you can bring a picnic.

Wilderness Festival

Described as a ‘weekend of escapism, high jinks and wholesome hedonism’, Wilderness Festival is four days of revelry from 30 July–2 August 2026 taking place in Cornbury Park. As well as music, theatre and comedy performances, you can also experience thought-provoking talks, workshops, outdoor activities and delicious dining – with something for all the family.

Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza

Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza from 31 July–2 August 2026 at South Cerney Airfield is one of the biggest and best steam and vintage events in the UK. This festival of nostalgia showcases vintage transport, with steam engines, classic cars and motorbikes, buses and tractors. You can also enjoy live music, retro fashion, dance classes, dog shows and falconry.

The Big Feastival

The Big Feastival was created by former Blur bassist Alex James and combines his two great loves – food and music – at his farm near Kingham from 28–30 August 2026. Artists already announced include Basement Jaxx, Bastille and The Streets, with more to come. There are also interactive cooking demos, famous chefs, food stalls and lots of kid-friendly activities.

Didmarton Bluegrass Festival

Did you know the Cotswolds was home to one of the UK’s top Bluegrass, Americana and Old-Time music festivals? Didmarton Bluegrass Festival has been running for over 30 years and takes place at Kemble Airfield on 4–6 September 2026. As well as plenty of live music there are picking sessions, workshops and dancing, with camping so you can make a weekend of it.

Jane Austen Festival

Be transported back to the Regency era at the annual Jane Austen Festival in Bath on 11–20 September 2026. This celebration of all things Austen includes ten days of talks, walks, tours, costumed balls and theatre performances. But one of its biggest highlights is the Regency Parade, when over 1000 visitors dressed in period finery take to the streets of Bath.

Castle Combe Autumn Classic Festival

Castle Combe race circuit’s Autumn Classic event on 12–13 September 2026 is a festival of historic motor racing, with vintage cars and bikes taking to the tracks. It’s the chance to get close to the vehicles that shaped motorsport’s golden eras. This year sees a new programme of guest races, plus the usual array of historic vehicles, parades, demos, music and other entertainment.

Broadway Food Festival

Broadway Food Festival on 13 September 2026 is one of our favourite free festivals in the Cotswolds. It’s part of the Broadway autumn show, with a traditional horticultural and craft show the day before. The festival is a delicious feast of Cotswold produce, with around 35 artisan producers tempting visitors with freshly baked cakes, hot food, beers and gins.

Tetbury Music Festival

Tetbury Music Festival is a celebration of chamber music, attracting international performers and loyal audiences to intimate venues around the town year after year. This year’s event runs from 26 September–4 October 2026, with performances from violinist Viktoria Mullova, early music ensemble La Fonte Musica and Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale announced so far.

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s longest-running literature festival, dating back to 1949. Ten days of talks, workshops and family-friendly events take place from 9–18 October 2026. The packed festival schedule includes a mix of up-and-coming authors alongside famous names from across the worlds of literature, politics, science, sport, TV and entertainment.

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