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The best of what's on in the Cotswolds.
Handpicked events across the Cotswolds. Updated monthly.
World-class opera in a converted chicken shed in the Cotswolds village of Longborough. It sounds unlikely. It is not. Longborough has an international reputation for Wagner and a 2026 season including Verdi's Macbeth and Hansel and Gretel. Picnic in the grounds during the 90-minute interval.
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Fifty-three acres of lavender near Snowshill, open from mid-June to early August. Go on a clear morning. There is a tearoom and gift shop on site. Peak colour is usually mid-July.
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The 16-goal ladies polo tournament at Cirencester Park running through late July. One of the standout events in the women's polo calendar. High quality play on the Bathurst Estate.
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Classical, jazz and blues in the village of Guiting Power for ten days from late July. Over fifty years old with a loyal following. Indoor and open-air concerts. Bring a picnic for the evening performances.
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Four days of music, theatre, feasting, foraging and wellness in Cornbury Park. One of the better-produced festivals in the region with a line-up that draws serious names. The park setting adds to it. More festival than many twice its size.
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One of the biggest steam and vintage events in the UK at South Cerney Airfield over three days. Steam engines, vintage transport, live arenas, a vintage funfair and free bus rides. The scale of it surprises most first-time visitors.
Visit WebsiteThe closing polo tournament of the Cirencester Park season in August. Good atmosphere and a chance to watch high-quality play before the season ends.
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The world's longest-running cricket festival, in its 150th year, played at Cheltenham College. A very English way to spend a summer afternoon. Picnic on the grass, county cricket in a ground that has hosted the game since 1872.
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Two days of cars on Broadway's wide high street. Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins on Saturday, then classic and vintage sports cars from the 1900s to 1980s on Sunday. Car parade through the village, food on the green and live music. Free to attend.
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Alex James's annual food and music festival on his Kingham farm. Michelin-starred chefs, street food, headline bands and a Cotswolds farm setting. Three days and most people camp. Book early, it sells out.
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A free community music and arts festival in Cirencester's Abbey Grounds over the August bank holiday weekend. Around 20,000 people attend each year. Two days of live music, dance and family entertainment. Free.
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One of the best traditional country shows in the Cotswolds. Shetland Pony Grand National, Livestock Grand Parade, shopping and entertainment across the showground. A proper agricultural show that hasn't forgotten what it's for.
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Historic motor racing at the Castle Combe Circuit over two days in September. Vintage cars and bikes on a track that has been racing since 1950. A very different experience from the village a few miles away.
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A traditional horticultural and craft show in Broadway on the day before the Food Festival. Flowers, vegetables, jams and crafts judged in the old-fashioned way. A good reason to arrive in Broadway a day early.
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Around 35 artisan producers on Broadway's high street for one day in September. Freshly baked cakes, hot food, beers and gins from local makers. Free to attend. Broadway is worth a visit any time and this makes it worth timing.
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Three days of international eventing in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in September. One of the most prestigious horse trials in the world, with top riders competing across dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The palace grounds give it a scale few events can match.
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Over 80 artists open their studios across the Stroud Valleys in September and October. Free to visit. Seeing how and where work is made is a different experience from a gallery. You can buy directly from the artist.
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Over 200 artisan stalls at Evenlode Grounds near Daylesford, launching the festive season in the Cotswolds. Local food, drink, gifts and crafts from makers across the region. Worth combining with a visit to Daylesford itself.
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Chamber music in intimate venues around Tetbury from late September through early October. International performers, loyal audiences and a programme that has included Viktoria Mullova in 2026. Book specific concerts early, the best ones sell out.
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The world's longest-running literature festival, dating back to 1949. Ten days of talks, workshops and events in October with leading authors and public figures. Last year featured over 400 events. Book specific talks early as the popular ones sell out months ahead.
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Ten days of film screenings, guests and events in Cheltenham from late October. Now in its second year, following a debut in 2025 that screened over 40 award-winning films. Independent, volunteer-run and focused on quality cinema.
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The town hall and market square in Chipping Campden transformed for Christmas, with festive food, gift stalls, lights and a grotto in the town hall. One of the better Christmas markets in the region. Chipping Campden handles the season well.
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A Christmas market in one of the most visited villages in the Cotswolds. Busier than most but the riverside setting along the Windrush is at its best in winter. Go on a weekday if you can.
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The market place in Cirencester given over to festive stalls against the backdrop of St John the Baptist Church. A good half-day out combined with the independent shops on the surrounding streets.
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