12 free events in England this summer
With the cost of living biting household budgets I bet you’re looking for budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your family during the summer. As a helping hand I’m sharing some of the free events in England happening throughout July, August and into September.
These events are ordered by date but scroll down the list and you’ll find:
- free art in London and Warwickshire
- free festivals in Bristol and Portsmouth
- free airshows in Devon and Blackpool
- and all kinds of other free ways to entertain the kiddos.
Looking for more ideas for days out while schools are out? Here’s my round up of special days out this summer.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Free events across England
Here’s where to find budget-friendly events to experience with your family this summer:
Bristol Harbour Festival – 17 to 19 July 2023
The largest free arts festival in the South West brings together a packed programme of music, performance, circus and dance.
Join in the fun as the harbour side transforms into a live entertainment venue.
Find out more about what’s on at Bristol Harbour Festival.
Why not climb the rigging on SS Great Britain while you’re at the festival?
Art in the Park, Warwickshire – 1 to 2 August 2026
Art in the Park, the largest free outdoor arts gathering in Warwickshire, will take place in Jephson Garden and Mill Gardens in Leamington Spa this August.
The festival gives visitors, families and young people the opportunity to take part in and enjoy a range of art, theatre, dance, crafts, music, events and workshops. It will also host some of the finest local culinary offerings across pop-up food and drink stalls.
Art in the Park is not just a two-day arts event, but is a year-round cultural hive which works to support young people, underrepresented groups and emerging artists – and their creative development.
Find out more about what’s on at Art in the Park.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Somerset – 7 to 9 August 2026
Bristol’s largest free fiesta returns to Ashton Court Estate in Bristol this summer.
More than 100 hot-air balloons gather for mass ascents, tethered displays and the highly anticipated Night Glow spectacles at the largest event of its kind in Europe.
Held over four days, there are market stalls, live music, fairground rides and street food stalls that also help attract over half a million people to the fiesta each year.
Find out more about what’s on at Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Blackpool Air Show – 8 to 9 August 2026
Back for 2026, the Blackpool Air Show looks set to attract up to 100,000 visitors to see some of the world’s finest aircraft – including the iconic Red Arrows – performing over the iconic seafront location.
Find out the line up for this year’s show.
Plymouth Firework Championships, Devon – 13 to 14 August 2026
One of the most illuminating free events in England, the Championships are a spectacle not to be missed. They take place overlooking Plymouth Harbour and Sound for extra sea view drama and attract tens of thousands of people each year.
The fireworks will start from around 9.30pm each evening. There’s entertainment, including a funfair, and food and drink stalls to enjoy on Plymouth Hoe before the spectacle begins.
For the latest event news and information see the Plymouth Firework Championships.
Here’s some more ideas for places to visit in Plymouth.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London – 23 August to 8 September 2026
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is London’s free theatre and performing arts festival, that tells compelling stories in spectacular style.
The programme will include performances by international artists, from countries including Spain, Germany, Flanders, Italy, France, The Netherlands and the US.
Check out the full festival programme.
Take a look at more ideas for visiting London on a budget this summer.
Telford Balloon Fiesta, Shropshire – 28 to 30 August 2026
Telford Balloon Fiesta will return to Telford Town Park and QE11 Arena for three days of free fun over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Celebrations kick off on the Friday with a warm up evening featuring live music. Saturday brings more live music and entertainment as well as the popular Night Glow, and Sunday offers a day of family entertainment and have-a-go activities including crafts and circus performances.
People all over Telford and further afield will be able to see hot air balloons travelling around the county throughout the weekend.
Find out more about this event.
Sidmouth Airshow, Devon – 28 to 30 August 2026
The Airshow returns to Sidmouth in 2026. Headlining the line-up will be the world famous RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows who will return to the town’s skies to display at one of their favourite locations over the bay at Sidmouth.
Find out more about Sidmouth Airshow.
Find more things to do in East Devon on my Devon with Kids website.
Harvest Seasonal Market, Raby Castle, County Durham – 29 to 31 August 2026
Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th Century by the powerful Nevill family, it has a long history and makes for a wonderful day out in the Durham Dales.
Over the August Bank Holiday, the castle is hosting its popular Harvest Seasonal Market. This is a free event with a range of local suppliers including food, drinks, jewellery, ceramics and homeware.
Visit the Raby Estate website for further information and updates.
Leeds West Indian Carnival – 29 to 31 August 2026
Europe’s longest running Caribbean Carnival parade, Leeds West Indian Carnival, is returning to Potternewton Park in Leeds this August. With colourful costumes, tropical music, and mouth-watering food, this is a true celebration of West Indian culture in Leeds.
The Leeds Carnival website with all have all the up-to-date information.
Which of these free events in England takes your fancy?
Ryde Carnival, Isle of Wight – 29 August to 3 September 2026
Ryde Carnival dates back to 1887 making it the UK’s oldest carnival and one of the oldest free events in England. It’s an all-inclusive and joyous parade of colour and light marking the end of summer.
Three parades will take place across the week: the Main Carnival, the Illuminated Carnival and a Children’s Carnival Day..
Check out more about what’s on at Ryde Carnival.
Notting Hill Carnival, London – 30 to 31 August 2026
One of the world’s biggest celebrations, Notting Hill Carnival returns to the streets of West London in 2026 bringing with it a spectacular display of colour and sound that celebrates rich cultural heritage.
View the Notting Hill Carnival website for all the details.
If you know of any others tat can be added to this list please drop me a line.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
