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Summer Events in the Cotswolds & Cirencester 2026
There is something always enjoyable about being in the Cotswolds during a late summer. The busiest weeks of the season may now be starting to ease, but there’s still lots happening in Cirencester and around the Cotswolds.
Outdoor concerts continue in the Abbey Grounds, local markets fill the streets and some of the area’s biggest festivals and country events take place during August and September. It is a lovely time to visit, particularly if you want to combine a day out with a slower few days exploring the rest of the Cotswolds.
Our hotel sits on the edge of Cirencester, making us a convenient place to stay for events in the town as well as those taking place elsewhere.
Here are a few dates below that we think are worth adding to your diary.
Bands in the Park, Cirencester
Few things feel as good than sitting in the town’s Abbey Grounds while a band plays from the bandstand.
Bands in the Park brings a changing programme of local bands and musicians to Cirencester on selected Sunday afternoons. The concerts are free, so you can simply turn up, find a place on the grass and enjoy the music.
Many people bring their own picnic, although the town centre is just a short walk away if you would rather grab something to eat there instead. As the concerts are held outside, we’d recommend checking the weather (it will probably be hot if Summer 2026 is anything to go by!) and the latest event information before setting off.
Remaining performances are planned for dates throughout August, with a final concert taking place on the 13th September.
Find out more: Bands in the Park
Cirencester Summer Food & Lifestyle Fesitval
Cirencester’s Summer Food and Lifestyle Festival returns to the town in August, bringing together independent producers, food stalls, entertainers and more.
The festival takes place in the Market Place as well as surrounding streets, so it is easy to wander around without having to follow a prescribed route. You might stop for lunch, browse handmade gifts, try something new from a local producer or settle down for a while to listen to the outdoor music.
There are usually activities for children as well, making it a good option for families looking for a relaxed day out. The festival takes place on 15 and 16 August.
Find out more: Cirencester Summer Food and Lifestyle Festival
Explore Roman Cirencester
Cirencester’s history goes back much further than the honey-coloured buildings most visitors see when exploring the town.
During the Roman period, Corinium was one of the largest settlements in Britain outside London. Guided walks around the town provide a closer look at that history, pointing out the remains, streets and stories that are easy to miss when exploring alone.
A Roman Cirencester Town Walk is scheduled for 14 August. Visitors can also call into the Corinium Museum, where mosaics, objects and archaeological finds help bring the town’s past to life.
Find out more: Corinium Museum events
Discover the Hidden Past of the Anglo Saxons
Roman history tends to receive much of the attention in Cirencester, but the Cotswold’s Anglo Saxon story is every bit as interesting.
A presentation on Anglo Saxon artefacts takes place on 20 August and explores the evidence left behind that shows more is known about them than they think!
Find out more: Anglo Saxon Cotswolds
Cirencester farmers & Twilight Markets
Cirencester’s regular markets are worth visiting in their own right. The Farmers’ Market brings together local produce, baked goods, drinks and food from businesses across the area. It’s also a handy place to pick something up for a picnic or just to take a few Cotswold treats home. Held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, from 9am to 2.30pm.
On selected dates, the Twilight Market starting later in the day – from 6pm to 10pm. Market Place feels noticeably different in the evening, with people stopping for food, browsing stalls and spending more time in the town after the shops would normally begin to close.
The next Twilight Market is scheduled for the 8 August 2026 with 2 further dates in September – it’s worth checking out!
Find out more: Cirencester Farmer Markets
Giffords Circus at Stratton Meadows
Giffords Circus has become part of the Cotswold summer for many local families and returning visitors.
This is not a large commercial circus that happens to be passing through. Each year brings a newly created production combining theatre, live music, comedy, equestrian performance and traditional circus skills. The show has its own distinctive style, which is difficult to describe until you have experienced it for yourself.
Giffords returns to Stratton Meadows from 27 August to 7 September. The location is particularly convenient for anyone staying at Stratton House, with the performances taking place close to the hotel.
There are afternoon and evening shows on selected dates, so you could plan a performance around lunch, dinner or even a visit to the spa.
Tickets often sell well in advance, especially for weekend performances.
Book tickets: Giffords Circus at Stratton Meadows, near Cirencester
Phoenix Festival, Cirencester
The annual Phoenix Festival once again takes over the Abbey Grounds during the bank holiday weekend of August.
This free community festival features live bands, dance, entertainment, food and activities for younger visitors too. There is usually plenty happening throughout the day, but the atmosphere always stays informal. You can stay for a few hours, return later or make a full day of it.
The 2026 festival is due to take place on 29 and 30 August, making it a lively way to spend the last weekend of August.
As the Abbey Grounds are close to the centre of Cirencester, it is also easy to combine the festival with a meal, drinks along with a wander around the town.
Find out more: Phoenix Festival
The Big Feastival, Kingham
For a larger festival experience, The Big Feastival returns to Alex James’ Farm near Kingham over the August bank holiday weekend.
Food plays a major part in the event, with street-food traders, chef demonstrations and special dining experiences alongside a full programme of music. There is also comedy, family entertainment and a wide range of activities for children.
It is a busy event with plenty to see, so it is worth looking at the programme before arriving rather than trying to fit everything into one day.
The festival runs from 28 to 30 August.
Kingham is further from Cirencester than the local events listed above, but it remains within reach for guests planning a longer Cotswolds break.
Book tickets: The Big Feastival
Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace
Salon Privé brings an impressive collection of classic cars, supercars and luxury vehicles to the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
Held from 2 to 6 September, the event is part motor show, part concours and part social occasion. Visitors can see rare cars at close quarters while also enjoying the palace setting, hospitality and luxury shopping.
It is not only for serious motoring enthusiasts. The location and presentation make it an enjoyable day out for anyone with an interest in design, engineering or automotive history.
Blenheim Palace is a reasonably long drive from Cirencester, so allow enough time to enjoy the event and explore some of the palace grounds while you are there.
Book tickets: Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace
Morton Show
Taking place in Moreton-in-Marsh on 5 September, Moreton Show is one of the region’s best-known country shows. Livestock, horses, countryside demo’s, local food and trade-stands all form part of the day and it typically offers visitors a very agricultural side to the Cotswolds.
There is a great deal going on, from competitive classes and displays to shopping and family activities. Visitors will see a more practical picture of the region’s farming life.
Visitors can arrive throughout the day though we recommend wearing comfortable shoes as the showground is large and much of the event takes place on grass.
Book tickets: Moreton Show
Frampton Country Fair
Frampton Country Fair takes place on 13 September in the parkland of Frampton Court.
The programme usually includes countryside demonstrations, traditional crafts, animals, food, shopping and displays in the main arena. It has the feel of a proper rural day out, with enough variety to keep both adults and children occupied.
Dogs are welcome provided they are kept under control, which makes the fair particularly useful for visitors planning a dog-friendly Cotswolds break.
Frampton on Severn lies 21 miles or so to the west of Cirencester and can be reached by car – from experience it usually takes around 45 minutes drive, but do allow for traffic!
Find out more: Frampton Country Fair
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials run from 17 to 20 September bringing leading riders and horses together for several days of dressage, cross-country and showjumping. Even visitors who do not follow equestrian sport closely can enjoy the scale of the event and the atmosphere around the course.
Away from the competition, there are extensive shopping areas, food stalls and activities for families. The palace grounds provide an impressive backdrop, although the event covers a large area, so be prepared for plenty of walking.
Dogs are permitted in designated areas, subject to the organiser’s rules.
Book tickets: Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
Tetbury Music Festival
Late September brings a change of pace with the Tetbury Music Festival.
Taking place from 26 September to 4 October, the festival presents classical music and vocal performances in venues around Tetbury. The surroundings are more intimate than those of the larger outdoor festivals, making this a good choice for visitors looking for a quieter cultural break.
Tetbury itself is worth allowing time for with historic streets home to independent shops, antiques businesses, cafés and places to stop for lunch before or after a performance.
The drive from Stratton House also passes through attractive Cotswold countryside, so there is no need to rush straight there and back.
View the programme: Tetbury Music Festival
Turn Your Visit into a Cotswold Break
Some of these Cotswold events can easily be enjoyed in an afternoon. Others deserve a full day. Staying locally near Cirencester gives you the freedom to take your time rather than spending much of the day travelling.
From Stratton House, Cirencester town centre and the Abbey Grounds are close by. Tetbury, Frampton, Moreton-in-Marsh and other Cotswold destinations can also be visited easily by car.
Back at the hotel, you can book a treatment in the Spa in the Garden, have dinner in the restaurant or enjoy a drink in the gardens when the weather is kind. There is no need to pack every hour of the break with plans.
Come for the festival, concert or show that first caught your eye, then leave a little room to explore.
Book your late-summer stay at Stratton House Hotel & Spa and enjoy more of the Cotswolds while you are here.
Event dates, times and programmes can change. Please check directly with the organiser before travelling or booking accommodation.
