Bath festivals

Festivals this weekend

Bath's festival calendar is more substantial than the city's size suggests. The annual Bath Festival — one of the UK's longer-running literary and music festivals — anchors the spring. Bath Fringe runs alongside it as the alternative counterpart. The Christmas Market is the most-attended single event. Between them, Bath has a major festival almost every month of the year.

What's on right now

Festival dates shift year to year. For this weekend's specific events:

Bath's annual festival calendar

Bath Festival

May (2 weeks)

Literature and music

Bath's flagship literary and music festival, running for over 60 years. The literature programme brings major authors, politicians, and thinkers to Bath Forum and the Assembly Rooms. The music programme covers classical, jazz, and world music across multiple city venues. Tickets from £12.

bathfestivals.org.uk →

Bath Children's Literature Festival

Late September / early October

Children's books and reading

One of the UK's largest dedicated children's literature festivals, running over 10 days. Events across Bath venues for ages 3–16. Author signings, storytelling sessions, and school events. Many free events alongside ticketed sessions.

bathfestivals.org.uk →

Bath Film Festival

November

Independent and international cinema

Over 100 screenings across 10 days at multiple Bath venues including the Little Theatre Cinema and the Odeon. Independent, international, and documentary films. Q&A sessions with directors and actors. Passes from £50; individual screenings from £8.

filmbath.org.uk →

Bath Comedy Festival

April

Stand-up and live comedy

The largest comedy festival in the South West. Over 150 shows across 2 weeks. Major touring acts and new talent across Bath venues including the Forum, Komedia, and Bath Spa University venues. Tickets from £10.

bathcomedyfestival.co.uk →

Bath Christmas Market

Late November to mid-December

Artisan market and food

One of the UK's most-visited Christmas markets, set around Bath Abbey and the surrounding streets. Over 170 Swiss-style wooden chalets selling artisan gifts, food, and drinks. Free entry. Evenings are atmospheric but crowded; weekday mornings are calmer.

bathchristmasmarket.co.uk →

Bath Fringe Festival

Late May to early June

Alternative arts and performance

Three weeks of theatre, music, comedy, and visual arts across 50+ Bath venues. A looser, more experimental counterpoint to the main Bath Festival. Many free and low-cost events. Strong on outdoor and site-specific performance.

bathfringe.co.uk →

Staying for a festival

Bath's hotels fill quickly during Bath Festival (May) and the Christmas Market (November–December). Book 6–8 weeks ahead for Bath Festival weekend visits. The Christmas Market period — particularly the first two weekends — should be booked 3 months ahead. Mid-week availability improves significantly in all seasons.

Find hotels in Bath →

The Weekend Five

This weekend's top 5 events, in your inbox Friday

Picked from the live feed. One email a week, no filler.

Frequently asked questions

What festivals are on in Bath this weekend?
Bath's festival calendar is heavily concentrated in May (Bath Festival and Bath Fringe), September (Children's Literature Festival), October (half-term events), November (Film Festival and Christmas Market), and April (Comedy Festival). Check the Bath Festivals website (bathfestivals.org.uk) and Bath Fringe (bathfringe.co.uk) for what is currently running. The Bath Horizon events page lists this weekend's specific events.
When is the Bath Christmas Market?
The Bath Christmas Market runs from late November to mid-December each year (typically starting the last Thursday of November and running for approximately 18 days). It takes place around Bath Abbey, Stall Street, and the surrounding streets. Entry is free. It is one of the UK's most-visited Christmas markets — weekday mornings are significantly quieter than weekend afternoons.
When is the Bath Festival?
The Bath Festival runs for two weeks in May each year, covering both a literature programme and a music programme. The literature events take place at Bath Forum, the Assembly Rooms, and outdoor venues. Music events cover classical, jazz, and world music. Tickets are available at bathfestivals.org.uk. Weekend events book out early.
What is Bath Fringe?
Bath Fringe Festival runs for approximately three weeks in late May and early June, overlapping with the main Bath Festival. It covers theatre, music, comedy, and visual arts across 50+ venues across Bath. Bath Fringe is more alternative and experimental than the main festival, with strong outdoor and site-specific work. Many events are free or low-cost.
Are there outdoor festivals in Bath in summer?
Yes. Bath's parks and open spaces host outdoor events through summer. Victoria Park hosts occasional outdoor concerts and family events. Bath Racecourse (north of the city) holds race days and associated evening events from May to September. The Bath Fringe Festival in late May and early June includes outdoor performances. Check the Bath Horizon events calendar for current summer listings.

Advertisement