20 unmissable things to do in Cheltenham, June 2021

For an up to date version of the best events in June in Cheltenham head to June - What's On Cheltenham Events.

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After a very wet May, the sun is on its way. Events are also well and truly back in The Festival Town from this month!  Get ready to fill your diary with epic theatre performances, fun activities and festivals of all kinds, from science to food.

Read on for our 20 unmissable things to do in Cheltenham over the May half term and June, we have handpicked the best events for all ages, from kids through to adults looking for inspiration for a long overdue night out!

Unmissable events in Cheltenham – June 2021

Cheltenham International Film Festival

24 May - 5 June 2021

The Cheltenham International Film Festival 2021 will feature a programme of new, acclaimed films by emerging filmmakers from all over the world. Screenings will be supported by live conversations with directors, producers and actors.

Kingfisher Trail

31 May - 17 Oct 2021

The Kingfisher Trail is a brand new accessible public art trail running throughout the Cotswolds, with 21 large scale artist designed kingfisher sculptures decorated by some of our most talented local artists.  Residents and visitors are invited to follow the trail, get out into nature and enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Cotswolds region. At the end of the project, all of the wonderful sculptures will be auctioned to art lovers and businesses to raise funds for vital conservation work.  Find out more about the launch, this Bank Holiday Monday. 

Treasure Island

2 June 2021, Everyman Theatre

Beware me hearties - there be pirates and treasures galore in this fast, funny, family-friendly, folk inspired summer panto. Join Jim and his crew as they brave the high seas and set sail for a show like no other as IKP spins another “delightfully daft” tale of adventure for all ages. A brilliant family performance to enjoy over the half term holidays.
 

Cheltenham Town Hall Comedy Club

4 June 2021

This is a bumper night featuring some of the best comedians on offer from the UK comedy circuit. Featuring Jenny Collier, Javier Jarquin, Eleanor Morton and compered by firm favourite, Tom Glover! Book your socially distanced tables now.

Cheltenham Science Festival

10 June - 13 June 2021, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Gardens & Online

The hugely popular Cheltenham Science Festival is back. This year will explore the theme ‘Be The Change’ combining in-person and online events to show how science is shaping our future. Click here for more details about the school and families programme and Discover Zone.

Cheltenham Running Festival

13 June 2021, Cheltenham Racecourse

One for your runners! A brand new event offering runners the unique opportunity to run a 5k, 10k or half marathon around the famous Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

18 June 2021, Sandford Park Lido

A family friendly show for all ages. Pack blankets and chairs to enjoy the outdoor performance and go dressed for the weather! Picnics welcome.

Great British Food Festival

19 June - 20 June 2021, Sudeley Castle

More than 'just another food festival', The Great British Food Festival combines the nation's love of great food and drink with some of the country's most treasured locations, providing a unique opportunity to explore new and delicious flavours in spectacular surroundings. Promising to be a memorable day out at our local castle, Sudeley.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

21 June - 3 July 2021, Everyman Theatre

The iconic musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is coming to the Everyman Theatre for the first time ever! Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime.
 

Image of Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta credit Jo-Anne Hale

Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival

25 June - 27 June 2021, Montpellier Gardens

Join family and friends over one great weekend to celebrate food and drink, enjoy live music, free wine tasting talks, cheese tasting, artisan food producers, along with demonstrations from some of the country’s leading chefs.

Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta

**Originally planned for 25 June - 27 June, now taking place the 23-25 July 2021 due to the latest Government announcement **

After an amazing first year, we cannot wait to welcome back Cheltenham Balloon Fiesta to The Festival Town in June. Guaranteed to be a weekend extravaganza. Don’t miss The Big Balloon Fiesta Day Saturday with thrilling live arena entertainment, funfair, Saturday night fireworks display, food, drink and much, MUCH more. Get your tickets booked, it is sure to be a sell out!

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Unmissable things to do in Cheltenham in June

Make the most of the good weather and being able to socialise with family and friends…

Enjoy being spoilt for choice at The Brewery Quarter

Hollywood Bowl, Playfarm, Mr Mulligans, Escape Hunt and Cineworld have all reopened, indoor dining and live music is back!  The teams at The Brewery Quarter are very excited to welcome you back to enjoy their facilities! Whether you are planning a date with your loved one or a family night out, at The Brewery Quarter you will be spoilt for choice.  

Feast on a Cowley Picnic

Available daily until 30 September

A picnic in the grounds of Cowley Manor is the most marvellous way to spend the day! Come rain or shine, the amazing bell tents dotted around the spectacular private gardens make for a fun, social and unforgettable experience, kitted out with blankets, cushions, deck chairs (and delicious food of course!)

Go for a dip

Our much loved Lido pool and Leisure At indoor pools and splash pad have reopened. Dig out your swimming cossie and go for a swim! Where ever you choose, the water is sure to feel lovely.

Ride on a steam train with GWSR

We are delighted that the GWSR Cheltenham Racecourse train station (and Broadway) have reopened. Jump onboard to ride in a compartment with your bubble of six, (or in an open coach if an individual or couple), to enjoy the 28-mile round trip through the glorious Cotwolds countryside. Hop off in Broadway to explore before your return journey back to Cheltenham racecourse. Learn more here.

Visit the Elephant Family at Sudeley Castle

Due to overwhelming demand The Elephant Family at Sudeley Castle has been extended until the 6 June. Take a stroll around the scenic castle grounds and enjoy spotting over 30 life-sized wooden elephant sculptures.  An unmissable opportunity to enjoy this unusual site prior to the elephants going on a worldwide adventure! (Don’t miss the HUGE adventure playground whilst you are there).

Soak in some overdue culture

Holst Birthplace Museum has reopened! With limited online bookings only. Learn more about the composer, Gustav Holst, his family and of course the music that made him famous.

Blue Badge tours are also available in our Regency town. Book your tour today with Around Cheltenham or Tour and Explore and discover the fascinating history and secrets about past residents of Cheltenham.

Snuggle up for a night under the stars

Al fresco movies are back! The Greatest Showman is being screen outdoors at Cheltenham Racecourse 12 June and Dirty Dancing on the 24 June, at Cowley Manor. (July onwards you can also look forward to Back to the Future 15 July, The Greatest Showman 12 August and E.T 9 Sept all at Cowley Manor).  

Hop on a bike or electric scooter to discover Cheltenham

Take advantage of the fair weather and hire a bike from The Bicycle Hub (next to Cheltenham Train Station). They will kit you out with a self-guided Regency Cheltenham cycle tour which you display as an app on your phone. Or, why not try a Zwings electric scooter to cruise along the Honeybourne Line to check out the street art or swing by the most impressive historical buildings in Cheltenham. 

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Looking for more inspiration, why not check out our useful guides...

65+ Places to Dine Outdoors in Cheltenham

New Places to Eat in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Beer Gardens

Cheltenham Shopping Guide ft. 220 shops

Things To Do Outdoors in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Events & Festivals