Welcome to Cheltenham – The Festival Town – where there’s always something happening.
From world-famous horse racing and jazz to street art, science, literature and food, Cheltenham’s year-round calendar of events is packed with unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests. Whether you're planning a weekend break, a family holiday, or a last-minute getaway, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty going on.
Looking for the best events in Cheltenham? You’re in the right place.
A year-round festival destination
Cheltenham’s reputation as the UK’s Festival Town is well earned. The town plays host to some of the country’s biggest and best-loved festivals, attracting global talent and thousands of visitors every year.
Expect something special in every season:
Spring – The pinnacle event of the jump-racing calendar, the Cheltenham Festival, kicks off the festival season with thrilling racing whilst the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival encourage creativity and curiosity.
Summer – Enjoy music of all genres at 2000Trees, Wychwood Festival and the Cheltenham Music Festival.
Autumn – The world-renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival brings bestselling authors, bold ideas and brilliant conversations.
Winter – The festive season sparkles with Christmas markets, light trails, a magical covered ice rink and exciting racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
And that’s just the beginning. Our events calendar also features street food festivals, outdoor cinema, artisan markets, West End quality theatre, comedy nights, and much more. Big or small, there’s always something to discover.
Plan your visit
Ready to experience the very best of what’s on in Cheltenham?
Use our events search tool to discover what's coming up
Book your stay in one of our stylish hotels, cosy B&Bs or self-catering cottages
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Please note: While we do our best to keep our listings up to date, event details may change at short notice. We recommend checking directly with event organisers or venues before making travel plans.
