Located on the outer fringes of the Cotswolds National Landscape, the Regency town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire is the place to go for festivals. From celebrations of science to live music and the arts, the town’s festivals and events promise an eclectic array. Whether you can’t wait to sample the town’s culinary delights or are looking forward to immersing in literary worlds, uncover our curated guide to some of the festivals in Cheltenham this year.
Food and Drink Festivals
From international street food to British wine tasting and cheese pairings, seek the finest delicacies and refreshments at Cheltenham's food and drink festivals.
Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival
19th - 21st June 2026
Wine talks and mixology, cooking masterclasses and demonstrations, street theatre and family-friendly entertainment are all but some of the things you can look forward to during the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival. Held annually in June, this festival regularly features more than 200 exhibitors from both the local and surrounding areas, as well as guest celebrity chefs. If you’re a lover of fine cuisine, this festival in Cheltenham is one to be savoured.
Cheltenham Craft Beer and Cider Festival
23rd - 24th October 2026
The Cheltenham Craft Beer and Cider Festival is perfect for those seeking to uncover new favourite and tried-and-tested tipples. Beckoning craft connoisseurs, the festival showcases an extensive selection of handpicked beers and ciders, as well as a wide array of appetising beverages and brews. In a family and dog-friendly setting overlooked by the beautiful Leckhampton Hill, it promises a wonderful way to try something new and enjoy a flavourful experience during a luxury sojourn in Cheltenham.
Music and Arts Festivals
Known for its literary and musical connections, Cheltenham has an unparalleled line-up of arts festivals for all generations to enjoy.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29th April - 4th May 2026
Hosting a symphony of concerts and welcoming thousands of visitors, Cheltenham’s Jazz Festival has become the place to be for jazz enthusiasts, with famous attendees including Jamie Cullen, Van Morrison, and Imelda May. Running across several days, it ignites the town with a fusion of established and up-and-coming artists from all over the world. Watch jazz icons and local heroes take to the stage with playful tunes, complex harmonies, and impressive improvisation.
Wychwood Festival
29th - 31st May 2026
Voted as one of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK, Wychwood Festival invites all generations to enjoy its musical offerings. Held at the world-famous Cheltenham racecourse each year, it showcases hundreds of music acts across four stages, stand-up comedy performances, food and drink stalls, healing gardens and more. With its soulful vibes, inclusive approach and stunning views, it’s sure to be a firm favourite. Headlining this year are Craig David, Kaiser Chiefs, and Levellers.
2000trees Festival
8th - 11th July 2026
If you’re seeking sun, cider, and alternative sounds, then look no further than 2000trees. An award-winning music festival set within rolling Cotswolds hills, this festival is all about great bands and big anthems. Alongside a number of pop-ups serving delicious food and drink, you can anticipate a line-up of musicians and groups ringing out rock and alternative-style tunes from the loudspeakers.
Cheltenham Music Festival
3rd - 11th July 2026
First started in 1945, the Cheltenham Music Festival champions the best of British music. Fusing the new and the old, it is world renowned for its premieres of contemporary music, as well as its celebration of classical pieces. Taking place across 10 days, it invites music fans of all ages to follow the winding streets of Cheltenham and listen to a range of music in different locations, including grand concerts in the Town Hall and intimate performances in the Pittville Pump Room.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
9th - 18th October 2026
The world’s first literature festival, the internationally-renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival is a real highlight in the town’s calendar. Spread out across 10 days, this annual event attracts some of the greatest names in the book world, attended by award-winning novelists, poets, artists and public figures. Previous guests have included David Attenborough, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Page, Salman Rushdie, and Michael Parkinson.
Must-See Cheltenham Festivals
Along with Cheltenham’s culinary and cultural festivals are a number of other unmissable events, from race day thrills at Cheltenham Racecourse to big questions at Cheltenham’s Science Festival.
The Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup Day
16th - 19th March 2027
Cheltenham has long been considered the jewel in the crown of jump racing. At the centre of its racing history is Cheltenham Racecourse, set within 350 sprawling acres of countryside at the foot of the Cotswolds Hills. Though the racecourse hosts many events throughout the year, its most famous is the Cheltenham Festival, a four-day racing event consisting of 28 races – the most important race of which is the legendary Gold Cup.
Cheltenham Science Festival
2nd - 7th June 2026
If you have a question about life, the world, and the universe, it’s likely you’ll find the answer at the six-day Cheltenham Science Festival. From the science behind taste buds to the rotation of the earth, all kinds of topics are explored. And, with some of the greatest minds and biggest thinkers taking the stage, you can look forward to intriguing and thought-provoking talks from the likes of Brian Cox, Robert Winston, Alice Roberts, Richard Dawkins and more.
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