Your Ultimate Guide to Northamptonshire’s Festivals
Northamptonshire isn’t just a county of rolling countryside and historic market towns - it’s also a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and community spirit. Throughout the year, the county comes alive with festivals that celebrate everything from music and food to heritage and the arts. Whether you're a local looking for your next weekend adventure or a visitor eager to explore something new, Northamptonshire’s festival scene offers something for everyone.
Althorp Literary Festival - April/May
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Spencer family estate, this festival features talks, book signings, pop-up shops, and a variety of food and drink options. The festival offers a rich blend of literature, conversation, and countryside charm. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or simply curious, Althorp promises an inspiring weekend of words and wonder.
Raunds Music Festival - May
For 19 years Raunds Music Festival has brought some of the finest music acts to Northamptonshire, from internationally acclaimed acts to local bands. Helping to showcase local community music groups, young musicians and opportunities for individuals to perform with other musicians, Raunds Music Festival is remembered fondly by many artists who have performed here and is recommended for seeing up-and-coming acts.
Romanfest - June
The Romans storm into The Chester House Estate every June for a fantastic festival celebrating Northamptonshire's rich Roman history. This free festival hosts a wide range of activities for both kids and adults to get involved with, from tours of the excavation site by real archaeologists working on the site, to live re-enactment displays showing just how terrifying the Roman army truly was!
Solstice Festival - June
This family-friendly day festival is a joyful celebration. You can expect live music, circus acts, workshops, artisan markets, and delicious street food. As the sun sets, gather for the magical Bonfire Ceremony, complete with fire dancers and drummers.
Kettfest - June
Kettfest is a free festival celebrating everything great about Kettering with arts, music and more taking over the town centre. The festival focuses on celebrating home-grown talent and supporting businesses to give everyone the chance to experience a great day out!
Oundle Fringe Festival - June/July
Oundle Fringe Festival sees the town thronged with entertainers in local pubs, hotels, cafes and streets. You can find anything from tribute bands to poetry readings and maybe the odd Shakespearian ode or two drifting about amongst the many free events in the programme.
Music Barn - July
The Music Barn festival hosts a wide variety of music and activities, featuring established acts rubbing shoulders with unsigned bands, from a broad spectrum of musical genres. At the event you could hear a great local indie band on the up or catch a well-loved rock act, get down with some hip hop or get sweaty in the Slade stage with some upfront house music. You can be as busy or as chilled as you want to be!
DavFest - July
DavFest is Daventry’s biggest live music event, which sees incredible performances from top tribute acts and local bands, such as tributes to Queen, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, and more. With a buzzing atmosphere, licensed bars, tasty food stalls, and craft vendors, DavFest is the ultimate summer celebration for music lovers of all ages.
Northampton Balloon Festival - August
Experience the magic of Northampton Balloon Festival: a weekend full of colour, excitement, and family fun. The skies come alive with graceful hot air balloons, you can enjoy thrilling live entertainment, and dive into the energy of a vibrant funfair and circus workshop. As the sun sets, witness the breathtaking balloons glow followed by a dazzling fireworks display - an unforgettable celebration for all ages.
KidsFest- August
This two-day festival is packed with exciting activities, live entertainment, and interactive fun designed especially for children aged 18 months to 12 years. With age-specific zones for little ones (18 months to 5 years) and older kids (6 to 12 years), every child can enjoy tailored experiences that spark imagination and joy. From hands-on adventures to captivating performances, KidsFest promises a weekend full of laughter, learning, and unforgettable family memories.
GreenBelt - August
Greenbelt Festival blends artistry, activism, and community in a truly unforgettable way. With an eclectic lineup, Greenbelt offers a space where music, ideas, and creativity collide. From thought-provoking talks to boundary-pushing performances, this festival is a vibrant gathering for those who crave culture with a conscience. Whether you're there for the music, the message, or the magic of it all, Greenbelt has something for everyone.
Shambala - August
Known as one of the UK’s most wildly creative and radically sustainable festivals, Shambala is a joyful explosion of music, art, and activism. Expect an eccentric mix of genres from jazz and drum & bass to folk, funk, and experimental sounds. You can also expect immersive performances, woodland parties, and the legendary Shambolympics. This is an adventure in utopia.
Silverstone Festival - August
Silverstone Festival provides the best historic race action on the track and the best family fun off it! You can expect epic track battles, festival vibes, three nights of great live music, and so much for the whole family to enjoy together. This is the ultimate weekend full of fun for the whole family - not just motorsport fans!
Brackley's Big Party in the Park - August
This is a two-day extravaganza of music, fun, and community spirit. From dazzling laser shows to top tribute acts, the lineup promises non-stop entertainment for all ages. Enjoy retro gaming, thrilling rides, vibrant stalls, and a wide selection of food and drinks from local vendors.
Go Grendon - August
Bringing unforgettable music and festival vibes, Go Grendon sees fantastic tribute artists such as high-energy performances from Kylie and Madonna. The weekend guarantees big tunes and even bigger fun. With amazing live music, delicious food, and something for everyone, Go Grendon is your ticket to summer celebration.
That 90's Festival - August
Earning Live Event of the Year at the Corby Music Awards in 2024, That 90s Festival is a high energy, 18+ event, bringing together legendary ‘90s acts, iconic DJs, and a full sensory experience with live dancers, percussionists, and sax players. Set in the heart of Corby, it’s a full-on nostalgia trip packed with anthems, basslines, and the ultimate party vibe. If you’re ready to relive the decade that defined dance music, this is the day sesh you don’t want to miss!
Art Jam Festival - September
Unleash your inner artist at Art Jam Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity. This unique event brings together some of Northamptonshire’s finest talent with a wide range of immersive, hands-on activities for all ages. From live painting demos and creative workshops to exhibitions, craft stalls, and live music, Art Jam is all about inspiration and expression.
Northampton Music Festival - September
Celebrate the heart and soul of Northampton’s music scene at the Northampton Music Festival! This free, town-wide event transforms Northampton into a live music haven, with over 80 acts across six outdoor stages and performances in more than 15 venues throughout the town centre.
Rockin' Roadrunner Festival - September
This is a joyful and inclusive event created by and for people with a range of disabilities. You can expect a vibrant day out for everyone and a packed programme of live music, performances, craft stalls, fairground rides, inflatables, and delicious refreshments.
Oundle Festival of Literature - Year Round
Oundle Festival of Literature brings a community of authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts together to engage in a programme of events throughout the year, including solo author talks, author interviews and panels, literary lectures and writing workshops.
Find your perfect day out yet? There's tons of different destinations throughout Northamptonshire. Why not check out our Days Out to find places to visit? Or you could check up on our What's On page - we have hundreds of events listed happening throughout the county!
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