Festivals & Events

No matter what time of year you visit Bath, you'll be sure to find a packed programme of festivals and events in Bath and the surrounding area.

Throughout the year there is a wonderful mix of music, literature, entertainment and art events to suit all tastes. 

See the listings below for key events in Bath throughout 2013.

Key events in Bath in 2013 

May

Museums at Night, A weekend of after-hours celebrations at Bath museums and galleries.
16-18 May, various venues, tel: 01225 477757

Bath International Music Festival, A dynamic mix of world-class performances taking place throughout the city.
22 May – 2 June, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

Party in the City, The biggest free show in Bath... with folk, rock, pop, choral, jazz, electronic, brass and many more.
24 May, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

Bath Fringe Festival, A programme bursting with theatre, dance, music, visual arts, comedy, children's festival, street theatre and circus.
24 May - 9 June, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

Royal Bath & West Show, One of the oldest surviving agricultural shows in England and the only four day show will be held for the 150th time in 2013.
29 May - 1 June, Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, tel: 01749 822000

June

Iford Arts Festival, An exciting and varied season of opera, concerts and picnic proms. The award-winning garden and its intimate and unique performance spaces combine to create a magical experience.
8 June - 10 August, Iford Manor, tel: 01225 448844

July

The Roman Baths by Torchlight, Relax and enjoy the romantic torch lit ambience of the Great Bath.
1-31 July, Roman Baths, tel: 01225 477785

The Bath Motor Pageant, Displays of Vintage, Post Vintage, Historic and Classic Cars and Motorcycles, together with other diverse and interesting exhibitions, demonstrations and displays.
6-7 July, Walcot Rugby Ground, tel: 01225 463362

Bath Guitar Festival, Europe's number one guitar festival returns for its next extravaganza.
19-29 July, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

August

Special Olympics GB National Games in Bath, Our National Summer Games will be the largest multi-sport disability event of 2013 and will be held in Bath for the first time ever.
28 August - 1 September, University of Bath, tel: 020 7247 8891

Ladies Day Sponsored by McArthurGlen's Swindon Designer Outlet, The pinnacle of Bath's annual calendar. Dress to impress: a day for posh frocks & hats.
31 August, Bath Racecourse, tel: 01225 424609

Bath Folk Festival, Attend a live gig or learn to play an instrument at various workshops.
12-18 August, various venues.

September

Jane Austen Festival, A selection of events will take place to celebrate the life and work of Jane Austen.
13-21 September, various venues, tel: 01225 443000

Bath Festival of Children's Literature, Festival fun with authors, illustrators, storytellers and poets.
27 September – 6 October, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

October

Great Bath Feast, The city of Bath will be going all foodie this autumn with ‘The Great Bath Feast.’
1-31 October, various venues, tel: 0906 711 2000 (50p/min)

November

Bath Mozartfest, The Mozartfest celebrates the maestro’s music, and that of his contemporaries.
8-16 November, various venues, tel: 01225 463362

Bath Film Festival, A celebration of great cinema, with screenings and events across Bath.
14-24 November, various venues, tel: 01225 401149

Bath Christmas Market, a unique shopping experience in the heart of Bath city centre.
28 November - 15 December, Abbey Churchyard, tel: 0906 711 2000 (50p/min)

Christmas at the American Museum, Get into the spirit of Christmas at the American Museum and enjoy visiting the house at this special time of year.
28 November - 22 December, American Museum, tel: 01225 460503

December

Carols by Candlelight, The City of Bath Bach Choir return for its annual carol concert at the Pump Room, Bath.
18-20 December, Pump Room, tel: 01225 463362