Bath’s attractions are always brimming with inspiring art exhibitions, unforgettable experiences, and thrilling live shows, but this year sees a bumper summer of culture in the city! Read on to find out how you can get in on the act and enjoy an exciting cultural break in Bath this summer… 

Exhibitions

This summer’s plentiful crop of exhibitions in Bath span countries across the world, from 19th-century France to the diverse American landscapes of Route 66, and include two UK firsts. 

At the Victoria Art Gallery, immerse yourself in the colourful world of Bohemian Paris at the Victoria Art Gallery’s Toulouse-Lautrec and the Masters of Montmartre exhibition, your only chance to see the renowned French artist’s complete collection of colourful posters in Britain, from the cancan dancers of La Troupe de Mademoiselle Eglantine to his very first poster of the Moulin Rouge. 

You can also expect to see work from other celebrated artists of the same era, such as Steinlein’s Tournee du Chat Noir, an advert for Ruinart champagne by Alphonse Mucha, and theatre posters by Jules Cheret. 

Image: La Troupe de Mademoiselle Eglantine by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Go from beloved artists of the past to beloved artists of the present at The Holburne Museum, where the building itself has been used as a blank canvas by Internet sensation Mr Doodle in his first UK exhibition. Follow the journey of the artist’s trademark ‘graffiti spaghetti’ artwork as it jumps from the pages of his personal sketchbook to the walls, ceilings and doors of the museum, creating a wild and wonderful installation dedicated to the joy of doodling.  

Image: Mr Doodle, credit Morgan Davies

To the east of the city centre at the American Museum & Gardens, embark on an American Road Trip down the United States’ famed Route 66. Along the way, you’ll discover the origins of this American cultural phenomenon, as well as the stories and souvenirs of those who have experienced the two and a half thousand mile adventure over the years. There’s even a chance for you to immerse yourself in some of the key aspects of the odyssey, with a series of interactive spaces throughout the exhibition to explore. 

Image: American Road Trip exhibition

Experiences

Has Bridgerton given you the craving to attend a Georgian-style ball? Are you tempted to explore one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world by torchlight as the sun sets? You can do both and much more at attractions across Bath this summer. 

Head to The Assembly Rooms’ ‘Dressing Fancy’ programme of events throughout June and delve into the building’s connections to Georgian social culture, with a combination of special experiences, talks and an exhibition of fancy dress costumes from the era. 

Dressing Fancy encourages you to imagine what life might have been like in Georgian high society, from the sights, sounds and smells of a ball, to the sensation of wearing Georgian fancy dress. Don’t miss the chance to get fully into character with Georgian dance and cards lessons from expert instructors, or the opportunity to don your most lavish outfits and attend the ‘Fancy Ball’ on Saturday 15 June. 

Image: Dressing Fancy at The Assembly Rooms, credit Serena Dyer

Back at The Holburne Museum, mark Pride month at the venue's first ever Pride event, inviting you into the fabulous world of queer arts and culture. Join in with creative workshops, film screenings, cabaret performances, silent discos and more, all curated by the Holburne Future Collective, a talented group of local young creatives. 

July in Bath means the return of the annual Bath Carnival, one of the biggest events on the city’s cultural calendar. Hitting the city centre streets on 13 July, this unmissable celebration of carnival arts, as well as the strength of the city’s community spirit and diversity, offers you the chance to party like a local. Enjoy the colourful carnival procession, then head to the accompanying festival at Sydney Gardens, where you’ll find live music, workshops, and more. And, if you still can’t get enough of the festivities, there’s an official after party waiting for you back in the city centre until the early hours. 

Image: The Bath Carnival

From 20 July to 31 August, The Roman Baths will open until 10pm every evening for its annual Summer Lates experience, offering you the rare chance to take in the magical atmosphere of one of Britain’s most iconic landmark as the sun sets. Explore the Baths under the glow of torchlight, or relax alongside the Great Bath with a glass of champagne or prosecco from the pop-up bar. 

Image: The torchlit Great Bath at The Roman Baths

Performances

Bath’s collection of summer performances put the city and its surrounding area’s gorgeous green spaces centre stage. 

Kicking off the season in June is the Iford Jazz Festival, set in the stunning landscape gardens of Iford Manor to the east of Bath. Find your perfect spot in the Grade I listed gardens and be serenaded by soothing performances from a variety of jazz musicians throughout the day as you tuck in to a picnic and bask in the beauty of your surroundings. 

Image: Iford Manor Gardens, credit Marianne Cartwright-Hignett 

The fourth annual edition of the Garden Theatre Festival will take over the grounds of The Holburne Museum from 10-21 July, featuring performances of beloved tales from William Shakespeare, E. Nesbit, and J.M. Barrie, as well as hilarious slapstick twists on Sherlock Holmes, Jeeves & Wooster, and more. Bring your own blanket or nab one of the deckchairs provided, then sit back with a drink from the alfresco bar and enjoy fabulous entertainment under a warm sunset. 

Image: The Garden Theatre Festival at The Holburne Museum

In August, If Opera will bring two of the greatest operas in the world to the stage in the beautiful surroundings of Belcombe Court in the town of Bradford-on-Avon, near Bath. Watch as some of the most gifted musicians and singers in the country perform Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, as well as taking part in the event’s popular picnic prom. 

Image: If Opera

There are also plenty of exciting indoor performances coming to Bath this summer, ready to come to your rescue should you need to take cover from the unpredictable British weather! Musical theatre fans are well catered for at the Theatre Royal, with hit West End shows Heathers and Sister Act visiting from 30 July–3 August and 6–17 August respectively, while around the corner at Komedia Bath, you can choose from a wide range of standup comedy and live music gigs throughout the season.

Image: Theatre Royal Bath

Be sure to keep an eye on our theatre, music, and comedy events pages to see what’s on at other venues across the city this summer. 

Where to stay

With so much culture to immerse yourself in across Bath this summer, you’re going to need a cosy place to bed down at the end of busy days filled with exploration. No matter what your taste and budget, you’re sure to find your perfect pad among Bath’s selection of award-winning hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs. Head over to our accommodation page and start planning your cultural summer break in Bath today.