The best festivals in Somerset 2026
Somerset festivals are the stuff of legend. The county is something of an expert at putting on a good shindig in a field – and if you’re thinking about things to do in Somerset this year, pencilling in a festival or three is very much the move.
Yes, we’ve all heard of one particular star-studded Somerset festival, whose tickets vanish off the internet like hot cakes (I’m talking about Glasto, obviously – and yes, I’m still miffed about missing out). But Somerset’s festival scene stretches far beyond Worthy Farm. From belting out tunes at a music festival in Somerset to tasting award-winning cheese, discovering local artists, ogling hot air balloons, or simply entertaining the kids on a summer weekend – there are festivals in Somerset to suit every taste, budget, and level of wellies enthusiasm.
I’ve rounded up every festival in Somerset I know of for 2026, listed in date order. Got a Somerset festival to add? Submit it here. And if you want to keep up with what’s on across the county, come and join the Down Somerset Way Facebook group or follow along on Instagram.
Last updated: July 2026 – 2026 festival dates added and verified throughout. New listings added for summer. If you know of a Somerset festival that isn’t listed here, please submit it here.
Festivals in Somerset
I’ve rounded up all the festivals in Somerset that I know of in order of date that they’re taking place.
February Festivals in Somerset
Watchet Literary Festival 2027
When? 19-21 February 2027
The Watchet festival of literature, Words of Watchet, talks and creative writing workshops, takes place across several venues in the charming harbour town of Watchet. Events take place in Watchet Boat Museum, East Quay and the Backyard Theatre.
Featuring a mix of book readings, live performances, and workshops, highlights include appearances by award-winning authors, as well as storytelling sessions, innovative poetry and prose, including live art poetry by Ralph Hoyte and readings from competition winners.
March Festivals in Somerset
Bath and West Food and Drink Festival 2026
When: 21-22 March 2026, 10am-4pm Where: The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
If you’ve ever wanted to spend a weekend doing nothing but eating exceptional cheese in a bierkeller-style beer hall, this one’s for you. The British & Irish Cheese Awards take centre stage at the Bath and West Food & Drink Festival in March, which means award-winning wheels from across the county (and beyond) are yours to taste. Add expert talks, inspired food and drink pairings, a well-stocked market, and a Kids Zone for little ones who are less fussed about aged cheddar — and you’ve got a proper Somerset foodie afternoon. Go hungry.
April Festivals in Somerset
Yeovil Beer & Cider Festival 2026
When: 25 April 2026, 2-11pm Where: Westlands, Yeovil
A cracking afternoon out for anyone who takes their ale and cider seriously. Yeovil Beer and Cider Festival brings together an array of local and regional brews, live music from local bands, and the kind of hearty food that makes a long afternoon of sampling feel entirely responsible. Think of it as research.
May Festivals in Somerset
Wedmore Arts Festival 2026
When: 2027 dates TBC – check wedmorefestival.co.uk for updates Where: Wedmore village, Somerset
Tucked between the Mendips and the Somerset Levels, the village of Wedmore becomes a miniature arts hub each May for the Wedmore Arts Festival. The programme is typically a brilliant mix of high-profile household names and up-and-coming local talent across music, theatre, and spoken word. A lovely excuse to explore one of Somerset’s most characterful villages.
The Bath Festival 2026
When: 2027 dates TBC – check bathfestivals.org.uk for updates
England’s longest-running arts festival returns in 2026 for another ten-day celebration of music, books, science, politics, and poetry. The Bath Festival typically features award-winning spoken word artists, a Literature Lounge, pop-up performances, and appearances by both household names and rising stars – all against the backdrop of one of England’s most beautiful cities.
Wells Comedy Festival 2026
When: 2026 dates TBC – check wellscomfest.com for updates Where: Various venues, Wells
Three days of hilarity, four venues, and over 40 comedy shows – all in England’s smallest city. Wells Comedy Festival has an excellent track record of pulling serious names: past line-ups have included Harry Hill, Alan Davies, James Acaster, and Nish Kumar. When the 2026 programme drops, it’s worth booking early – shows sell out.
June Festivals in Somerset 2026
Bath Vegan Festival 2026
When: 6 June 2026, 10:30am–4:30pm Where: Sound Church, Freedom House, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath
With 60 stalls, live music, and a VIP goody bag stuffed with vegan treats, Bath Vegan Festival is the county’s biggest celebration of plant-based food and drink. Entry is £5 (under 16s free), with a VIP ticket at £15 if you want the full experience. More info: veganeventsuk.co.uk
Home Farm Fest 2026, Chilthorne Domer
When: 12–14 June 2026 Where: Home Farm, Main Street, Chilthorne Domer, Somerset BA22 8RD
One of my genuine favourites, and a perfect example of what Somerset does best: a brilliant festival that exists for something bigger than itself. Home Farm Fest is held in aid of School in a Bag – every band, artist, performer, and volunteer plays and works for free to support the cause.
The line-up is impressive for a festival this size: eight stages of music, a packed weekend of talks and workshops, a large Children’s Area, a Wild Play and Wellness Area, silent discos, children’s discos and cinema, world food, and plenty more. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival pro, it’s a superb weekend out. And don’t forget to dig out something fancy for Friday night’s brilliant ‘Posh Wears & Wellies’ theme.
CAMPING NOTE: Camping is available.
Redstock, Redhill
When: 20 June 2026 Where: Redhill, North Somerset
A small, community-hearted festival in North Somerset, Redstock features local traders, six bands, fire dancing, a kids’ fun zone, and the kind of easy, unpretentious atmosphere that makes it a lovely day out. All profits go towards supporting the community of Redhill and Children’s Hospice South West – so you can feel good about having a good time.
South Petherton Folk Fest 2026
When: 20 June 2026, 10am-6:30pm Where: Various venues across South Petherton village
A free, one-day celebration of folk music in the picturesque village of South Petherton, this is one of those Somerset festivals that feels like an institution. South Petherton Folk Fest kicks off with the Procession Dance and the Ceremony of the Glove – an ancient folklore tradition which decrees that, as long as the glove remains airborne, no one can be arrested for drunkenness. Picture the village square packed with Morris dancers, the smell of hog roast drifting through medieval streets, and a very animated argument about whether the glove rule still technically applies. It doesn’t. Drink responsibly.
As well as the musical acts, there’s food and drink, craft stalls, and shows to keep the kids entertained. Entry is completely free all day.
Glastonbury Festival Somerset, Pilton *Fallow Year*
- When? 23-27 June 2027
- Where? Worthy Farm, Pilton
I, I know, I know, the famous Glastonbury Festival in Somerset doesn’t really need any introduction (and to be honest I’m still feeling miffed I missed out on tickets), but I can’t not mention the world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts festival.
Somerset’s Glastonbury Festival is not only a music lovers’ paradise it’s also a 24-hour city of entertainment, with everything from cinema to circus, art and performance on offer for five days straight.
Weston-super-Mare Pride 2026
When? Saturday 27 June
Join the celebrations at Weston Pride – the biggest Pride event in the UK on the Beach Lawns in Weston-super-Mare!
July Festivals in Somerset
Frome Festival 2027, Frome
When? 2-11 July 2027.
This 10-day community arts festival is run as a hybrid fringe, with an eclectic range of events and performances showcasing up-and-coming local and national talent in music, art, wellbeing, food and drink. The Frome Festival Programme 2027 includes exhibitions, workshops, comedy, walks, art trails taking places across over 40 venues in the town.
Porlock Weirfest 2026
When: 2-5 July 2026, 6pm-10pm Where: The Ship Inn, Porlock Weir
Now in its 14th year and still growing. What started as a humble beer festival in the pretty coastal village of Porlock has expanded into a proper long-weekend event with live bands every evening, over 50 real ales and ciders, and a hog roast that the whole harbour seems to gather around. Porlock Weirfest is one of those events that locals love fiercely and visitors discover and immediately plan to come back for. Highly recommended if you’re staying in Exmoor this summer.
ACCOMMODATION TIP: Sykes Cottages Exmoor.
Priddy Folk Festival 2026
When: 10-12 July 2026 Where: Priddy Village Green, Mendip Hills
Set high up in the Mendip Hills with views across the Somerset Levels on a clear day, Priddy Folk Festival is widely considered the friendliest festival in Britain – and having been, I’d struggle to argue. What started as a fundraiser for the local primary school has grown into a seven-stage extravaganza showcasing both the traditional and emerging folk scene.
2026 marks its 33rd year, so it’s set to be a proper good’un. Alongside a full programme of ticketed shows, there’s also a free fringe, a children’s festival, and a dance programme – meaning it’s brilliant for all ages. Book tickets : priddyfolk.org
Somerton Music and Arts Festival 2026
When: Throughout July 2026 Where: Various venues, Somerton
A fortnight-long celebration of arts and culture in the lovely market town of Somerton. Somerton Arts Festival events include live music, crafts workshops, art and photography exhibitions, wine tasting, chocolate making, talks, and guided walks – and the whole thing culminates in Somerstock (see below). A brilliant reason to spend a few days in one of Somerset’s most underrated towns.
Somerstock 2026, Somerton
When: 10-11 July 2026 Where: The Rec, Somerton
Somerton’s Music and Arts Festival builds to its climax with Somerstock, which kicks off with an extra evening of music from 7pm on Friday before the main event on Super Saturday. Two sound stages, street food, a Kids’ Zone (under-12s are free), and the sort of relaxed, community atmosphere that makes a Somerset town festival feel special.
This is a not-for-profit event run by unpaid volunteers, with proceeds going to local charities – so every pint you sink is practically a civic duty.
Bath Carnival 2026
When: 11 July 2026 Where: Bath city centre
A vibrant, free street celebration of carnival culture. Bath Carnival brings a spectacular procession of fabulous costumes, dynamic dance, and live music through the streets of Bath, ending in Sydney Gardens with live bands, DJs, food stalls, drumming and dance workshops, and a pirates’ kids’ zone. One of the most colourful free days out in the region.
Godney Gathering 2026
When: 17-18 July 2026 Where: Garslade Farm, Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RU
Didn’t get Glastonbury tickets? Godney Gathering takes place on Garslade Farm, practically in the same postcode as Worthy Farm – the Glastonbury Tor is visible on the horizon, which feels appropriately poetic. Now in its 12th year, this two-day microfestival has seven stages of big bands, local talent, comedy, and cabaret. 2026 headliners include Reverend and The Makers, The Pigeon Detectives, Dodgy, and The Wurzels. Yes, The Wurzels.
Book tickets: thegodneygathering.com
Rock n Ribs Festival 2026, Wincanton Racecourse
When: 17–19 July 2026 Where: Wincanton Racecourse
Three days of Americana-flavoured chaos: tribute rock bands, championship barbecue, classic cars, big rigs, Red Dragon monster trucks, Megaslam Wrestling, and fairground rides. Rock n Ribs 2026 is unashamedly, brilliantly over-the-top, and the kids will absolutely love it. Main stage headliners include Livewire, Metallica Reloaded, and Knotslip, while the Food Trial stage hosts line dancing, donut-eating competitions (for kids), and burger and chilli contests (for adults).
Buy tickets: rocknribsfestival.co.uk
All the World’s our Playground Festival, Shepton Mallet
- When? 18 July
From a 50m life sized sperm whale (with a theatre shows inside) to pop-up swing dance workshops, immersive walkabout Blockbuster movie scenes to a thrilling six piece acrobatic circus, the FREE family-friendly All the World’s Our Playground Festival aims to put young people’s creativity at the heart of the town and is fuelled on imagination-rich experiences for all the community.
Beer & Cider Festival, Somerset Cricket Ground
When: 24 July 2026 Where: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Somerset’s cricket ground hosts its annual Beer and Cider Festival in the fan village during the Metro Bank One Day Cup derby against local rivals Gloucestershire. Over 100 real ales and craft ciders, local acoustic music, and food options make this a rather civilised way to spend a summer’s afternoon – and all Members and match-day ticket holders receive a full set of tasting notes so you can find a new favourite.
Family Fun Day, Cooper Associates County Ground
When: Sunday 26 July 2026 Where: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
The popular annual Family Fun Day coincides with Somerset taking on Warwickshire in the One Day Cup. As well as the cricket, there’s face painting, a petting zoo, jugglers, clowns, street food, and virtual cricket – ideal for families wanting to introduce little ones to the beautiful game with plenty of backup entertainment on hand.
Keith Fest 2026, Henstridge Airfield
When: 24-25 July 2026 Where: Henstridge Airfield
Now in its third year, Keith Fest is a family-friendly music festival held in memory of Keith Bowler, raising funds for mental health charity Brave & Determined. The line-up features live bands, food vendors, two licensed bars, a bouncy castle, face painting, hair braiding, and stalls – all with the warm, purposeful energy that comes with a festival built around something that matters.
Tickets: Friday: adult £8, child £4 (5-16yrs). Saturday: adult £15, child £5. Weekend without camping: adult £20, child £6. Weekend with two nights’ camping: adult £35, child £6.
Weston Sea Shanty Festival 2026
When: 31 July – 2 August 2026 Where: Multiple venues across Weston-super-Mare
Organised by Weston’s own shanty band, The Steepholmers, the Weston Sea Shanty Festival is exactly what it sounds like. Over 40 bands play across a variety of bars and venues in the town centre, with a centre stage at the Italian Gardens. Fancy dress is enthusiastically encouraged. Entry to all venues is free (except The Grand Pier), with donation buckets for RNLI and The Lions Club.
The Mendip Mini Fests
When: 24 July-30 August 2026 Where: Mendip Basecamp and Activity Centre
For families who like their festival vibes with a side of adrenaline, Mendip Activity Centre is changing the game for 2026. Spread across 250 acres of glorious Somerset countryside, this site is the South West’s largest independent outdoor provider. This year, they’ve taken the spirit of their popular Mendip Family Festival and evolved it into something even more accessible: the Mendip Mini Fests.
Six family-friendly festival weekends are included for all campers at Mendip Basecamp, at no extra charge. Fridays kick off with storytelling followed by live music from local singer-songwriters or bands. Saturdays feature free outdoor workshops from 9am to 11am, face painting, and local talent competitions. As the sun goes down, headline bands take to the stage. Sundays are for ‘the morning after’ recovery, with family yoga sessions and circus skills workshops before heading home.
Because these fests are hosted at Mendip Activity Centre, you can easily bolt on some pulse-pounding pursuits! With over 20 outdoor activities on your doorstep, pick anything from tobogganing, archery, or climbing to snow sports, frisbee golf, caving and more.
Pitch your own tent or campervan, or if you’d rather skip the set-up, you can hire one of their ready-and-waiting rental tents; a Glamphouse Safari Tent – complete with a mezzanine level – or a Nomadic Bell Tent.
Read my review of Mendip Basecamp here.
Paddock Circus Festival, Beckford’s Tower
26 July 2026
Roll up, roll up! The utterly brilliant Paddock Circus are rolling into the Grotto Paddock at Beckford’s Tower and bringing their high-energy, heartwarming outdoor show and festival vibes with them! Featuring “Little Big Top” performances by Circus Pazaz, outdoor theater, and hands-on circus skills workshops across the historic Lansdown site.
Valley Fest 2026
When: 31 July – 2 August 2026 Where: Chew Valley (near Bristol), Somerset
Impossibly scenic and reliably wonderful. Valley Fest takes place on an organic farm in the Chew Valley, nine miles from Bristol, and food is taken just as seriously as the music here – arrive hungry and make the most of the street food and sit-down feasts from outstanding local producers. This year’s headliners are Friendly Fires, Cast, and Big Special.
For families, Valley Fest is a genuine treat: veg picking, mini raves, crafting, circus games, face painting, and ride-on tractors keep kids busy from morning to late afternoon. All washed down with West Country tipples and proper Somerset festival vibes.
August Festivals in Somerset 2026
Taunton Fake Festival 2026
When? 1 August 2026
Taunton Fake Festival 2026 brings wall-to-wall rock anthems to Longrun Meadow. Enjoy six top tribute bands – covering Queen, Pink, Stereophonics, Blondie, Bon Jovi, and David Bowie – inside a licensed marquee. Outside features food stalls and kids’ entertainment. Tickets range from £32.50 to £55, with under-10s attending free with an adult.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2026
When: 7-9 August 2026 Where: Ashton Court Estate, North Somerset
One of the most famous events on the South West calendar, this free, family-friendly festival is the largest hot air balloon event in Europe. Mass ascents of over 100 balloons take place in the early morning and late afternoon (wind permitting), while daytime visitors enjoy fairground rides, live music, kids’ activities, and stunning aerial displays in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate. The evening nightglow shows – when balloons illuminate their burners to a BBC Radio Bristol soundtrack before a firework finale – are magical. More info here.
Chard Rock Festival 2026
When: 8-9 August 2026 Where: Crewkerne Road, Chard
A two-day rock festival in South Somerset with three headliners planned for each day: Moretallica, Wildside, Motorwrecked, Bon DC, Europe UK, and Foo Fighters SW are all on the bill. Chard Rock Festival is unpretentious, loud, and a lot of fun.
Watchet Summertime 2026
When: 17-22 August 2026 Where: Watchet
Street market stalls, workshops, live music, open air cinema and fireworks are just some of the summer holiday activities happening during Watchet Summertime. If you’re planning a trip to this little harbour town on the Exmoor coast, it’s worth checking if your dates overlap.
ArcTanGent 2026, Compton Martin
When: 19-22 August 2026 Where: Fernhill Farm, Chew Valley
One of the most critically acclaimed festivals in the UK for heavy music and experimental rock. ArcTanGent takes place on the idyllic Fernhill Farm in the Chew Valley – a beautiful setting for music that is decidedly not idyllic. Over 100 acts play across five alternating stages during the three-day event, with each night ending in a silent disco from 11pm to 3am. Food and drink is sourced from independent traders and local breweries.
Chill on the Hill 2026, Ham Hill
When: 30 August 2026 Where: Ham Hill Country Park, South Somerset
Chill on the Hill is now in its fifth year – and it keeps getting better. This one-day mini-festival at Ham Hill Country Park combines circus thrills, live music, local food, artsy fun, and a proper feel-good community atmosphere in one of Somerset’s most beautiful green spaces.
Hosted by arts charity Take Art as part of its CULTIVATE programme (linking food, art, and nature in rural communities), it’s supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Tickets are just £1 – or pay what you can – making it one of the best-value days out in the county. Bring deckchairs and blankets, pack a picnic, and stay for the afternoon. If you fancy making a full day of it, the Ham Hill circular walk offers brilliant views across the Somerset countryside before the music begins.
Truckfest South West 2026, Shepton Mallet
When: 29-30 August 2026 Where: The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
Monster Trucks, arena stunt shows, children’s characters, exhilarating rides, and incredible trucks at the Bath and West Showground – Truckfest South West is going straight into the diary of anyone with a small child who is obsessed with vehicles. Which, in my experience, is most small children.
September Festivals in Somerset 2026
Wedmore Real Ale Festival 2026
When: 18–20 September 2026 Where: Wedmore
Wedmore Beer Festival has been running for 24 years, which tells you something about how well it does its job. The September weekender raises money for worthy causes while spreading the word about excellent real ales, craft beers, ciders, and wine and gin – plus a solid spread of food stalls to help fuel the merriment. A brilliant reason to spend a September weekend in this lovely Somerset village.
Priston Music Festival, near Bath
- When? 18-20 September 2026
Priston Festival 2026 celebrates local music and artistic talent as well as nationally-renowned acts. All types of music feature on the festival programme as well as film, literary events, singing and dancing workshops and children’s art activities.
When it comes to venues, no public village amenity is left unturned – you’ll find events taking place in the parish church, pub, village hall, car park, as well as the village green.
Somerset Festival of Transport 2026, Frome Showground
When: 26-27 September Where: Frome Showground
Tractors, steam engines, military vehicles, classic cars, and motorbikes – plus a Tiger’s Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, dog shows, birds of prey, and trade stalls selling everything from car parts to crafts. Somerset Festival of Transport is a brilliant day out for anyone who loves a well-maintained engine, and particularly magnificent for small children who haven’t yet grown out of pointing excitedly at big machines.
Somerset Food Trail 2026
- When? TBC
The Somerset Food Trail Festival celebrates the farms, landscapes, people and variety of places behind the Somerset’s most flavourful and nature-friendly food. Farmers, growers and food producers open their doors to the public at set times in July – think cheese tasting, vineyard tours, cider festivals and foraging workshops.
The 17-day-long programme of events and experiences is designed to raise awareness of the importance of farming regeneratively, and eating seasonally whenever possible.
To help trail-goers discover the wealth of incredible food and drink producers on their doorstep, this year’s trail is focused on a series of ‘Somerset Feasts’. Participating venues are challenged to host a memorable meal or tasting event that puts the spotlight on ingredients grown, or made, within a 30-mile radius. YUM!
eat:Festivals 2026
eat:Festivals bring the best West Country food and drink producers and artisans to markets in town centres across Somerset, Devon, Dorset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. All are free, non-ticketed events where you can buy local food and drink directly from the producers. Put these 2026 Somerset eat: Festivals dates in your diary:
- eat:Minehead April – The Avenue
- eat:Weston April – on the Italian Gardens
- eat:Castle Cary April – town centre
- eat:Nailsea April – High Street & Crown Glass shopping centre
- eat:Taunton May – around Taunton minster, Hammet Street and all the way up East Street
- eat:Bedminster May – East Street
- eat:Burnham-on-Sea May – all through the town centre, focused on College and Victoria Streets.
- eat:Portishead May – Parish Wharf and all along the north bank of the Marina
- eat:Yeovil May – Middle Street, Wine Street & Union Street
- eat:Portishead August – Parish Wharf and all along the north bank of the Marina
- eat:Wellington Sept – South Street and High Street
- eat:Yeovil – Middle Street, Wine Street & Union Street
- eat:Weston Sept WSM – on the Italian Gardens
- eat:Clevedon October – Queens Square, Station Road and Old Church Road
- eat:Yeovil Nov – Middle Street, Wine Street & Union Street
- eat:Weston Nov – inside The Winter Gardens and outside on the Italian Gardens
- eat:Nailsea Dec – High Street & Crown Glass shopping centre
Jane Austen Festival Bath 2026
When: 11-22 September 2026
Every September, Bath’s splendid Georgian cityscape provides the perfect backdrop for a celebration of the life and work of one of its most famous former residents, Jane Austen.
During the ten-day festival, over 80 Austen-themed events take place including guided walks, readings, concerts, dance classes, theatrical performances and workshops, with one of the highlights being the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, when hundreds of fans fill the city’s streets clad head-to-toe in splendid Regency dress. More info.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2026
When: 25 Sept – 4 October 2026
Europe’s largest children’s literary event, Bath Children’s Literature Festival gives young readers the chance to meet the minds behind their favourite books, watch poetry performances, take part in poetry slams, and discover new literary heroes. An exceptional event for bookish children of all ages.
October Festivals in Somerset
Wells Festival of Literature 2026
When? 16-24 October 2026
Wells Literary Festival began 33 years ago, and aims to promote the love and enjoyment of books, reading, and the written word. The 9-day festival takes place in Cedars Hall, a state-of-the-art performance venue situated in the beautiful grounds of Wells Cathedral School.
You can typically hear from a wide range of novelists, speakers on politics, ecology, travel, history, biography and philosophy. Events include literary lunches, poetry, short story and kid’s book competitions.
Yeovil Literary Festival 2026
When? 22-27 October 2026
Yeovil Literary Festival has been bringing inspirational writers, speakers, comedians and thinkers to entertain, inspire and enlighten audiences for 11 years. 2023’s line-up included Delia Smith, Melanie C, Hugh Bonneville, Anton du Beke and Tom Kerridge. This year’s is yet to be announced, so watch this space!
Events take place at The Octagon Theatre, Westlands Entertainment Venue and Yeovil Library.
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