Summer’s in full swing and the UK is bursting with brilliant things to do in August 2026 🌻
While the weather might not guarantee sunshine, there’s a treasure trove of electrifying festivals, historic sights, charming hidden gems and one-of-a-kind things to do in August.
We’ve got 18 exciting activities lined up, from exhilarating festivals to charming hidden gems, all guaranteed to make your August unforgettable. So buckle up because here comes a whirlwind of summer fun!
1. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday until Christmas
Monday 31st August is the final bank holiday until Christmas – so it would be rude not to go all out and conclude the summer with a bang. Plus, the August bank holidays are well-known for their gorgeous weather. So, what’s on the agenda? Here are our top picks!
☀️ Manchester Village Pride
☀️ Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
☀️ Edinburgh Art Festival
☀️ Battersea Park in Concert
Planning a city break to the capital this bank holiday? Be sure to check out London’s best beer gardens for a weekend bev. And if the weather doesn’t hold, no matter! London is packed with art galleries and museums to keep you, and whoever you are with, busy.
Whatever you’re getting up to, in the city or the countryside, this upcoming bank holiday is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the best of the UK!
2. Brighton & Hove Pride Parade & Pride on the Park
1st & 2nd August 2026
Brighton, the UK’s rainbow capital, is preparing for their biggest pride party yet – and you’re invited! Get ready for the ultimate Pride celebration in the heart of this British seaside gem at the beginning of August.
With the theme of 2026 being ‘The Power of Love’, there will be plenty of opportunities to showcase solidarity and community spirit throughout the Pride Parade on the 1st August. Marking 35 years since Pride returned to the city in its modern format, the parade will kick off at Hove Lawns, wind its way through the centre of the city past over 300,000 spectators and finish at Preston Park. And the party is just getting started with over 150 LGBTQ+ performers throughout the weekend!
Pride on the Park main stage will be bursting with your favourite music artists, from the iconic Diana Ross to the lyrical genius of Raye and even a party-starting DJ set with Rupaul. Plus, Pride on the Park’s dedicated Dance Stage will be packed with epic DJ sets, dazzling drag queens and so much more!
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3. Welsh National Eisteddfod
1st – 8th August 2026
Love Wales? The Welsh National Eisteddfod is an unmissable event that celebrates the country’s native language and glorious culture. This year the festival is taking place in Llantwd, located in the north of Pembrokeshire countryside and attendees are in for a real treat
There’ll be literature, visual arts, dance, music and plenty more to discover as the festival celebrates a tremendous milestone: 850 years since the very first Eisteddfod. And even if you don’t speak Welsh, there is plenty to learn and enjoy about the Welsh culture. The event also offers translation services, giving everybody a chance to celebrate Wales.
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4. Cowes Week
1st – 7th August 2026
If you’re looking for an unforgettable seaside August experience, mark your calendars for Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight! From the 1st to the 7th August, this world-renowned sailing regatta transforms the charming town of Cowes into a buzzing hub of activity.
While the competitive racing out on the Solent is a spectacular sight to behold, you don’t need to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront, feeling the buzz in the air as hundreds of boats, from classic beauties to cutting-edge designs, vie for position. The sound of the Royal Yacht Squadron’s cannons is an iconic moment of this annual event and can be experienced from land or sea! That’s right, spectators can even watch from the water with a variety of boat trip options to catch all the racing action up close.
Meanwhile, ashore, both East and West Cowes come alive with a fantastic array of events and entertainment, as well as local businesses to explore. At the heart of the action is Cowes Regatta Village @ the Parade, where you’ll find live music stages, pop-up bars and splendid views of the Solent. Or if you’re eager to explore West Cowes itself, we recommend Smoking Lobster Cowes for great seafood, Musto for sailing gear and Holm for lifestyle and homewear.
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7. Boardmasters Festival
5th – 9th August 2026
If you’re yearning for beachside vibes, gorgeous sunshine and awesome tunes this August, Boardmasters in Cornwall is the perfect place to get your fix. This lively music festival on the Cornish coast is back with its iconic weekend-long seaside party this August.
Catch huge names in rock, pop and electronic music live on stage – headline acts for 2026 include Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian! But when you’re not spotting the surfing pros on Fistral Beach or dancing your heart out at the main stage, you grab some tasty festival grub and soak up the incredible Cornish atmosphere.
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Discover the ultimate guide to the UK’s music festival scene for 2026 here.
6. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
7th August – 29th August 2026
Heading to Edinburgh during the summer months? The entire capital is bursting with legendary activities throughout August, but an absolute must-see event that will quite literally shake you to your core is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Set right on the massive stone esplanade outside the historic Edinburgh Castle, this nightly spectacular is a breathtaking blend of military pageantry, music and cultural performance. The name ‘tattoo’ actually traces back to an old 17th-century Dutch phrase, ‘doe den tap toe’, meaning ‘turn off the taps’, which was a signal for local tavern owners to stop serving beer so soldiers would head back to their barracks.
Since then, the tradition has evolved hugely throughout the centuries. Today it is a huge, high-energy global celebration that hosts around 800 performers each evening. The second the show begins, you are treated to a magnificent wall of sound as the Massed Pipes and Drums march across the drawbridge in perfect formation. Expect gorgeous tartan attire as well as state-of-the-art light projections cast against the iconic castle walls. While the show is still deeply rooted in Scottish heritage, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is also a wonderfully warm gathering of nations, welcoming military bands, precision drill teams and cultural dancers from all across the globe.
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7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
7th August – 31st August 2026
August is the perfect time to discover the UK’s vibrant arts scene! And with the world’s largest arts extravaganza returning to Edinburgh and summer sun bathing this historic city in gorgeous weather (fingers crossed), there’s no better place for a UK staycation than the Scottish capital.
The epic Edinburgh Fringe Festival isn’t your ordinary arts festival. Welcoming thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, music and everything in between, the Edinburgh Fringe is a wonderland for all devotees to the arts. From hilarious stand-up routines to mind-blowing theatre acts, all within the charming, historic streets of Edinburgh, buckle up for a month of belly-aching laughter and unforgettable performances you won’t want to miss.
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8. Bristol Balloon International Fiesta
7th – 9th August 2026
August is hot air balloon heaven in Bristol! The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes over Ashton Court Estate for three days of pure magic. We’re talking a sea of colourful hot air balloons gently floating up across the sunrise – it’s a sight you won’t forget.
But there are more than just breathtaking views. The fiesta is a giant family-friendly event with live music, fairground rides and delicious food stalls. In the evenings, the hot air balloons come alive and light up to music like giant, magical lanterns! Adults and kids will both be mesmerised by the balloons in this unforgettable weekend in Bristol. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!
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9. Edinburgh International Book Festival
15th – 30th August 2026
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Love getting lost in a good book? The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the perfect escape for avid bookworms! Beloved as one of the largest celebrations of all things literature in the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is like a giant book fair with a festival twist.
Held at Edinburgh Futures Institute, just a short walk from Old Town, this literature festival is a chance to meet your favourite fiction and non-fiction authors, attend talks about the latest and greatest reads and discover incredible new writers making waves in publishing. There are even workshops to get your own creative juices flowing! Whether you’re a die-hard fantasy fan or a romantic novel buff, there’s something for everyone at this book lover’s paradise.
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10. Green Man Festival
20th – 23th August 2026
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Tucked away in the breathtaking valleys of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Wales, Green Man Festival is the ultimate summer escape. This festival is home to everything from live music, comedy and performing arts to literature. You’ll find yourself watching top-tier indie, folk and electronic acts on the Mountain Stage with the Black Mountains looming behind.
What makes Green Man extra special, though, is how much it embraces the wonderfully weird and family-friendly side of festival life. By day, you can wander through the woods to discover hidden art installations, grab a pint of locally brewed drink or check out interactive science experiments in Einstein’s Garden.
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11. All Points East Festival
21st – 23rd & 28th – 30th August 2026
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East London is calling you this August! Yes, we’ve got another anticipated music event lined up this summer, so lose yourself to the music in London’s Victoria Park! All Points East (APE for short) is an iconic London music festival stretching over two weekends (including the Bank Holiday weekend) and bringing a killer line-up of performers.
From catchy indie tunes to dance floor anthems that’ll have you moving all night. Need convincing to grab your ticket? Here are some of the headliners to get you hyped: Tyler, The Creator, Wunderhorse, Jorja Smith, Lorde, Zara Larsson, Djo and Twenty One Pilots, to name a few. See you there!
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12. New Forest Food Festival
15th & 16th August 2026
New Forest National Park is returning to host the ultimate foodie fiesta you won’t want to miss! This jam-packed weekend will be overflowing with fresh, local produce, talented artisan vendors and even internationally recognised restaurants – all nestled amidst stunning scenery and ancient woodlands. Maybe you’ll even spot a wild pony or two!
Situated right in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, expect creamy brie and tangy cheddar from artisan cheesemakers, buttery pastries from local bakers and refreshing local ales and gins from skilled brewers and distillers – perfect for a summer day.
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Check out the biggest (and tastiest!) UK food festivals coming up this summer here.
13. The Hundred Cricket
21st July – 14th August 2026
Final: 16th August 2026
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If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to soak up this British sporting classic, you have to check out The Hundred. Forget the traditional, five-day cricket matches – The Hundred is a completely reimagined, fast-paced version of the game designed for pure entertainment. With just 100 balls per innings, the action wraps up in under three hours, making it incredibly high-energy and easy to follow. Each ticket scores you access to the elite women’s and men’s teams play back-to-back, all wrapped up in a lively festival atmosphere complete with live DJs and great food.
It’s the ultimate August day out, whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just looking for a fun afternoon in the sun with friends and family. The tournament builds to an absolute crescendo mid-month, culminating in the massive, highly anticipated Final on August 16th, 2026, at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
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14. Reading & Leeds Festival
27th – 30th August 2026
Hey festival lovers! The August Bank Holiday weekend is all about letting loose and singing your heart out, and what better way to do that than at the iconic Reading and Leeds Festival?
This legendary event throws a massive party across both Reading and Leeds, with huge headliners including Charli XCX, Chase & Status Live, Dave, Florence + The Machine Fontains D.C and Raye!
It’s not just about the big names, though! Reading and Leeds is the perfect chance to discover your new music obsession, see your old favourite crush live and make festival memories that’ll last forever. So grab your besties, pack your dancing shoes and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music madness.
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15. Between the Trees
27th – 30th August 2026
Feeling the call of the wild this August? Look no further than Between the Trees, a magical festival that brings together everything from live music and visual arts to science and nature.
Nestled amongst the Welsh woodlands, this nature-lover’s paradise is all about good music and getting back to your roots. Think sparkling indie and folk tunes echoing through the trees, inspiring talks about science and the environment and even workshops to help you unleash your inner artist. So pack your walking boots, grab your besties and get ready for a unique adventure at Between the Trees this August!
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16. Greenwich & Docklands International Festival
21st August – 6th September 2026
If you’re searching for sunshine, street performers and showstopping spectacles this August, then look no further than the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival in London. This free, open-air extravaganza transforms east London into a giant stage. With mind-blowing performances popping up everywhere across Greenwich’s parks to London’s Docklands, witness heart-stopping acrobatics against the city skyline.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is all about surprises and unforgettable experiences. Best of all, the majority of events announced so far are free with no ticket required!
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17. The Berkeley Castle Joust
24th & 25th August 2026
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Wrap up your August with a bit of time travel; you’ll definitely want to head down to Gloucestershire for the spectacular Berkeley Castle Joust. Held over the late August Bank Holiday weekend, this annual event transforms one of England’s most stunning 11th-century fortresses into a roaring, lively arena. The legendary Knights of Nottingham take over the grounds, putting on a hard-hitting, fast-paced show filled with incredible horsemanship, thunderous lance clashes, and intense sword battles.
The best part is the atmosphere. The crowd gets fully invested, meaning you’ll find yourself eagerly cheering or playfully booing the fearsome knights all throughout the day. Beyond the edge-of-your-seat combat, the event is packed with a wonderful, festival-like energy that keeps you entertained all day long. A crowd-favourite is the mischievous jester, Sir Frederick, whose quick wit and goofy antics are guaranteed to have both kids and adults in absolute stitches.
Tickets to the event also give you full access to explore the beautiful gardens and the castle itself, which is packed with 900 years of wild history (including the actual cell where King Edward II met his infamous end!). Whether you are a total history buff or just looking for a memorable day out with the family, packing a picnic and heading to Berkeley Castle is easily one of the most fun ways to spend a sunny August Bank Holiday.
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18. Notting Hill Carnival
29th & 31st August 2026
Love a good party with a side of Caribbean vibes? Look no further than Notting Hill Carnival! This London legend has been rocking the streets since the late 1950s, celebrating the rich culture of the British African-Caribbean community. This massive street party is the perfect chance to soak up the August sunshine, the buzzing music and the sheer joy of people coming together.
Hit the streets on the last August bank holiday weekend and you’ll be dazzled by vibrant costumes, impressive floats and the infectious energy of this iconic parade. Boogie with friends (old and new!) to the heart-pumping steel bands and calypso rhythms. And let’s not forget the food – get ready to tantalise your taste buds with incredible Caribbean flavours from countless stalls.
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