Culture
Bath’s Creative Calendar
From literature to lantern parades, these signature events showcase Bath’s creative pulse month by month.
Bath’s cultural calendar is wonderfully varied. Mark your diary with these annual highlights to experience the city through music, storytelling, and design.
February — ReBalance Bath Festival
Wellness practitioners, nutritionists, and sound therapists take over the city with workshops, tastings, and twilight spa sessions. Look out for rooftop yoga under heat lamps and immersive gong baths in historic chapels.
May — The Bath Festival
Two weeks of music and literature bring headliners to the Assembly Rooms, Victoria Park, and intimate bookshop stages. Secure tickets early for a mix of jazz, folk, and author talks.
July — Bath Carnival
Expect samba beats, bold costumes, and community stalls. The parade winds through the city centre before culminating in a family-friendly party in Sydney Gardens.
September — Jane Austen Festival
Regency costumes, promenade balls, and theatrical performances transform Bath into a period drama. Join the Grand Regency Promenade or attend a costumed dance workshop.
October — FilmBath Festival
An indie film lover’s dream. Screenings take place in heritage venues and pop-up cinemas, accompanied by Q&As, director sessions, and late-night shorts.
December — Bath Christmas Market
Wooden chalets spill through the city centre with local crafts and artisan food. Visit midweek for fewer crowds, then warm up with mulled cider at The Green Park Brasserie.
Planning favourites
- Sign up for event newsletters — presale tickets disappear fast.
- Many venues are walkable; pack comfortable shoes and layers.
- Pair events with neighbourhood dining: Walcot Street for creative small plates, Kingsmead Square for street food.
- Carry a reusable cup — most markets offer incentives for eco-friendly choices.