What's On in Cambridge — 2026

By Flavia Voican · Updated April 14, 2026

Cambridge hosts 12 major annual festivals attracting over 500,000 visitors combined, with the Cambridge Folk Festival drawing 25,000 attendees each August.

Events Calendar — Cambridge 2026

Month	Event	Type	Cost
March	Cambridge Science Festival	Science	FREE
April	Cambridge Film Festival	Arts	£5-£15
May	Cambridge University May Week	University	£60-£100
June	May Balls (various colleges)	University	£60-£100
June	Cambridge Midsummer Fair	Community	FREE
July	Cambridge International Music Festival	Music	£25-£75
August	Cambridge Folk Festival	Festival	£45-£120
September	Cambridge Literary Festival	Literary	£10-£25
October	Cambridge Food Festival	Food	£10-£30
November	Cambridge Christmas Market	Market	FREE

Top 3 Events Not to Miss

August

Cambridge Folk Festival

Held at Parkers Piece, featuring 120 acts including international artists like The Decemberists and local groups. Tickets include access to the Family Zone with free acoustic sessions at King's College Chapel. Book early via the official website as 70% of tickets sell out within 48 hours.

June

Trinity College May Ball

A formal dinner and ball at Trinity College's Old Library, with a themed costume requirement. The £85 ticket includes three-course dinner and all-night entertainment. Arrive by 7:00 PM to secure a table near the orchestra for the best views of the college gardens.

March

Cambridge Science Festival

Hosted across 20 venues including Pembroke College and the Museum of Archaeology, featuring live experiments and talks by researchers. Free entry includes robot demonstrations at the University of Cambridge Computer Lab. Attend the "Science in the City" street event on March 15 for hands-on activities near the Market Square.

Free Events in Cambridge

Cambridge Film Festival: Free screenings at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, April 12-14, 2026. Cambridge Midsummer Fair: Free entry at Jesus Green, June 20, 2026, featuring traditional games and crafts. Cambridge Christmas Market: Free entry at the Market Square, November 22-24, 2026, with carol singing and local artisan stalls.

Practical Info

August offers the highest concentration of events, particularly the Folk Festival. Book tickets for major events 3-4 months in advance via the Cambridge City Council events portal. The official event listing website is cambridge.gov.uk/events.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What events are happening in Cambridge this year?

Check our Cambridge events calendar above for the latest festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. We update this page regularly with confirmed dates and ticket links.

Are there free events in Cambridge?

Yes — many cities including Cambridge host free outdoor festivals, museum nights, and cultural events throughout the year. Check the free events section in our guide above.

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