23-25 January 2026

Rutland Water hosts a local Big Garden Birdwatch event as part of the RSPB’s nationwide wildlife survey. Visitors can contribute to the bird count and take part in birdwatching activities.

24-25 January 2026

Working with RSPB Mid Nene Group, Lyveden will take part in the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch with a weekend dedicated to local birdlife. Expect bird crafts, wildlife tables, guided birdwatching walks, and plenty of chances to take part, with volunteers on hand to help spot and identify what’s around you

Lyvedon, Oundle Northamptonshire

24 January - 1 February 2026

Set within Peterborough Cathedral, the resting place of Katharine of Aragon, this celebration explores her life, legacy and the wider Tudor world. The programme brings together leading historians including Alison Weir, alongside awe inspiring performances, costumed interpretation, craft workshops, family events and immersive tours.

Peterborough Cathedral in partnership with Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery

4-22 February 2026

Under the theme The Art of Comedy, close to 700 shows run across the region in February, including two Big Weekends in Harborough and Blaby Districts.

Various venues across Leicestershire

4-22 February 2026

A dedicated UK Kids Comedy Festival with 70 family shows across Leicestershire.

Various venues across Leicestershire

5-6 February 2026

Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe with up to 1,500 stands, attracting trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike.

Newark Showground

8 February 2026

This indoor weekend flea market from Arthur Swallow Antique and Salvage Shows brings together collectors, families, and bargain hunters for a rummage through vintage, antique, and eclectic finds.

EXO centre Lincolnshire Showground

22 March 2026

Set in the centre of Oakham, with Oakham Castle as its backdrop, the Rutland Food & Drink Festival brings together food, drink, and craft stalls in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. A good place to browse, taste, and spend a few easy hours exploring what’s on offer.

Oakham Castle Market Place

25 March 2026

Established in 1995, the Antiques & Home Show has become a key date for collectors, designers, and anyone interested in thoughtful interiors. Expect a wide-ranging mix of fine antiques, art, vintage and salvage pieces, jewellery, curios, gardenalia, and the unexpected, all under one roof.

Lincoln Showground

26-27 March 2026

Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe. With up to 1,500 stands, it draws trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike, offering everything from furniture and jewellery to vintage clothing, vinyl, and rare collectibles.

Newark Showground

27-28 March 2026

One of the largest sales of its kind, offering a wide selection of pre-loved clothes for all the family. It has become a regular fixture in the calendar, drawing shoppers back year after year.

Rutland Hall Hotel

28 March 2026

A day of decorative antiques, brocante finds and beautifully made things. Expect gardenalia, ceramics, paintings, jewellery and thoughtful details for home and garden, all set beneath the soaring arches of one of Lincolnshire’s most impressive churches.

St Wulfrum’s Church, Grantham

TBC April 2026

A relaxed woodland pub and events space in rural Leicestershire where good food, drinks, fires and music come together outdoors.

Woodland Arms, Markfield

19 April 2026

Celebrating its 10th year, Countryside Lincs takes over the Lincolnshire Showground with a lively mix of farming, food, and countryside experiences. Expect live entertainment, demonstrations, cookery, and plenty to get stuck into indoors and out.

Lincolnshire Showground

26 April 2026

An annual classic car run from Uppingham to the Bell Inn at Stilton, Cambridgeshire passing through scenic villages and rural lanes.

Uppingham

2-3 May 2026

A free 1940s-themed weekend at Harborough Market, bringing together vintage traders, classic vehicles, music, and dance. A chance to step back in time, enjoy the fashion and sounds of the era, and spend a relaxed weekend soaking up the atmosphere.

Market Harborough Indoor Market

3-4 May 2026

A joyful celebration of village life, filled with creativity, community spirit and gentle countryside charm. Imaginative scarecrow displays bring the streets to life, joined by a classic car and motorbike show, a lively dog show, homemade cakes and family friendly activities.

16 May 2026

Boughton House gardens open for the National Garden Scheme in February, offering access to the landscape and seasonal plantings as winter begins to ease.

29 May - 21 June 2026

Nevill Holt Festival opens on 29 May, beginning its summer programme of opera, music, talks, and performance set within the estate.

Nevill Holt Estate

31 May 2026

The much loved county show. A longstanding annual event celebrating local farming, food, rural traditions, and county life.

Rutland Showground

29 May-21 June 2026

Running through to 21 June, Nevill Holt Festival continues with a programme of opera, concerts, and cultural events across the estate.

Nevill Holt

3 June 2026

Established in 1995, the Antiques & Home Show has become a key date for collectors, designers, and anyone interested in thoughtful interiors. Expect a wide-ranging mix of fine antiques, art, vintage and salvage pieces, jewellery, curios, gardenalia, and the unexpected, all under one roof.

Lincoln Showground

4-5 June 2026

Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe. With up to 1,500 stands, it draws trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike, offering everything from furniture and jewellery to vintage clothing, vinyl, and rare collectibles.

Newark Showground

5-7 June 2026

Making history with its first-ever event outside London, the prestigious British Antique Dealers' Association brings world-class vetted art, jewellery, and antiques to Rutland Water.The Pavilion, Rutland Hall Hotel

10 June-August 2026

The open-air summer theatre season at Tolethorpe begins on 10 June with Twelfth Night and continues with Treasure Island, One Man, Two Guvnors and Animal Farm.

Tolethorpe Hall, Little Casterton

14 June 2026

A mid-month summer fixture, bringing live music, food stalls, children’s entertainment, and a craft fair to the market place.

Uppingham Market Square

17-18 June 2026

One of the county’s landmark summer events, the Lincolnshire Show brings together agriculture, food, and entertainment across two lively days. Expect hands-on displays, family-friendly activities, and a broad snapshot of rural life and heritage from across the county.

Lincolnshire Showground

24th June-July 2026

From late June through July, Easton Walled Gardens is filled with a tapestry of sweet pea blooms in a range of colours and scents.

Easton Walled Gardens

10 June-August 2026

The open-air summer theatre season at Tolethorpe begins on 10 June with Twelfth Night and continues with Treasure Island, One Man, Two Guvnors and Animal Farm.

Tolethorpe Hall, Little Casterton

2-5 July 2026

One of the most significant dates in the UK sporting calendar, bringing Formula 1 racing to the historic circuit.

Silverstone

11-12 July 2026

A day built around beautiful garden showcases by talented designers, with hands-on workshops, talks, and plenty to do for families.

Belvoir Castle

25 July 2026

An open air orchestral take on classic Ibiza house music, with DJs and live vocalists performing at Burghley House, one of the summer’s most anticipated nights.

Burghley House

25 July 2026

Celebrates everyday classic cars from the 1970s to the 2000s—once common family motors, now rare and cherished.

Grimsthorpe Castle

25 July 2026

A spectacular evening of fireworks and music at Belvoir Castle. Three of the UK’s top firework companies compete before the audience votes to crown this year’s Firework Champion.

Belvoir Castle

25-26 July 2026

England’s largest village show returns for its 158th year, bringing together agricultural displays, livestock, crafts, and family attractions.

Heckington

17-19 July 2026

The Malle Mile Motorcycle Culture Festival returns to the stunning grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle.

Grimsthorpe Castle

1 August 2026

A high-energy summer festival set against the backdrop of Belvoir Castle. Live tribute acts, bold stunt shows, fairground rides, and a headline night glow balloon launch, with plenty to keep families entertained from afternoon through to dusk.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

12 August 2026

Since 1995, the Antiques & Home Show has been a must-visit for collectors, designers, and lovers of unique style. Discover everything from fine antiques and vintage treasures to one-of-a-kind curios - perfect for inspired interiors and creative spaces.

Lincoln Showground

13-14 August 2026

Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe. With up to 1,500 stands, it draws trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike, offering everything from furniture and jewellery to vintage clothing, vinyl, and rare collectibles.

Newark Showground

14-16 August 2026

Launched last year and quickly becoming a highlight in the calendar, the show brings together floral competitions, plant and garden shopping, artisans and crafts, gardener talks, a large children’s play garden, and live music.

Oakham

14-16 September

This summer at Rockingham Castle, music takes centre stage under the stars. Enjoy the timeless hits of ABBA, Queen, the legends of the 80s, or Taylor Swift. Gather your friends, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready for a season of music, memories, and magic beneath the night sky.

Rockingham Castle

14-16 August 2026

A colourful weekend of hot air balloons lifting over open skies, with displays and family activities.

Northampton

27-30 August 2026

A festival where artistry meets activism. Founded in the 1970s and still rooted in a field, Greenbelt brings people together to think, debate, dance, and imagine better ways of living, open to everyone.

Boughton House, Northamptonshire

27-30 August 2026

Immersive and boutique, this four-day music and arts festival unfolds deep in a forgotten Lincolnshire forest. Surreal in atmosphere and rich in experience, it’s a place where music and art take over and reality slips quietly away for a while.

An abandoned forest, Lincolnshire

29-31 August 2026

The Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Fair offers a fun-filled day out for all ages, with entertainment and activities from morning to evening. Make a weekend of it with pre-booked caravan or camping and enjoy three days surrounded by history and countryside charm.

Belvoir Castle

Weds-Sun throughout September

Start your artistic journey at the Central Exhibition at Lamport Hall - the gateway to Northants & Rutland Open Studios. Discover inspiring works by local artists, then explore studios across both counties throughout September. Meet makers, watch demonstrations, and enjoy pop‑up exhibitions celebrating creativity in every form.

Lamport Hall

3-6 September 2026

A highlight of the equestrian calendar, Defender Burghley combines world‑class Three Day Eventing with exceptional shopping avenues set in stunning parkland. Experience top‑level Dressage, Cross Country, and Jumping alongside a vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by thousands each year.

Burghley House, Stamford

13-14 September 2026

Belton’s Community Festival brings together art, heritage, and learning for a weekend of creativity and connection. Enjoy talks, performances, and demonstrations from local groups and organisations celebrating the talent and spirit of the community.

Belton Estate

19-27 September 2026

Celebrate Rutland’s Food and Drink Week from with special menus, tastings, and events that showcase why it’s known as the “County of Good Taste.” Enjoy the lively Food & Drink Festival in Oakham on 20 September and finish the week at Rockingham Castle’s Autumn Artisan Fair, where local food, drink, and crafts come together in a truly memorable setting.

Oakham, Rutland

24 September 2026

The Country Show offers a full day of rural celebration and discovery. Watch traditional horse ploughing, explore craft tents, and enjoy children’s competitions that capture the spirit of countryside life. Visit the livestock and educational displays to see farming traditions brought to life, or browse the many trade stands for local treasures. With delicious food, live music, and a vibrant horticultural marquee filled with home‑grown produce and floral creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tithby, Nottinghamshire

26-27 September 2026

A gathering of makers and crafts, accompanied by seasonal food and drink, framed by wide views across the Welland Valley and its formal gardens.

Rockingham Castle

TBC late September 2026

A free street theatre festival that celebrates creativity and live performance, transforming the streets of Market Harborough each September. With professional and community acts delivering dozens of lively shows throughout the day.

Market Harborough

2-4 October 2026

Rooted in medieval tradition, the 788th Sheep Fair and Glen Fest returns for a full weekend of celebration shaped by centuries of local history. What began as a historic sheep fair has grown into a lively gathering of music, food, craft stalls and community spirit, with classic cars, birds of prey, a dog show and family entertainment running from Friday evening through to Sunday.

Corby Glen, Lincolnshire

14 October 2026

Since 1995, the Antiques & Home Show has been a must-visit for collectors, designers, and lovers of unique style. Discover everything from fine antiques and vintage treasures to one-of-a-kind curios - perfect for inspired interiors and creative spaces.

Lincoln Showground

15-16 October 2026

Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe. With up to 1,500 stands, it draws trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike, offering everything from furniture and jewellery to vintage clothing, vinyl, and rare collectibles.

Newark Showground

TBC late November 2026

Each year Uppingham Fatstock Show transforms the market square into a temporary showground for one of the region’s long standing agricultural traditions.

The show marks the start of the town’s festive preparations. Farmers, breeders and local families come together to present and judge cattle, sheep and pigs. Local butchers and buyers secure prize stock for the busy Christmas season, with many animals destined for the Notswold’s finest restaurants as part of the region’s farm to fork culture.

Uppingham, Rutland

26-29 November 2026

Step into the magic of the Burghley Christmas Fair, where the courtyards and grounds come alive with sparkling lights and festively adorned chalets. Discover artisan gifts, handmade decorations, and seasonal treats, from mulled wine and hot chocolate to raclette and crêpes. With music, twinkling lights, and a glowing Victorian carousel, it’s a Christmas experience to treasure.Description goes here

Burghley House, Stamford

26-29 November 2026

Set across the decorated rooms and grounds of Kelmarsh Hall, the Christmas Fair brings together artisan stalls, festive food, and seasonal atmosphere. Browse independent makers, warm up with mulled wine, enjoy live music and family activities, and explore everything from the Victorian Christmas in the basement to the winter gardens and woodland walks.

Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire

A ten-day celebration of craft rooted in local making, the Notswolds Summer Makers Market brings together the leading independent artisans, craftspeople and makers from across the region. Full programme and ticketed events launched 19 April to newsletter subscribers.

Notswolds started as a way for us to document our life and work as a decorative artist and filmmaker across Rutland and the surrounding counties, bringing people closer to the makers shaping the region today. This summer, our first makers market opens in Stamford, with talks, workshops and gatherings for design lovers.

A curated guide to what’s on across the Notswolds. Standout dates and regular happenings at some of our favourite venues, gathered to help you plan the months ahead in this corner of the countryside.