May brings longer evenings, two bank holidays and a packed calendar across Northamptonshire. From world-class theatre to Bank Holiday drag racing, towns including Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Daventry and Oundle all have something to offer this month.
FRIDAY 1 – SATURDAY 2 MAY 2026 – ENGLISH GREYHOUND DERBY ROUND 1 – TOWCESTER RACECOURSE
Venue: Towcester Racecourse
Location: London Road, Towcester, NN12 6LB
Round 1 of the 2026 Star Sports Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby. The first three nights of the famous Derby journey, with a chance to see the eventual winner in action. £15 per person per day with under-16s free. Includes a free drink and a £2 Tote bet for over-18s.
More info: https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/derby-2026/
SUNDAY 3 MAY 2026 – RUBY WAX: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
Venue: Royal & Derngate
Location: 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Fresh from her stint on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Ruby Wax brings a brilliant, bold and deeply human evening of storytelling, insight and razor-sharp wit. From her trailblazing career as a comedian and TV personality to her work in mental health, Ruby reviews clips from her extraordinary shows and tells scandalous stories never before heard, alongside lifelong friend and A-list producer Clive Tulloh.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/
THURSDAY 7 MAY 2026 – THE PUPPINI SISTERS
Venue: The Core at Corby Cube
Location: George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG
The internationally acclaimed glamorous retro-inspired vocal harmony trio bring their sassy reworkings of classic hits from the Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey and Eartha Kitt. A musical journey through the swing era and beyond.
More info: https://thecorecorby.com/whats-on/
FRIDAY 8 – SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 – INTERNATIONAL WAENDEL WALK
Venue: Castle Theatre
Location: Castle Way, Wellingborough, NN8 1XA
The 45th International Waendel Walk – the UK’s only IML Walking Association event. Three days of walks of various distances starting and finishing at Castle Theatre Wellingborough. Walkers from across the world join this prestigious international experience.
More info: https://www.wellingboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk/visitor-information/45th-international-waendel-walk-may-2026/
FRIDAY 8 – SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 – ALTHORP LITERARY FESTIVAL
Venue: Althorp House
Location: Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ
The Althorp Literary Festival returns to the Spencer family’s historic estate for three days of talks, signings and discussions with renowned authors, historians and broadcasters. Set against the backdrop of one of England’s most famous country houses.
More info: https://discover-northamptonshire.co.uk/event/althorp-literary-festival-2026/
SATURDAY 9 – SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 – LAMPORT HALL MAKERS MARKET AND FOOD FESTIVAL
Venue: Lamport Hall and Gardens
Location: Lamport, Northampton, NN6 9HD
A two-day celebration of local makers and food producers in the historic grounds of Lamport Hall. Browse handcrafted goods, artisan food and drink, and enjoy the Grade I listed surroundings of one of Northamptonshire’s hidden gems.
More info: https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/contact-us/stallholder-information/
SATURDAY 9 MAY 2026 – DAVENTRY MOTORFEST 2026
Venue: The Hollow
Location: Waterloo, Daventry, NN11 4BJ
The annual Daventry Motor Festival returns with a display of classic, modified and unique vehicles in the heart of Daventry. Show vehicles remain stationary between 10:30am and 4:00pm. A great day out for motoring enthusiasts and families.
More info: https://daventry-motor-festival.eventcube.io/
SATURDAY 9 – SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 – RUN RABBIT TRAIL FESTIVAL
Venue: Deene Park Estate
Location: Deene Park, Deene, Corby, NN17 3EW
A unique trail running weekend on the picturesque Deene Park Estate. Three challenges: the Trail Mix Challenge (5km on the hour every hour for five hours), the Headlight Hop 10km twilight run, and the Thump Trail Half Marathon. Combine all three for the Quest for the Golden Carrot, totalling 56.1km. Free camping for entrants, with food, music and a relaxed festival atmosphere.
More info: https://thumpevents.co.uk/
SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 – NORTHANTS SHIRES AND SPIRES
Venue: Naseby Village Hall
Location: Newlands Road, Naseby, Northampton, NN6 6DD
A multi-distance running event based in the historic village of Naseby. Choose from a 10K, Half Marathon, Three Quarter Marathon, full Marathon or 35-mile Ultra. The route takes in beautiful Northamptonshire countryside and country houses including Holdenby, Althorp and Cottesbrooke.
More info: https://findarace.com/events/northants-shires-spires-event
TUESDAY 12 – SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026 – SIX THE MUSICAL
Venue: Royal & Derngate
Location: 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
The international smash hit musical returns to Northampton. Six follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Winner of over 37 international awards including the Tony Award for Best Original Score.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/six-the-musical/
FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026 – NORTHAMPTON SAINTS V BRISTOL BEARS – PREMIERSHIP RUGBY
Venue: cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Location: Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG
Premiership Rugby clash as Northampton Saints host Bristol Bears at Franklin’s Gardens. Friday night lights at one of English rugby’s most atmospheric grounds.
More info: https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/fixture/list/114
SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026 – OUNDLE VINTAGE FESTIVAL
Venue: Oundle Town Centre
Location: Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BA
The historic Georgian streets of Oundle transform into a living vintage scene with classic vehicles, heritage displays, retro stalls, music and dance. Highlights include classic cars, motorbikes, tractors, steam engines and a flypast by a Spitfire, Hurricane or Dakota. Free entry and parking, with donations supporting local community projects.
More info: https://www.oundlevintagefestival.co.uk/
SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026 – WOOF WAG FESTIVAL – WICKSTEED PARK
Venue: Wicksteed Park
Location: Barton Road, Kettering, NN15 6NJ
The inaugural Woof Wag Festival, a brand-new large-scale celebration of canine companionship. A jam-packed day of fun and positive activities for the whole family with a focus on positive, force-free interactions between owners and their dogs. Free to enter.
More info: https://woofwagfestival.uk/wicksteed-park
SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026 – NORTHAMPTON EID FESTIVAL
Venue: Becket’s Park
Location: Becket’s Park, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5BG
A free community day of activities and fun for the whole family, celebrating Eid with cultural and community stalls, bouncy castles, stage performances and a wide range of food and drink. All welcome, organised by the Northampton Eid Management Group with support from Northampton Town Council.
More info: https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/eid-festival
FRIDAY 22 – MONDAY 25 MAY 2026 – FIA/FIM MAIN EVENT – SANTA POD
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
Santa Pod’s flagship event of the year. The FIA European Drag Racing Championship and FIM European Drag Bike Championship come together for four days of top-flight drag racing including 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters and Top Fuel Bikes. Camping available across the Bank Holiday weekend.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/events/main-event/
SATURDAY 23 – MONDAY 25 MAY 2026 – CRICK BOAT SHOW 2026
Venue: Crick Marina
Location: West Haddon Road, Crick, near Daventry, NN6 7SQ
Britain’s biggest inland waterways festival celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over 200 exhibitors, 30 plus new boats on display, free boat trips, the Real Ale and Cider Festival, the Crick Music Festival, technical masterclasses and boat handling sessions. Sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, the show attracts over 26,000 visitors. A Trade and Preview Day takes place on Friday 22 May.
More info: https://www.crickboatshow.com/whatson
SATURDAY 23 MAY 2026 – CARLOS ACOSTA’S BRB2 – BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Venue: Royal & Derngate
Location: 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration. BRB2, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s second company, embarks on its fourth UK tour with a programme showcasing the next generation of dance talent.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/
SUNDAY 24 MAY 2026 – ROCKIN’ ROADRUNNER FESTIVAL
Venue: Abington Park
Location: Abington Park, Park Avenue South, Northampton, NN1 4AE
Live music and entertainment organised by and for adults with disabilities, supported by Northampton Town Council. A vibrant, inclusive afternoon at the historic Abington Park bandstand.
More info: https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/bandsinthepark
THURSDAY 28 MAY 2026 – WE WILL ROCK YOU
Venue: The Core at Corby Cube
Location: George Street, Corby, NN17 1QG
The smash-hit musical featuring Queen’s greatest hits comes to Corby. Set in a dystopian future where individuality and rock music are forbidden, follow the Bohemians as they fight to bring music back to a world ruled by conformity.
More info: https://thecorecorby.com/whats-on/
FRIDAY 29 MAY 2026 – OAK APPLE DAY CEREMONY
Venue: All Saints Church
Location: George Row, Northampton, NN1 1DF
An unusual civic ceremony unique to Northampton, marked for hundreds of years. The day commemorates the generosity of King Charles II, who donated over 1,000 tons of timber to reconstruct All Saints Church and halved the town’s taxes for seven years following the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675. Organised by Northampton Town Council and the Lord Lieutenancy.
More info: https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/events
FRIDAY 29 – SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026 – NORTHAMPTON COUNTY BEER FESTIVAL
Venue: Becket’s Park
Location: Becket’s Park, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5BG
The 51st Northampton County Beer Festival, a showcase of all the county’s independent drinks producers. Cask ales, craft ale and lager, cider, wines and spirits alongside funky festival food and live music from the county’s finest bands. The festival’s first year at the new Becket’s Park location, closer to the town centre than the previous Delapré site.
More info: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Northampton/Becket’s-Park/Northampton-County-Beer-Festival/41467051/
FRIDAY 29 MAY 2026 – FLEETWOOD MAC BY MOONLIGHT – ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Location: Rockingham, Market Harborough, LE16 8TH
An open-air evening of inspired renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits beneath the stars at the historic Rockingham Castle. Dance, laugh and reminisce as Fleetwood Mac by Moonlight leads you through decades of nostalgia in a spectacular castle setting.
More info: https://rockinghamcastle.com/music-tribute-nights-friday-29th-saturday-30th-may-2026/
SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026 – COUNTRY AT THE CASTLE – ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Location: Rockingham, Market Harborough, LE16 8TH
A boot-stompin’, sing-along kind of night with Country at the Castle. Northamptonshire-based country music artist Rory O’Neill leads a live band including world-class pedal steel player Sarah Jory, performing hits from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson.
More info: https://rockinghamcastle.com/event/country-at-the-castle/
SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026 – RUNTHROUGH NORTHAMPTON 5K, 10K AND JUNIORS
Venue: Sixfields Stadium
Location: Sixfields Stadium, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5QA
A road-closed 5K and 10K race starting and finishing inside Sixfields Stadium, home of Northampton Town FC. Closed roads make this a fast course for setting a personal best, with a junior race for the whole family. Unique themed medal at the finish.
More info: https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/northampton-5k-10k-juniors-2026
