September is the month Northamptonshire hands the summer back and welcomes autumn. The county gets a free music festival across nine stages in Northampton, ten days of Heritage Open Days opening doors in Kettering, Corby, Daventry and Brackley, the climax of the European drag racing season at Santa Pod, and a classic motoring weekend that fills an entire aerodrome at Sywell. Wellingborough throws a two day party, and Franklin’s Gardens switches the floodlights on for the new rugby season.
We have pulled together the 25 best events happening in Northamptonshire this September so you can fill the diary before the good ones sell out.
Every event here comes from a verified listing on an organiser or venue website, and we would still recommend a quick check with the venue before you set off in case anything has changed.
FRIDAY 4 – SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 – VW ACTION
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough NN29 7XA
VW Action is the longest running weekend VW show in the world and returns to Santa Pod for its 48th year. The weekend combines a huge show and shine with drag racing, trade stands, live entertainment and camping. A fixture of the Volkswagen calendar.
More info: https://www.wherecanwego.com/whats-on/northamptonshire
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 – ART JAM FESTIVAL AT DELAPRE ABBEY
Venue: Delapre Abbey
Location: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton NN4 8AW
Art Jam takes over the Walled Garden for a full day of creativity, following its Best Event win at the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards. Grab a canvas and join creative activities, live art demos, workshop tasters and craft stalls. Live music, street food and a bar run through the day. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.
More info: https://delapreabbey.org/whats-on-at-delapre-abbey/
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026 – FAMILY FUN DAY AT RUSHDEN RAILWAY
Venue: Rushden Station, organised by Rushden Historical Transport Society
Location: Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden NN10 0AW
The Station Bar celebrates its birthday with the return of the Family Fun Day. The Goods Shed is open from 11am to 4pm with craft activities and stalls alongside the museum and railway. A friendly, low cost day out for families.
More info: https://www.wherecanwego.com/whats-on/northamptonshire
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2026 – NORTHANTS AND RUTLAND OPEN STUDIOS SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL
Venue: Lamport Hall and venues across the county, organised by Northants and Rutland Open Studios
Location: Central Exhibition: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northampton NN6 9HD
Artists and makers across Northamptonshire and Rutland open their studios to the public for a month. The Central Exhibition at Lamport Hall gathers work from participating artists in one place and acts as a starting point for the trail. Most studio visits are free.
More info: https://www.wherecanwego.com/whats-on/northamptonshire
SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 – NORTHAMPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026
Venue: Venues across Northampton town centre, organised by Northampton Music 365
Location: Market Square and venues across Northampton town centre NN1 2DP
The free annual celebration of Northampton’s music scene returns for its 18th year with more than 75 acts across nine stages. Alfie Castley headlines the Main Stage in the Market Square at 8pm, with a Rock Stage at The King Billy, an Acoustic Stage at V and B, a Classical and World Fusion Stage at Northampton Museum and a Musical Theatre Stage at Royal and Derngate. Entry is free all day.
More info: https://www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/northampton-music-festival
WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 – JASON MANFORD: A MANFORD ALL SEASONS
Venue: The Castle Theatre
Location: The Castle Theatre, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough NN8 1XA
Jason Manford brings his stand-up show to Wellingborough for two performances on the same night, at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. One of the most recognisable comedians on British television, he works a room with warmth and easy crowd work. Both shows are expected to sell well.
More info: https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre
WEDNESDAY 9 – SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 – FIA AND FIM EUROPEAN FINALS AT SANTA POD
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough NN29 7XA
Europe’s drag racing season reaches its climax at Santa Pod with around 300 car and motorcycle racers from 17 countries on the entry list. Classes run from 300mph Top Fuel dragsters and nitro Funny Cars through to Pro Mods and the Junior divisions. The Carl Cox Motorsport Series concludes on the Wednesday and Thursday, and a special 60th anniversary display on Saturday 12 September brings together vehicles from every one of the track’s 60 seasons. Tickets must be booked in advance.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/european-finals.php
FRIDAY 11 – SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 – HERITAGE OPEN DAYS ACROSS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Venue: Venues across Northamptonshire, organised by National Trust and local partners
Location: Venues across Northamptonshire, including Northampton NN1 1DP
England’s largest festival of history and culture returns with more than 60 free attractions and events registered across West Northamptonshire alone. This year’s theme is Everyday Histories, focusing on the working lives of ordinary people. Participating venues include Delapre Abbey, Lamport Hall, 78 Derngate, the Guildhall, Sulgrave Manor, Weedon Depot, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Phipps Brewery and Towcester Museum. Highlights include heritage bus tours of the boot and shoe quarter, free audio tours and a new Amazing Northampton Walk. Everything is free but some events need booking.
More info: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/northamptonshire.html
FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 – THE BEST OF THE BEE GEES
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
The Best Of The Bee Gees Show honours the 1979 Greatest album with a set list of disco and ballad classics. The band recreates the harmonies and the falsetto that defined the era. A reliable crowd pleaser in the main Derngate auditorium.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/the-best-of-the-bee-gees/
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 – THIS IS FLOYD
Venue: The Castle Theatre
Location: The Castle Theatre, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough NN8 1XA
THIS is FLOYD bring their Through the Years tour to Wellingborough, performing songs from across the Pink Floyd back catalogue. The show includes a custom thematic light show with laser effects and a large circular video screen. One of the more ambitious tribute productions on the circuit.
More info: https://thisisfloyd.co.uk/event/castle-theatre-wellingborough/
SATURDAY 12 – SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026 – RUSSELL HOWARD: DON’T TELL THE ALGORITHM
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Russell Howard returns with a brand new stand-up tour, playing four performances across the Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm and 7.30pm each day. After breaking records with sold-out shows across the UK, this is a phone-free show with no distractions. Expect the fastest ticket sales of the month.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/russell-howard/
SUNDAY 13 – MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 – CELEBRATE WELLINGBOROUGH
Venue: Wellingborough town centre, organised by Wellingborough Town Council
Location: Wellingborough town centre, Wellingborough NN8 1AH
Wellingborough Town Council presents a two day event showcasing the people, groups and organisations that make the town what it is. Community stalls, displays and performances run across both days as part of Heritage Open Days. Free to attend.
More info: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/northamptonshire.html
SUNDAY 13, WEDNESDAY 16, THURSDAY 17 AND SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 – HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: THE WORKERS OF DELAPRE ABBEY
Venue: Delapre Abbey
Location: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton NN4 8AW
Step beyond the glittering facade and into the Abbey as it was actually lived in, with a programme built around this year’s Everyday Histories theme. The house is open 11am to 4pm with last entry at 3pm, and admission is £5 for over-18s. Attic tours run at 12pm, 1pm and 2.30pm with house tours through the day. Repeats on 16, 17 and 20 September.
More info: https://delapreabbey.org/whats-on-at-delapre-abbey/
TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 – ADAM GARCIA’S EMERALD STORM
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
When Riverdance and Stomp collide, a storm is born. Direct from the West End, Emerald Storm is a new dance and percussion show fronted by Adam Garcia. Fast, loud and physical, with a live band.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/emerald-storm/
WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 – LINDISFARNE
Venue: The Castle Theatre
Location: The Castle Theatre, 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough NN8 1XA
The enduring folk rock band Lindisfarne continue their relentless touring schedule with a date in Wellingborough. Expect Fog on the Tyne, Meet Me on the Corner and the rest of the catalogue. A show for anyone who grew up with the band.
More info: https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre
THURSDAY 17 – SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 – GENFEST 2026
Venue: Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Royal and Derngate’s festival of new work returns across four days and every corner of the building. The programme includes Lula, an early years show inside a colourful dome; Riki Cycle: Food Waste with puppet pal PIP; Before the Stars Fell; the psychological horror Spool; We Had Fun; and Drill Baby Drill. It closes on Sunday 20 September with the Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Lonely Takeover, ten short site-specific pieces performed throughout the building and beyond.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/
THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 – PHIL WANG: UH OH!
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Phil Wang is back with a new stand-up show, and he is older than ever before. He has a moustache now. One of the most reliable touring comedians working, playing the main Derngate auditorium.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/phil-wang/
FRIDAY 18 – SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2026 – NSRA HOT ROD DRAGS
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway, organised by National Street Rod Association
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough NN29 7XA
Traditional hot rods meet the drag strip for one of Santa Pod’s most characterful weekends. Pre-1973 hot rods, vintage race cars and classic drag racing combine with fireworks, live music and social camping. A different crowd and atmosphere to the championship rounds.
More info: https://www.wherecanwego.com/whats-on/northamptonshire
FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 – NORTHAMPTON SAINTS V NEWCASTLE RED BULLS
Venue: cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, organised by Northampton Saints
Location: cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton NN5 5BG
Saints open their home Premiership campaign under the Friday night lights against Newcastle Red Bulls, kicking off at 7.45pm. Franklin’s Gardens has sold out for consecutive seasons and the atmosphere for evening fixtures is among the best in the league. The only Saints home game in Northampton this month.
More info: https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/fixture/list/114
FRIDAY 25 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 – BRISCA F1 WORLD FINAL WEEKEND
Venue: Northampton International Raceway
Location: Northampton International Raceway, Bedford Road, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BS
The BriSCA F1 World Final is the biggest weekend in short oval stock car racing and returns to Brafield. Drivers from across the UK and Europe compete for the gold roof over three days of racing. Expect full contact action and a packed shale oval.
More info: https://allevents.in/northampton/festivals
SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 – SYWELL CLASSIC: PISTONS AND PROPS 2026
Venue: Sywell Aerodrome, organised by Live Promotions Events
Location: Sywell Aerodrome, Hall Farm, Sywell, Northampton NN6 0BN
Vintage cars, bikes and aircraft take over Sywell Aerodrome for the county’s biggest classic motoring weekend. The festival combines historic racers, hot rods and motorbikes with classic planes, aerial displays, vintage stalls, live music and period styling. Gates open at 10am both days with advance adult day tickets from £18.
More info: https://www.sywellclassic.co.uk/
SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 – APPLE HARVEST WEEKEND AT CANONS ASHBY
Venue: Canons Ashby, organised by National Trust
Location: Canons Ashby, Nr Daventry NN11 3SD
Celebrate the apple harvest with traditional seasonal fun in the grounds at Canons Ashby. Morris dancers, family craft activities, games for all ages and a tombola run across the weekend. Normal admission applies with free entry for National Trust members.
More info: https://www.wherecanwego.com/whats-on/northamptonshire
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 – AN ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE TO TIM BURTON AND DARK FANTASY BY MOONLIGHT
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
A live orchestral performance of the whimsical and otherworldly music associated with Tim Burton’s films and the wider dark fantasy genre. Danny Elfman’s scores sit at the heart of the programme. An atmospheric evening in the Derngate.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/tim-burton-and-dark-fantasy-by-moonlight/
SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 – BLIPPI: BE LIKE BLIPPI TOUR
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Derngate, organised by Royal and Derngate
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Blippi brings the Be Like Blippi Tour to Northampton for a live show aimed squarely at pre-school and early primary children. Songs, dancing and plenty of audience participation. One of the biggest children’s live shows on tour.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/blippi/
MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026 – ONCE UPON A TIME IN SOKOTO
Venue: Royal and Derngate – Royal, organised by Fuel and Touring Together
Location: Royal and Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP
Fuel in association with Touring Together presents Once Upon A Time In Sokoto by Inua Ellams, directed by Roy Alexander Weise. A major new play from one of the most distinctive voices in British theatre, opening in the Royal auditorium for a two week run. Matinee performances are available on selected dates.
More info: https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/once-upon-a-time-in-sokoto/
