August is the heart of the summer holidays across Northamptonshire, and the county turns on a huge programme to fill the long days. From the Northampton Balloon Festival and drag racing at Santa Pod to Bank Holiday festivals at Kelmarsh, Boughton House and Silverstone, towns including Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Daventry and Brackley all have plenty on this month.
UNTIL WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2026 – WICKSTEED PARK SUMMER ADVENTURES
Venue: Wicksteed Park
Location: Wicksteed Park, Barton Road, Kettering, NN15 6NJ
The historic Kettering park runs full summer opening every day through the school holidays until 2 September. A wristband gives unlimited access to more than 25 rides and attractions, plus the animal barn and Pig N Putt crazy golf. One of the county’s favourite family days out.
More info: https://wicksteedpark.org/events/summer-adventures/
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026 – BLAKESLEY SHOW (141ST)
Venue: Blakesley Heath Farm
Location: Blakesley Heath Farm, Maidford, Towcester, NN12 8HN
Northamptonshire’s flagship one-day country show returns for its 141st year. Expect showing classes for horses, cattle and sheep, main-ring displays, vintage machinery, trade stands, food and licensed bars. A traditional day out from 8am for all the family.
More info: https://www.theblakesleyshow.co.uk/
SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2026 – MAMMA MIA – OUTDOOR CINEMA AT DELAPRE ABBEY
Venue: Delapre Abbey
Location: Delapre Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
An open-air screening of the sing-along favourite Mamma Mia in the grounds of Delapre Abbey. Gates open at 7pm with the film from around 8pm. Bring low chairs and blankets; food and a bar are on site.
More info: https://delapreabbey.org/whats-on-at-delapre-abbey/
SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2026 – DEENE PARK UNDER SIEGE – LIVING HISTORY WITH THE SEALED KNOT
Venue: Deene Park
Location: Deene Park, Deene, Corby, NN17 3EW
The Sealed Knot bring the English Civil War to life at Deene Park with musket drills and living-history displays. The gardens open from 1pm to 5pm and the house from 2pm, with last entry at 3.45pm. A vivid family day at one of the county’s finest houses.
More info: https://www.deenepark.com/home/events
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 2026 – PITCH UP THEATRE – ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Venue: Lamport Hall
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
Pitch Up Theatre stage an outdoor family production of Alice in Wonderland in the grounds at Lamport Hall from 4.30pm. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in a colourful summer show. Bring a picnic and a rug for the lawn.
More info: https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/events/pitch-up-theatre-presents-alice-in-wonderland/
FRIDAY 7 – SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2026 – MOPAR EURONATIONALS
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
A weekend celebration of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Plymouth Mopar machinery at Santa Pod. American muscle takes to the famous quarter-mile alongside a huge show and shine, trade stands and camping. A must for US car fans.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/events/mopar-euro-nationals/
FRIDAY 14 – SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026 – NORTHAMPTON BALLOON FESTIVAL
Venue: Northampton Racecourse
Location: Northampton Racecourse, Kettering Road, Northampton, NN1 4LG
The Balloon Festival returns to Northampton Racecourse with hot air balloon tethering, flights and evening night glows. The three days also bring arena entertainment, a giant funfair, live music, food and drink and a Saturday night fireworks display. A major highlight of the county’s summer.
More info: https://thenorthamptonballoonfestival.co.uk/
FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2026 – ABBA AND QUEEN BY MOONLIGHT, ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Location: Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, near Corby, LE16 8TH
An open-air double tribute night in the castle grounds with Queen by Moonlight and ABBA by Moonlight. Gates open at 5.30pm with the show from 7pm. Bring a chair and dance under the stars at this historic hilltop setting.
More info: https://rockinghamcastle.com/event/21st-century-queen-abba/
SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2026 – LEGENDS OF THE 80S BY MOONLIGHT, ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Location: Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, near Corby, LE16 8TH
An open-air celebration of the 1980s at Rockingham Castle, from New Romantics and electro-pop to 80s soul and RnB. Gates open at 5.30pm with the show from 7pm. Bring your neon and dance the night away.
More info: https://rockinghamcastle.com/event/legends-of-the-80s-by-moonlight/
SATURDAY 15 – SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026 – GTR FEST
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
A festival of Nissan GT-R and Skyline performance cars at Santa Pod, with track runs, show cars and displays. Enthusiasts gather from across the country for the weekend. Runs alongside camping and trade stands.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/events/
SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026 – TAYLOR SWIFT BY MOONLIGHT, ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Location: Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, near Corby, LE16 8TH
An open-air Taylor Swift tribute at Rockingham Castle spanning all her eras. Gates open at 5.30pm with the show from 7pm. Bring friendship bracelets and sing along under the stars.
More info: https://rockinghamcastle.com/event/taylor-by-moonlight/
SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026 – BRACKLEY CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Venue: Brackley Town Park
Location: Brackley Town Park, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13
The Classic Car Show returns to Brackley Town Park with a display of vintage, classic and specialist vehicles. A free family event with refreshments and stalls. A relaxed day for motoring enthusiasts.
More info: https://www.brackleynorthants-tc.gov.uk/events-listings/brackley-classic-car-show-summer-26/
THURSDAY 20 AUGUST 2026 – DINOSAUR DAY, DEENE PARK
Venue: Deene Park
Location: Deene Park, Deene, Corby, NN17 3EW
A family dinosaur-themed day at Deene Park from 11am to 3pm. Expect prehistoric fun, activities and encounters in the grounds of the historic house. A roaring good day out for younger visitors.
More info: https://www.deenepark.com/home/events
FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026 – DEATH OF A CLOWN – A SOLO PERFORMANCE DRAMA
Venue: Lamport Hall
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
An evening solo theatre production, Death of a Clown, staged at Lamport Hall from 7.30pm. A powerful piece of drama in an intimate historic setting. An atmospheric night out for theatre lovers.
More info: https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/events/death-of-a-clown-a-solo-performance-drama/
SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026 – NORTHANTS COUNTRY SHOW
Venue: Deene Park
Location: Deene Park, Deene, Corby, NN17 3EW
A two-day countryside show in the grounds of Deene Park, with main-ring displays, dog agility, horseback falconry and rural attractions. There is live music, local produce, crafts and children’s entertainment, plus the British We Love Dogs show. Free parking and dog friendly, 10am to 5pm both days.
More info: https://www.northantscountryshow.co.uk/
SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026 – GREENLIGHT NATIONALS
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
A grassroots street-car and drag-racing weekend at Santa Pod, with Run What Ya Brung down the quarter-mile, a show area and camping. A relaxed festival for petrolheads over the run-up to the Bank Holiday. Trade stands and food on site.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/events/greenlight-nationals/
SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026 – UK MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS
Venue: Santa Pod Raceway
Location: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
A family motorsport spectacular at Santa Pod with monster trucks, stunt displays and arena entertainment. Watch huge machines crush cars and fly over ramps. A thrilling day for all ages.
More info: https://santapod.co.uk/events/
THURSDAY 27 – SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026 – GREENBELT FESTIVAL
Venue: Boughton House
Location: Boughton House, Geddington, Kettering, NN14 1BJ
The long-running arts, faith, music and ideas festival returns to the Boughton House estate for the Bank Holiday weekend. The 2026 line-up includes Arrested Development, The Proclaimers, Grace Petrie and Flamy Grant, alongside theatre, comedy, talks and family activities. Camping across the weekend.
More info: https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/
THURSDAY 27 – MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026 – SHAMBALA FESTIVAL
Venue: Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens
Location: Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, Northampton, NN6 9LY
The award-winning independent music and arts festival returns to Kelmarsh Hall for the Bank Holiday weekend. The 2026 bill includes Bob Vylan, Goat, BCUC, Porij, Night Tapes and Grace Petrie, alongside the festival’s famous costumes, feasting and family fields. A joyful, immersive weekend.
More info: https://www.shambalafestival.org/
FRIDAY 28 – SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026 – CARFEST
Venue: Silverstone Circuit
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Chris Evans’ family fundraising festival moves to Silverstone for 2026, taking the Bank Holiday slot. CarFest mixes cars and motorsport with big-name live music, celebrity guests, food and hands-on family entertainment, all in aid of children’s charities. Camping available from 27 August.
More info: https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/carfest
FRIDAY 28 – MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026 – WEEKEND IN THE WOODS
Venue: Wold Farm Festival Field
Location: Wold Farm Festival Field, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA
An over-18s dance festival near Podington returns after a sell-out 2025 with increased capacity. Three days and nights of Old Skool, Jungle, Hardcore and Hard House across the Bank Holiday, with camping, glamping and campervan options. Tickets from around £25.
More info: https://www.skiddle.com/festivals/weekend-in-the-woods/
SATURDAY 29 – SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026 – ROSESHIRE FESTIVAL
Venue: Chester House Estate
Location: Chester House Estate, Higham Road, Little Irchester, Wellingborough, NN8 2DH
Northamptonshire’s newest two-day music festival takes over Chester House Estate for the Bank Holiday weekend. Saturday brings indie favourites The Charlatans, Embrace, Cast and The Bluetones; Sunday is a family pop day with Boyzlife, Eternal, The Hoosiers and Chris Moyles’ 90s Hangover. Street food, bars and family entertainment, gates from noon.
More info: https://roseshirefestival.com/
SATURDAY 29 – MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026 – NLR30 GALA – NORTHAMPTON AND LAMPORT RAILWAY
Venue: Pitsford and Brampton Station
Location: Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, Northampton, NN6 8BA
A Bank Holiday weekend gala on the Northampton and Lamport heritage railway, themed around its 30th anniversary. Ride the line, see the locomotives and enjoy family activities at Pitsford and Brampton Station. A treat for railway enthusiasts and families.
More info: https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/steam-rallies-and-events/event/gala-weekend-nlr
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST 2026 – LOVE FOOD, WICKSTEED PARK
Venue: Wicksteed Park
Location: Wicksteed Park, Barton Road, Kettering, NN15 6NJ
A one-day food festival at Wicksteed Park celebrating local food, drink and produce. Dozens of street food traders, bakes and crafts sit alongside live music, performances and trader demos. Free entry, 10am to 5pm, with parking fees applying.
More info: https://www.ketteringtowncouncil.gov.uk/love-food
SUNDAY 30 – MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026 – LAMPORT HALL ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE FAIR
Venue: Lamport Hall
Location: Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD
A large antiques, vintage and collectables fair fills the grounds at Lamport Hall over the Bank Holiday weekend. Browse dozens of stalls of furniture, jewellery, ceramics and curios, 9am to 4pm both days. A treasure hunt for collectors and browsers alike.
More info: https://www.lamporthall.co.uk/events/antiques-and-vintage-fair-2/
