Cambridge is getting ready for an action-packed summer events schedule, as thousands can look forward to music, art and performance between June and September, organised by Cultural Services at Cambridge City Council.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the folk music extravaganza at Cherry Hinton Hall, delight in the free Music in the Parks concerts, pay a visit to the seaside for Mayor’s Day Out or encounter some astonishing street performers at Out of the Ordinary Festival, there’s something for everyone in the city’s 2026 summer events line-up.
Cambridge Folk Festival: Saturday, 1-Sunday, 2 August
The much-loved music event returns to Cherry Hinton Hall for two days of music.
The line-up includes headline performances from musical luminaries Frank Turner, Suzanne Vega and Richard Thompson – plus many more singers and bands throughout the weekend.
2026 also has a unique twist, with special events being held in the run-up to the festival in venues around the city.
Catch Thea Gilmore at Storey’s Field Centre on Saturday, 25 July, and Dr John Cooper Clarke at the Corn Exchange, also on Saturday, 25 July.
For more, visit cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk.
Music in the Parks: Selected Sundays between 21 June and 6 September
Cambridge City Events has revealed the dates and bands set to take to part in this year’s Music in the Parks programme.
Taking place on selected Sundays between 21 June and 6 September, this much-loved music series has been a highlight for locals and visitors to Cambridge for many years.
The series begins at Romsey Rec on Sunday, 21 June, as Waterbeach Brass Band take to the stage.
This is followed the week after, on Sunday, 28 June, at Cherry Hinton Hall with Cambridge Wind Band.
The following week, on Sunday, 5 July, they’ll be at Dudley Road Rec as Some Voices Choir with support entertain the crowds.
On Sunday, 26 July, in association with Cambridge Folk Festival, local folk musicians Chris Fox and Lizzy Hardingham will perform at Nuns Way Rec to showcase Cambridge’s local folk talent.
The penultimate concert in the series sees the City of Cambridge Brass Band perform on Jesus Green on Sunday, 9 August, and the series is brought to a close at Chesterton Road Rec on Sunday, 6 September, with a performance from Soham Comrades Band.
People are encouraged to pack a picnic, grab a blanket and bring a chair to enjoy an afternoon of free music as Cambridge’s open spaces once again are filled with symphonies, songs and sound.
A small number of chairs are available, if you’re not able to bring your own, and portable toilets are available on-site. Please ask a steward on-site if you need assistance.
All concerts take place between 3-5pm.
Cambridge 75th Celebrations: 1pm-8pm, Sunday, 12 July
2026 marks 75 years since Cambridge gained city status and, to celebrate, a party is being hosted on Jesus Green and everyone in Cambridge is invited!
Enjoy a full day of live music and well-known DJs, and the day also features walkabout acts throughout the green with food vendors, bars, and stalls for people to browse.
This free event is a chance for people to come together and celebrate the great city of Cambridge.
Mayor’s Day Out: Tuesday, 11 August
One of Cambridge’s longest-standing and best-loved traditions, for 41 years Cambridge’s senior citizens have enjoyed the annual seaside day trip in August, provided by Cambridge City Council.
This summer’s destination will be the ever-popular traditional seaside town of Great Yarmouth and will take place on Tuesday, 11 August.
Join the mayor of Cambridge on a day out to this popular holiday destination.
Tickets are on sale from Friday, 22 May to Monday, 3 July, and are £10 per person. This includes return coach travel.
As in 2025, tickets are available in-person at Clay Farm Centre, Brown’s Field Community Centre and Meadows Community Centre (cash only).
Tickets can be purchased online at camcityevents.co.uk, or via telephone at 01223 357851. If you require any support or have any questions, contact [email protected].
Out of the Ordinary Festival: Saturday, 29-Sunday, 30 August
The streets of Cambridge will once again be abuzz with live performances and incredible artists as they showcase their skills to enthusiastic crowds.
Since its creation in 2022, this free festival has been delighting locals and tourists with its unique performances.
Celebrate the best of outdoor arts – featuring circus skills, physical comedy, immersive walkabout acts, expressive dance and much more, from performers both international and local.
The Out of the Ordinary Festival is organised and provided by Cambridge City Council, with support from Cambridge BID.
Want to get involved this summer?
To discover more about volunteering at any of these events, go to camcityevents.co.uk and click on ‘Get Involved’.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk ’
