by Katie Thompson
Norwich is known for its independent buzz, inclusivity, and creativity. And when it comes to our calendar of annual events, it’s no different.
From week-long wine, book and science celebrations to one of the country’s longest running arts festivals. No matter your age or interests, there’s loads to get involved with and enjoy. Plus, many of these events are free and low-cost, meaning they really are for everyone.
So, no matter what time of year you’re visiting our fine city, chances are you’ll stumble across one of these fantastic events. Check out the list below for some of our favourites- it’s impossible to choose just one!
Norwich Science Festival is a week-long celebration of science and technology for all ages
First up, it’s Norwich Science Festival! Based in The Forum, but with events citywide, this is a week-long celebration of science and technology. With talks, interactive workshops and more on everything from outer space to food fermentation, the power of dance and rainbows, it gives science-lovers of every age something to enjoy. Norwich is known for its innovation (we’re home to Norwich Research Park, after all), making this festival informative, hands-on and fun!
Norfolk and Norwich Festival is one of the country’s longest-running arts festivals! This puppet (from 2024) is just one of many wonderful events you might see!
One of the city’s newest festivals is taking place at The Waterfront this May: Norwich Craft Beer Festival. We’ve no shortage of great bars and breweries, so this Sir Toby’s Beers event is quite fitting! Across the two days, you can celebrate local craft beers, and there will also be curation of IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and more. And with sessions taking place into the evening, you can expect street food, garden games and DJs too!
You know summer’s almost here when it’s the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Each year starts with a bang thanks to the (free!) Welcome Weekend in our city centre!
As one of the country’s longest-running arts festivals (not to mention the largest in the East of England), you can expect a world-class programme of music, theatre, dance, circus and more in venues like the Adnams Spiegeltent in Chapelfield Gardens (which at this time of year becomes Festival Gardens!), Norwich Cathedral, and Octagon Chapel. Plus, it’s during the festival’s final few days that also sees speakers, interactive activities, and the National Centre for Writing’s publishing fair- as well as the annual Harriet Martineau Lecture- celebrate our City of Literature Weekend.
After a 20-year hiatus, Norwich Jazz Festival is back thanks to Norwich Arts Centre! Originally running from 1981 – 2005, the festival will showcase some of the best UK and international jazz musicians- including locals act trio Mammal Hands, saxophonist Jasmine Myra, and influential jazz-funk band Azymuth. In some of the best independent venues across Norwich, you’ll be treated to live and intimate performances of classic and tradition-defying music that will make you rethink the genre.
And May’s festivals don’t stop there: Norwich Games Festival is made for budding gamers, skilled designers and anyone with a bit of retro arcade nostalgia!
Based in The Forum, this festival isn’t just about playing the games, but also the industry behind them. You can find about games technology, games art, the role of storytelling, and even what it takes for a career in the sector. And if you’re interested in the ethics of gaming, there’s plenty of workshops and talks to take part in, too.
City of Ale celebrates Norwich’s rich brewing history
Norwich City of Ale is Britain’s original Beer Week. Since 2011, the city’s wonderful array of pubs and bars have been serving Norfolk’s finest beers- we’re arguably home to some of the best malting barley in the world!
City of Ale is the perfect excuse for visitors and locals alike to experience Norwich’s rich brewing history, following unique trails and discovering new pubs and pints along the way. You might even find a new favourite! And for a bit of fun (and friendly competition), you can collect stamps at every venue to claim a badge for each trail!
Norfolk’s wine heritage can be traced all the way back to Roman times!
Did you know Norfolk’s wine heritage can be traced all the way back to Roman times? So, what better than a festival where you can sip, savour, and share our local tipples?
During Norwich Wine Week, venues across the city offer specially designed events, tastings and offers – this is an event made for both wine novices and aficionados. Plus, it’s a little more than a week, giving you 4 extra days to celebrate Norwich’s wonderful wine scene!
The atmosphere is infectious at Norwich Pride
If music be the food of love, play on. Every July, Norwich Cathedral’s atmospheric cloisters play host to mid-summer performances of Shakespeare classics in the Shakespeare Festival. And this year, The Lord’s Chamberlain’s Men, a modern-day reincarnation of Shakespeare’s own travelling troupe of players, will be performing Twelfth Night.
This is the Bard’s best-loved comedy- so thanks to its all-male cast, traditional music and dance, and Elizabethan costumes, you can expect an evening of hilarity!
The Lord Mayor’s Weekend is Norwich’s biggest street party– and free for all! Across the weekend, the city is abuzz with vibrant colour and energetic entertainment. Think family activities, music and, of course, the historic mayoral procession, a colourful parade through the city centre past iconic sights like Norwich Market and Norwich Cathedral. Look out for costumes, marching bands, acrobats, giant puppets, flags and more- you might even spot someone you know!
Norwich is a fine city- and it’s also an inclusive one. We’ve got a rich history of welcoming Strangers, refugees, and diversity in our City of Sanctuary. Norwich Pride personifies this, celebrating everyone who identifies as part of the LGTBQIA+ community.
There’s a real sense of community spirit. It’s an infectious event, full of positivity! And with activities, performances, and the all-important Pride March, you can’t help but get swept away by the joyous atmosphere. On top of that, the Makers Market offers support and information, glitter bars, crafts, food and more- perfect for a keepsake of this celebration.
Norwich Summer Sessions is an exciting programme of free street entertainment
What could be better than an exciting programme of free street entertainment to bring some cheer to your week? Thanks to Norwich Summer Sessions, we’ll be treated to some brilliant performances across a number of stages in July and August.
These brilliant open-air performances have previously included music, comedy, dance and theatre! With four stages to choose from, take advantage to soak up some sun, sit al fresco at your favourite café and enjoy some first-class acts!
Explore heritage sites for free with Heritage Open Days!
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture– and Norfolk’s programme is the largest outside of London! That means there’s loads of hidden gems to discover that you might not normally know about. From heritage sites, homes and gardens to museums, exhibitions, talks and more. This is your chance to learn more about our wonderful city and county!
While you may not be a runner, it’s hard to deny the anticipation that comes with an energetic event like Run Norwich. Run by Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, this popular road race is always a sell-out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cheer on friends, family, and everyone else on the day! And 2025 marks 10 years of Run Norwich, so you can expect this year’s event to be even more enjoyable!
Norwich Book Festival returns for its second year in 2025
One of Norwich’s newest events, Norwich Book Festival returns for its second year in 2025! And when you’re visiting the City of Stories no less, you can rest assured there will be plenty of literary heritage and events to explore.
Taking place in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, this fantastic festival is for all ages and every type of booklover. Across the week, you can expect readings, signings, panels, and interactive experiences across genres like crime, science fiction, politics, and history. Phew!
