Events happening in Bath in 2025

We are very fortunate in Bath to have lots of events to keep us entertained (and educated!) One of the biggest events this year is likely to be the annual Jane Austen Festival. The festival attracts over 3,500 people from across the world who come to the city which Jane wrote about and where she once lived. 2025 is the 250th anniversary of her birth so you can expect to hear a lot about this if you visit Bath this year!

When I travel I always like to hear about the things happening in the places I visit. If you are the same then you will hopefully find the following list of events happening in Bath useful. It is by no means an exhaustive list but it covers the larger events. To help you find events around the time of your visit I have listed them in chronological order. Even if these are not of interest just bear in mind that some of these may cause Bath to be busier than normal so do make dinner reservations in advance!

31st March - 21st April: Bath Comedy Festival

This is the 16th year of the festival. To set your expectations - it is not the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! It is a much smaller festival, taking place at a handful of venues in the city. If you fancy some light entertainment during your stay then this could be fun! You will need to buy tickets and some events may sell out. For more information please check out the festival website here: https://www.bathcomedy.com/

Monday 7th April: The Waiters Race!

This is a new event to promote the Bath Restaurant Week which is taking place in May. Over 30 teams are expected to take part with waiters carrying 4 glasses of water in a relay race on the historic Royal Crescent. They aren't allowed to run so I imagine it will be fast walking! It is taking place between 11am and 1pm so if you are in the vicinity you may like to go and check it out!

3rd May - 11th May: Bath Restaurant Week

Bath has been described by Time Out as one of the world's most exciting foodie destinations. This year to celebrate our restaurants, the city is hosting the Bath Restaurant Week with restaurants offering new dishes, taster menus and special promotions. More information is expected to be published on the festival website as we get closer to the date: https://www.bathrestaurantweek.com/

9th - 11th May: Bath Spring Festival

This is a small day-time festival which takes place on Milsom Street in Bath. There are stalls offering street food, drinks and live entertainment.

Friday 16th May: Party in the City

To celebrate the start of the Bath Music Festival there will be free music concerts and gigs taking place across the city. Expect bars and restaurants to be bustling!

16th May - 25th May: The Bath Music Festival and the Bath Literature Festival

Across different venues in the city there will be music concerts ranging from classical music to jazz ensembles, folk melodies and contemporary acts. There will also be leading authors giving talks and holding discussions. You will need to purchase tickets un advance. For more information please check out the festival website here: https://bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival/

13th and 14th June: Robbie Williams Concert

All British teenagers from the 1990s will be familiar with the British Boy Band: Take That. They were huge! The lead singer was Robbie Williams who went on to have a successful solo career. At the time of writing there is a movie in the cinemas about his life "Better Man" which has a monkey portraying him! He is playing two concerts at the iconic Royal Crescent. Hotel prices have already sky-rocketed for that weekend! At the time of writing tickets are still available for his concert on the 14th June.

3rd - 6th July: Bath Boules

Boules is a game that has been played for centuries across Europe. English Kings actually banned archers from playing it as it diverted their attention away from practising their archery skills! This competition in Bath takes place every year in Queens Square. Teams are mainly local businesses competing for a trophy. If you are in the vicinity then pop over to see the action!

Saturday 12th July: Bath Carnival

This free carnival includes a number of events, the highlight of which is the costumed parade through the streets of Bath with samba bands helping to get your hips swaying! For more information please visit the festival website here: https://www.bathcarnival.co.uk/

29th - 31st August: Bath Foodie Festival

This festival takes place at the Royal Victoria Park. There are food stalls, talks by Michelin-star chefs, a cooking school, a Cake and Bake Theatre with expert bakers and stars from the Great British Bake Off and much much more. There is also live music throughout the festival. You will need to buy tickets. For more information please check the festival website here: https://foodiesfestival.com/events/bath/

12th - 21st September: Jane Austen Festival

This is the world's largest and longest running Jane Austen Festival. The 10 day festival includes costumed balls, workshops, talks, theatrical performances and tours. If you are staying in Bath during this time you will see people walking around in their Regency costumes! The best time to see the costumes is on the first Saturday (13th September) when the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade takes place. Streets in the city centre are closed and a marching band accompanies the festival-goers in a promenade through the city. This year the promenade is starting from the Royal Crescent at 11am. For more information please visit the festival website here: https://janeausten.co.uk/pages/festival-event-grand-regency-costumed-promenade

27th November - 14th December: Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the country and is very popular with British tourists. Driving and parking in Bath can be a challenge at this time! The market includes lots of local businesses selling their produce which ranges from local food, drink to artisan gifts, jewellery and more. Nearer the time more information will be available here: https://www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/

Whenever you visit Bath, I wish you a wonderful time!

The Jane Austen Grand Regency Costumed Promenade