Your 2026 Northampton Events Guide: Everything Families Need to Know

Good news if you’re based in or around Northampton — the town council has just released its community events programme for 2026, and there’s a really solid line-up for families. We’re talking free festivals, live music, fireworks, a Diwali lantern procession, and even a friendly dragon on St George’s Day. Most events are completely free to attend, with something on virtually every month from April through to November.

The full press release from Northampton Town Council is below, followed by our handy at-a-glance guide so you can get the key dates straight into your family calendar.

Town Council announces Northampton community events and festivals dates for 2026

Northampton Town Council has announced its 2026 community events calendar, featuring an exciting programme of free, family-friendly festivals, performances and celebrations throughout the year, all organised or supported by the council.

The calendar begins in early April with the much-loved Bands in the Park programme, bringing a diverse mix of local brass bands, singers and musicians to the historic Abington Park Bandstand. Performances take place every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday afternoon until the end of September, with Bank Holiday dates kindly sponsored by the Park Café.

St George’s Day celebrations follow on Saturday 25^th April at the Market Square, offering a fun-packed afternoon of themed children’s activities and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Morris dancing and meet St George and his giant, friendly dragon.

May sees the return of the Northampton Eid Festival* at Becket’s Park on the 16^th. The event will feature cultural and community stalls, bouncy castles, stage performances, and a wide range of food and drink. Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations and learn more about this important date in the Muslim calendar. Then on the 24^th May, the Rockin’ Roadrunner Festival* comes to Abington Park, with live music and entertainment organised by and for adults with a range of disabilities.

The month concludes with Oak Apple Day at All Saints’ Church on 29^th May,  including Pikemen and Musketeers in 17th-century costume, alongside a military parade. This unusual civic ceremony has been marked in the town for hundreds of years, commemorating the generosity of Charles II, who donated timber to rebuild the church and reduced the town’s taxes following the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675.
Northampton Carnival* returns on 13^th June, filling the streets with a high-energy parade of floats and troupes, alongside live music, food and stalls at the Racecourse throughout the day. Armed Forces Day will also be marked on 27^th June, with military-themed activities, entertainment and stalls at the Market Square.

Get ready to party on 11^th July with the uplifting Northampton Pride Festival*. This colourful celebration of the town’s LGBTQ+ community, held at the Market Square, will include the popular Pride parade, a dynamic line-up of artists and entertainers, and much more.

In August, the council will once again support Northampton’s popular Balloon Festival**, with its Community Marquee hosting a wide range of voluntary and community groups from across the town.

Music takes centre stage on 6^th September, when the annual Northampton Music Festival* plays out at venues across the town. A huge showcase of talented local artists and groups will perform across a range of genres, from rock to musical theatre, offering something for everyone.

Heritage Open Days are back in September too, with historic venues across the county opening their doors to the public. In Northampton, visitors can go behind the scenes at the Victorian Guildhall on the 19^th September and explore the stories of the people who worked there during a special ‘From Courtroom to Council Chamber’ event.

The 26th Diwali Winter Festival of Lights* on Saturday 31^st October will bring some sparkle to the chilly Autumn evenings. Families can enjoy cultural food, crafts and activities, alongside vibrant stage entertainment at the Market Square. Later in the day, a magical lantern procession of large-scale puppets and local school children, will wind its way through the town centre.

The excitement continues on Sunday 1^st November with the Northampton Fireworks Spectacular at the Racecourse. The evening will feature live music, dazzling pyro-fire performances, fairground attractions and more, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks finale.

Then on Sunday 8^th November, the town will honour the service and sacrifice of military personnel past and present, during the poignant Remembrance Day service and parade in and around All Saints’ Church.

The year’s programme wraps up with plenty of festive fun, when Northampton’s Christmas lights are illuminated on Saturday, 21^st November. Families can enjoy a full day of free entertainment at the Market Square, including stage performances with panto stars, craft workshops and gift stalls. Santa, the Mayor and special guests will lead the countdown to the big switch-on.

Cllr Keith Holland Delamere, Chair of the Community Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: “We’re looking forward to another exciting year of events, offering free entertainment for the whole family, alongside some long-established civic ceremonies that we are privileged to be responsible for.

“In addition to delivering and supporting these major events, the council also funds a wide range of community, arts, sports and music festivals through our grant schemes.

“We work closely with partners and the community to enable these wonderful celebrations of Northampton’s traditions, heritage, culture and diversity, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone along.”

For more information, please visit www.northamptontowncouncil/events, or follow Northampton Town Council  on Facebook or Instagram.

*Events organised by partners with funding and support from Northampton Town Council
** Entry charge to the Balloon Festival applies

2026 Northampton Events — At a Glance

Note: Dates and details correct at time of publication. Always check with the organiser before attending. Balloon Festival requires a paid entry ticket.