What’s on in Cambridge this July
- Published on
- June 29, 2026
What’s On in Cambridge this July
Summer is one of the best times to visit Cambridge, with outdoor festivals, family-friendly theatre, live music, open-air events and cultural experiences taking place throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or a longer stay, there’s plenty to enjoy for all ages.
Outdoor Events & Summer Activities
Cambridge Summer Music Festival
The Cambridge Summer Music Festival is a month-long celebration of live music held across the city each July, showcasing a refined mix of
classical and contemporary performances in some of Cambridge’s most beautiful historic settings. Audiences can enjoy everything from chamber ensembles, choral works and orchestral concerts to jazz nights and solo recitals, performed in intimate college chapels, churches and cultural venues.
Key highlights typically include evening concerts at Cambridge University colleges, the relaxed outdoor Sounds Green series at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and special appearances from both established international musicians and emerging young talent. The festival has a calm, summery atmosphere, ideal for combining an afternoon of sightseeing with an evening of high-quality live music in unique Cambridge surroundings.
Duxford Air Show – 4 – 5th July 2026
The Duxford Summer Air Show at the Imperial War Museum Duxford is one of the biggest aviation events in the Cambridge calendar, taking place this year on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026. The two-day spectacle features thrilling flying displays from historic warbirds, modern military aircraft and aerobatic teams, alongside family-friendly ground attractions acro
ss the museum site. Although the event is now sold out, it remains a major highlight of the month and brings a real buzz to the local area, with aircraft activity and related aviation events continuing throughout July.
Later in the month, visitors can also look forward to additional Duxford flying days, including the themed “Americans” Flying Day on 24 July, which celebrates the shared UK–US aviation history with further displays and living history experiences.
Cambridge Open Studios – 4–26 July 2026
One of the region’s most popular summer events, Cambridge Open Studios invites visitors into artists’ studios, workshops and creative spaces across Cambridge and surrounding villages. Discover paintings, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and photography while meeting local artists and makers. Free to visit and perfect for families looking for a relaxed day out.
Cambridge Comedy Garden – 8–12 July 2026 | Parker’s Piece
Enjoy five days of stand-up comedy, street food and outdoor entertainment in the heart of Cambridge. The festival brings some of the UK’s best comedians to the city in a re
laxed open-air setting.
Music in the Parks is a free summer concert series across C ambridge’s parks, running on selected Sundays in July. Performances take place in locations such as Jesus Green, Cherry Hinton Hall and Nightingale Recreation Ground, typically from 3:00pm–5:00pm. The programme features brass bands, jazz groups and community ensembles, offering relaxed outdoor live music suitable for families and picnics.
Arts & Theatre this July
Dear Zoo – 17–19 July 2026
Rod Campbell’s beloved children’s classic comes to life on stage with puppets, music and audience participation. A fantastic introduction to theatre for younger children.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors – 23–26 July 2026
History comes alive with plenty of laughs as the Terrible Tudors take over the stage. A family favourite packed with fun facts and outrageous characters.
Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians – Late July 2026
Join the Egyptians on a hilarious journey through ancient history. Perfect for curious young minds and adults alike.
The Corn Exchange hosts a varied programme of live entertainment throughout July.
An Evening with David Sedaris – 3 July 2026
The bestselling author and humourist brings his unique storytelling and wit to Cambridge.
Jinkx Monsoon: Speaking of Witch – 4 July 2026
A lively evening of comedy, music and storytelling from the internationally acclaimed performer.
The Corn Exchange programme also includes concerts, comedy and touring productions throughout the summer, making it one of Cambridge’s premier entertainment venues.
Cambridge Junction continues its summer programme with live music, comedy, talks and family events.
July highlights
- Blue – Intimate Album Release Show – 17 July 2026
A special outstore performance celebrating the release of Reflections, featuring the band Blue in an intimate live setting - Iago Banet (Live Acoustic Guitar) – 23 July 2026
A virtuosic solo performance from the acclaimed Galician guitarist, blending flamenco, blues and fingerstyle techniques - Electric Six (late June / early summer run continuing into the season)
High-energy rock show mixing punk, disco and satire, part of the wider summer programme at the venue
The venue remains one of the city’s most vibrant arts and music spaces.
Family-Friendly Highlights this July
11 July 2026
A family-friendly concert celebrating living composers, featuring music from film scores and classical favourites.
July 2026
Explore artist studios, creative workshops and exhibitions at Wysing Arts Centre. A great family day out with opportunities to engage directly with artists and creative projects.
Museums & Gardens
Cambridge’s museums offer a welcome mix of culture, learning and family activities throughout July, making them a great option alongside the city’s outdoor summer e
vents. The Fitzwilliam Museum runs regular weekend family-friendly workshops and creative drop-in sessions, alongside its permanent collections of art, antiquities and manuscripts. You can explore their latest exhibitions and events here:
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology also hosts hands-on family activities and themed object handling sessions during the school holidays, offering a more interactive way for children to engage with global history and cultures.
At the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, visitors can discover dinosaurs, fossils and geological displays, with regular free family trails and self-guided activities running throughout the summer.
For a more immersive experience, Cambridge University Botanic Garden often complements its summer programme with seasonal displays, outdoor discovery trails and family activities alongside events such as the Sounds Green evening concerts.
Across July, Cambridge’s museums provide the perfect balance to the city’s busy festival calendar — especially for families looking for engaging indoor activities between outdoor events.
Looking for Somewhere to Stay?
If you’re planning a summer getaway, it’s worth booking early to secure the best availability and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Whether you’re visiting for a festival, a relaxing weekend break, or simply to soak up the atmosphere of Cambridge in summer, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. Cambridge remains one of the UK’s most loved city break destinations.
Christ’s College Bed and Breakfast
If you are looking for a place to stay Christ’s College Bed and Breakfast is open out of term time from 11th July – 24th September 2026 and 8th – 19th December 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
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