9 things to do in Suffolk over the August bank holiday weekend 2026
At the end of August every year, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are treated to a lovely summer bank holiday to extend the season just that little bit longer. If you’re thinking about heading to Suffolk for the long weekend, let us inspire you with our list of August bank holiday events in Suffolk.
In this article, we’ve found the best events taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, 29th – 31st August, to help you end your summer with a bang. From circus shows to jazz evenings, we’re certain your long Suffolk weekend will be one to remember.
The Summer Festival, at Framlingham College
One of Suffolk’s most anticipated summer events is The Summer Festival, held at the stunning Framlingham College. The turnout for this festival is always in the thousands, as it continues to delight locals and tourists of all ages each year. Live music, entertainment, competitions, games, and food and drink await attendees at this brilliant family-friendly event, held this year during the August bank holiday.
Where: Framlingham | When: 29th-30th August
Event tickets: Full weekend: adults – £60.45, children (5-15) – £18.95, under 5s – free | Single day: adults – £30.50, children (5-15) – £8.50, under 5s – free
Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music
Another fantastic summer festival in Suffolk, the Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music is now in its 15th year. Hosted primarily in Elmurst Park but with other performances and workshops held in other locations around town, this festival is packed with live music, entertainment, art, and community. This festival doubles up as an exciting way to explore the thriving market town of Woodbridge, one of Suffolk’s most beloved locations.
Where: Woodbridge | When: 30th August
Event tickets: Adults – £11.55, children (under 16) – free
Summer at Snape, at Snape Maltings
A huge celebration of music and art taking place over the entire summer season, Summer at Snape sees performances throughout the summer at world-renowned arts and culture destination, Snape Maltings.
The events happening over this August bank holiday weekend this year are:
- The Wooden Roots Experience – an immersive and interactive single-day or full-weekend event led by incredible West African artists
- Cory Band – one of the best brass bands in the world performs a programme of brass band works and highlights from its recent concert repertoire
- Sidiki Dembélé Ensemble and Manchester Collective – Ivory Coast, Mali, and Senegal folksong, storytelling, and energetic interpretations of classic works
Where: Snape | When: 29th-30th August
Performance tickets: Prices vary from £10 to £205.53 (under 25s get half price tickets to Cory Band and Sidiki Dembélé Ensemble)
Classic and Sports Cars by the Bridge, at the Suffolk Food Hall
Calling all car lovers! This event is one for you. Held in the open green space at the Suffolk Food Hall by the soaring Orwell Bridge, come and view a vast range of impressive vehicles, from beautiful classics to sleek sports cars. There will be plenty to do at this event, from family activities to live entertainment, and the food will be provided by the talented team at Suffolk Food Hall.
Where: Wherstead, Ipswich | When: 31st August
Event tickets: Adults – £5, children (under 16) – free
Summer Circus Spectacular, at Pleasurewood Hills
Pleasurewood Hills has been a much-loved Suffolk theme park for over 40 years, and is an exciting way to spend the August bank holiday on its own! However, it’s made even more exciting this summer thanks to its daily Summer Circus Spectacular performances. Circus Hassini has returned for another year of thrills and entertainment in the park’s newly refurbished Castle Theatre, and the best part is that tickets are included in your general park admission.
Where: Lowestoft | When: 29th-31st August
Event tickets: Free
Park admission: Advance – over 90cm: £16, under 90cm: free | Standard – over 90cm: £19.95, under 90cm: free
Summer of Play, at Ickworth Estate
One of our favourite events in Suffolk over the August bank holiday is Summer of Play. Held at the stunning Ickworth Estate, this annual event sees part of the beautiful estate grounds transform into a giant space of play and exploration for children. Expect mazes, mud kitchens, and live performances on the Summer House stage to create the perfect August bank holiday weekend day out!
Where: Bury St Edmunds | When: 29th-31st August
Event tickets: Free
Estate admission: Adults – £15, children (5-17) – £7.50, under 5 – free
Luna Nova Live, at The Hidden Garden
Something for the adults and teens into jazz, this Latin jazz evening is set to be an unforgettable evening of vibrant music. Hosted by The Hidden Garden cafe, talented jazz duo Anna Marchitelli and Jules Shevlin Therese will dazzle guests with infectious Latin rhythms and smooth jazz classics. Join The Hidden Garden team and sit back with a glass of wine or get up and dance this August bank holiday.
Where: Ipswich | When: 29th August
Event tickets: £11.55
Ibiza Party Night, at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
Dance the night away to Ibiza classics in Kesgrave Hall’s fantastic events venue, The Hangar. Lights and lasers, delicious street food, and refreshing cocktails create the perfect atmosphere to lose yourself in some of the world’s best club anthems. Your ticket includes a cocktail on arrival and two food options, helping form a truly special August bank holiday night with friends.
Where: Kesgrave | When: 29th August
Event tickets: £48
Soul by the Sea, at The Boardwalk Cafe Bar
Get ready for a warm and sunny evening of smooth soul music at The Boardwalk in Felixstowe. The amazing MJ Soul is returning to wow crowds with his incredible vocals, while DJ Rossi P will provide the beats for dancing under the setting sun. Enjoy soul, Motown, reggae, jazz funk, funky house, and rare groove, and enjoy a drink and some food and drink from The Boardwalk while you socialise.
Where: Felixstowe | When: 30th August
Event tickets: Free
Where will you stay over the August bank holiday in Suffolk?
Are you ready for the August bank holiday weekend? We hope you’ll be visiting our wonderful county to send summer off in style the Suffolk way. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay for the weekend, we’ve got a wide range of holiday homes all over Suffolk.
Whether you need a large, spacious house for a big family or group by the beach, or something small and cosy for just you and your partner in a peaceful market town, we’ve got plenty of beautiful homes to choose from. Get in touch with our friendly local team for more recommendations for the August bank holiday in Suffolk, or to talk about the best place to rest your head.
