Your 2025 Guide to Summer Holiday Events in Suffolk

This summer, the Suffolk coast offers a wealth of one-off events, activities and sights to explore, ensuring you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained across the school holiday.

Whether you’re interested in enjoying beer festivals with friends, exploring the many nature reserves Suffolk offers, or seeking family-friendly fun on the coast, be sure to check out our top event recommendations below to make your six weeks of summer on the Suffolk Coast memorable.

Birdwatching for Beginners | RSPB Minsmere

Date: 20 July, 6 August, 20 August 2025

If you’re new to birdwatching and are unsure where to begin, RSPB Minsmere’s reserve is an ideal place to explore the beauty of birds. The welcoming guides at the reserve will share valuable advice on selecting and using binoculars, as well as tips to enhance your birdwatching experience. You’ll have the opportunity to visit several hides to practice your newfound skills. Ticket prices cover reserve entry fees and include a hot drink at the café after the walk.

Children’s Face Painting Workshops with Florence and the Facepaints | Southwold Flower Company

Date: 20 July & 18 August 2025

Join the Southwold Flower Company this August for a fun face paint workshop led by Florence and the Facepaints! Designed for kids aged 8 and over, this 90-minute session is all about unleashing creativity with sparkles and paint! Every child will receive the necessary tools and materials to bring their new designs to life. Tickets are priced at £20.00 per child, please remember that all children need to be accompanied by an adult throughout the workshop.

Brass on the Grass | Jubilee Green, Reydon

Date: 20 July 2025

Bring a chair and a blanket, sit back and enjoy an afternoon of music from Wrentham Brass Band and the Sole Bay Singers. There will be a BBQ and refreshments available on the day.

Summer of Play | National Trust Dunwich Heath and Beach

Date: 23 July – 31 August 2025

Prepare for an exciting summer in a stunning setting at Dunwich Heath and Beach. Families can look forward to a variety of engaging activities and games, ranging from beach fun to nature-themed challenges that promise to keep everyone entertained.

Theatre in the Forest 2025 | National Trust Sutton Hoo

Date: 23 July – 23 August 2025

Suffolk’s most popular outdoor theatre event, Theatre in the Forest, is back in Suffolk this summer! Theatre in the Forest takes place at the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, and this year’s production features Hamlet, a creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s finest play performed by the Red Rose Chain Theatre Company!

Walk with the Ranger | National Trust Dunwich Heath and Beach

Date: 25 July & 29 August 2025

Join one of the Dunwich Heath rangers for a walk and learn more about Dunwich’s beautiful landscape, as well as plant and animal species in this wonderful habitat. Lasts approx. 1 hour 30 minutes, adults and children welcome.

Summer Contemporary 2025 | Snape Maltings

Date: 26 July – 31 August 2025

Summer Contemporary is a six-week visual art exhibition that showcases artworks at Snape Maltings in Suffolk, attracting thousands of visitors who come to appreciate visual art in conjunction with music, shopping, dining, and the natural scenery. Featured works are from artists including Curtis Holder, Ania Hobson, Jim Broadbent, Emily Hana Johnson, Daniel Halsall, Liam Hennessy, Maggi Hambling, and Roger Hardy and many others.

Southwold Summer Theatre | Southwold

Date: 30 July – 6 September 2025

Southwold Summer Theatre returns to the coast over the school holidays! Four varying productions include See How They Run (30th July – 9th August), Gaslight (13th August – 16th August), Things We Do for Love (20th August – 30th August), and While the Sun Shines (3rd September – 6th September). Tickets are bookable online.

Concerteenies: Blown Away | Britten Studio at Snape Maltings

Date: 30 July 2025

Join Concerteenies at Snape Maltings for the enchanting musical tale of Blown Away, designed for children aged 3 and up along with their families. Come soar with Penguin Blue as he gets swept up in a strong wind, and the adventure unfolds. With engaging songs and actions to participate in within a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, this is an ideal way to introduce music, storytelling, and animation to little ones.

Wild Families: Butterflies | Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

Date: 31st July 2025

Join the team at Carlton Marshes this school holiday for some family-friendly nature themed activities. At this event, celebrate the plentiful species of butterfly at the reserve with crafts, trails, butterfly walk and games. Suitable for children aged 3 and over.

Summer Beer and Cider Festival | The Ship Inn, Dunwich

Date: 1 – 3 August 2025

Come be a part of the fun at The Ship Inn for a three-day Summer Beer & Cider Festival! Featuring a selection of their favourite ales and ciders from local and regional breweries, you can also enjoy live music and delicious festival-inspired food.

Sunrise Film Festival Outdoor Cinema | Lowestoft

Date: 2, 9, 16, 30 August 2025

Get ready to enjoy enchanting summer evenings beneath the stars at East Point Pavillion, Lowestoft! The Sunrise Film Festival returns this summer with its beloved outdoor cinema screenings featuring your favourite family-friendly films. Located in the beer garden of East Point Pavilion on Lowestoft’s beautiful seafront.

Family Wildlife Walk | Snape Maltings

Date: 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2025

Come along with the passionate RSPB volunteers for a family-friendly walk through the reedbed and hedgerow at Snape Maltings, where you’ll have the chance to observe birds, insects, and various other wildlife. This enjoyable stroll begins and ends at Snape Maltings.

Wild Beach Day with Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve | Lowestoft Beach

Date: 6 August 2025

To celebrate National Marine Week, the Carlton Marshes team is organising a beach day filled with beach art, sandcastle building, and beach cleanup activities. It’s a wonderful chance to relish the stunning coastline with your family and truly appreciate Suffolk’s wonderful beaches.

Southwold Summer Open Air Theatre | Southwold Common

Date: 14, 17, 21, 28, 31 August 2025

Bring your chairs, a picnic (don’t forget to dress for all-weather) and enjoy a range of open-air theatre shows on Southwold’s glorious Common! Productions include King Arthur, Much Ado About Nothing and The Wind in the Willows.

Ceramic Tile Workshop | Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

Date: 15 August 2025

Join local ceramic artist Margaret Parsons for a nature-themed clay tile workshop. The session begins with a brief walk to gather inspiration from the summer wildlife and scenery, ready to sketch out designs and ideas. Roll out your clay and imprint your designs into the air-dry clay. The workshop is perfect for both adults and children aged 6 years and over. Please ensure that all children are accompanied by an adult. During the workshop, there will be a lunch break where you can either buy lunch from the cafe or bring your own packed lunch. Most of the activities will take place indoors but do remember to wear suitable clothing for a short walk around the reserve. All materials, including sketch paper, pencils, air-dry clay, stamps, and fresh flowers for your designs, will be provided.

Aldeburgh Carnival | Aldeburgh

Date: 16, 17, 18 August 2025

The annual carnival in Aldeburgh returns for 3 days this August and this years theme is Celebrating Summertime. Enjoy plenty of events taking place across the town filled with music, dancing, food stalls, family-fun and much more!