13th July 2026 |
Activities, Guides, School Holidays, Suffolk Events
Suffolk Coast Summer: Your Guide to Local Events
So you’ve booked your Suffolk Coast Summer – happy days! However you like to spend your holiday, there’s a wealth of activities on throughout the sunshine season. We’ve put together a guide to local events so you never miss a moment.
Whether you’re interested in heading to a beer festival with friends, exploring Suffolk’s wildlife, or seeking family-friendly fun on the coast, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at the line up below and make your six weeks of summer truly memorable.
In Southwold
+ Southwold Food & Drink Festival: Gun Hill, Southwold, 25th-26th July
Southwold Food & Drink Festival returns for summer 2026! An eclectic gathering of food, craft and art stalls, alongside a live music stage and children’s entertainment.
+ Summer Theatre: Southwold Arts Centre, various dates
Throughout summer Southwold Arts Centre is hosting a trio of plays, presented in collaboration with Aldeburgh Classic Theatre. Plays include the famous tale The Importance of Being Earnest, a classic mystery-thriller by Agatha Christie, and a dark comedy by Alan Ayckbourne.
+ Southwold Sounds Music Festival, 28th-30th August
Across three days, this brand-new, family-friendly festival serves up a mix of music across a range of genres, with a hand-picked line-up of original artists and show-stopping tribute acts guaranteed to keep toes tapping.
+ Floral Brunch Club: Southwold Flower Company, Saturday 8th August
Head out to the Flower Farm for a morning of flowers, fizz and fabulous food by Black Dog Deli. Enjoy an indulgent grazing board, sip on a chilled glass of prosecco, and get hands-on as you pick your own flowers to take home.
+ Southwold Beer Festival: Constitutional Club, 28th-31st August
Enjoy local beers, traditional ales and ciders over Bank Holiday Weekend. With live music and a quiz night, the festival promises great beer and good company.
Further afield
+ Sunrise Film Festival: Lowestoft, 20th-23rdAugust
This year’s festival takes place in venues across Lowestoft including an outdoor cinema in Marina Yard, behind the Marina Theatre. With 263 films across 52 separate screenings, there’s plenty to see!
+ Framlingham Country Show: Framlingham College, 22nd-23rd August
Head to the annual Framlingham Show for a vast array of attractions and stands alongside the We Love Dogs Show. Big ring events include motorbike stunts, barrel racing, birds of prey displays, a touring musical plus cookery demonstrations, rural craft and children’s entertainment.
+ Thorington Outdoor Theatre: Thorington, various dates
Nestled in the woods, Thorington Outdoor Theatre is a unique experience. With a wooden box office and bar, you can take your own picnic and enjoy a theatre visit to remember beneath the stars.
+ Aldeburgh Carnival: Aldeburgh, 15th-17th August
Now in its 82nd year, Aldeburgh Carnival is still going strong with a town-wide programme of events and classic seaside carnival atmosphere. With a parade, live music and activities throughout the weekend, there’s lots to take in. The carnival concludes with a lantern parade and fireworks display on the beach, not to be missed.
+ Summer of Play: National Trust Dunwich Heath and Beach, throughout summer
Prepare for an exciting summer in a stunning setting at Dunwich Heath and Beach. Families can look forward to a variety of activities and games, ranging from beach fun to nature-themed challenges that promise to keep everyone entertained.
+ Beccles Duck Race: Beccles Quay, 2nd August
Head to the Beccles Quay for a day of family fun, children’s activities, stalls and of course, the famous duck race on the river!
+ Summer at Snape: Snape Maltings, 31st July–30th August
Join in a celebration of music this summer. Sitting on the bank of the River Alde, Snape Maltings is home to the famous concert hall, alongside independent shops, a restaurant, cafe and galleries. Their summer programme is packed with incredible talent from folk, jazz and roots to a brass band and full orchestral performances.
+ Wild Beach Family Activity Day: Carlton Marshes, 3 dates to choose from
To celebrate National Marine Week, the Carlton Marshes team is organising 3 beach days filled with beach art, sandcastle building, and beach clean-up activities. It’s a wonderful chance to enjoy the stunning coastline with your family and truly appreciate Suffolk’s wonderful beaches.
+ Theatre in the Forest: Sutton Hoo, throughout July
Returning for another memorable summer, Theatre in the Forest takes place at the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo site in Suffolk. This year, you’ll venture to the island of Illyria for Shakespeare’s hilarious romance of mistaken identity!
+ Yoga in the Vines: Flint Vineyard, 23rd August
Visit Flint Vineyard for a playful outdoor yoga session overlooking sweeping views of the Waveney Valley. Enjoy a guided wine tasting and a small plates lunch with the Flint team.
+ Summer Celebration: RSPB Minsmere, 29th July
Connect with nature this summer for a day of fun free activities at Minsmere. There’s lots on offer including face painting, crafts, storytelling and activities. Pond dipping sessions are also available to book (fees apply) separately throughout the day – perfect for curious minds keen to explore pond wildlife up close.
Your holiday cottage in Southwold
Durrants Holiday Cottages are dotted throughout Southwold and the surrounding area, giving you lots of choice on where you’d like to be based during your stay.
Need advice? Get in touch with our friendly, local team who can help.
