Top Suffolk events happening in July, August and September

If you’re looking for the perfect staycation, it’s time to discover the coastal county of Suffolk. From seaside fun and countryside walks to historical attractions, market towns and more, Suffolk’s coast, towns, villages, and countryside offer something for everyone.

Visit us during the summer holidays or for a late summer break, and you’ll uncover an eclectic mix of events. From music festivals and carnivals to food and drink festivals and more, we’ve put together our top picks of must-visit events this July, August and September.

Read on to discover more….

Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival

Thursday 25 July – Sunday 28 July
St Clement’s Church, Ipswich

If you’re a beer enthusiast, head to Suffolk’s county town, Ipswich and enjoy the range of drinks and the atmosphere of the Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival.

Now in its 34th edition, the four-day festival is set to showcase over 100 real ales, craft beers and ciders from a wonderful mix of local and national breweries. Held at St Clement’s Church in Ipswich, just a short walk from the historic waterfront, the festival is ideally positioned to explore Suffolk’s county town. From enjoying a walk around the waterfront to visiting Christchurch Park, dining out at one of the many eateries and more, there’s plenty to see and do when you are in Ipswich.

The festival is a ticketed event, with tickets available to purchase in advance or on the door (subject to availability). Thursday tickets cost £7, Friday and Saturday day tickets are £10 each, and Sunday is free entry, but a ticket is still required.

If you’re not a fan of beer or cider, there will also be a range of other drinks available to buy, including soft drinks, so you can still enjoy the festival’s ambience. To find out more, head across to the Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival website, ipswichbeerandciderfestival.co.uk

Latitude

Thursday 25 July – Sunday 28 July
Henham Park, Suffolk

Love a festival? Then, the Latitude Festival is for you! Taking place over the weekend of 25-28 July at Henham Park near Southwold, Latitude has something for everyone.

Visitors will be treated to some great live music from some of the hottest acts around (Kasabian, London Grammar, Keane, Duran Duran – to name a few). But it doesn’t stop at just music. There’s comedy, poetry, family activities, wellness and more – it’s a festival the whole family can enjoy.

Whilst there is camping available at the festival, if that’s not your vibe, we’ve got you covered with stylish places to stay nearby. Why not find out more about Latitude, including the lineup, then search our properties in the area and start planning your Latitude break? Latitudefestival.com

Felixstowe Carnival

Saturday 26 July – Monday 28 July
Felixstowe

Back for another year is the Felixstowe Carnival. A weekend full of activities for all the family to enjoy, whether you’re staying in this coastal town or visiting for the day, a trip to the festival should be high on the list.

This year’s theme is lights, camera, action, and it certainly looks like they’ve got an exciting line up of events happening throughout the weekend. The carnival prom night will kick off the programme of events on Friday evening, starting at 7pm. Then, on Saturday, visitors can enjoy the carnival procession at 1pm, which will start from Colneis Road. Sunday, after an action packed day, the carnival wraps up with a fantastic firework display on the seafront at 10pm.

With live music from 12pm on Saturday and Sunday, a funfair, family area, stalls, refreshments and more, why not add a visit to Felixstowe Carnival to your itinerary? Entry is free. felixstowecarnival.org 

Folk East Festival

Friday 16 August – Sunday 18 August
Glemham Hall

Bringing together the best of folk, the Folk East Festival returns to Glemham Hall for another year. Recognised as one of the UK’s favourite folk festivals, and now in its 12th year, if folk music is your vibe, you won’t want to miss this three-day festival.

Music, dance, workshops, talks, food and drink and more – there’s something for everyone. Why not find out more about Folk East and start planning your visit? Day and weekend tickets are available. For pricing and further details, visit folkeast.co.uk

Aldeburgh Carnival

Saturday 17 August – Monday 19 August
Aldeburgh

If you’re looking for a fun day out with all the family, the Aldeburgh Carnival is just this. With events happening throughout the weekend, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.

On Saturday, you can sit back and enjoy live music from local artists on the beach, take part in duck races, and witness the spectacular display of the East Anglian Kite Flyers (weather permitting).

Sunday features a sports day, where runners put on their running shoes and head out for a 10k mini marathon through the beautiful Aldeburgh countryside. Visitors can also enjoy duck races, the egg and boat race, Punch and Judy shows and more.

Monday is carnival day, with the carnival procession due to take place at 3:15pm from the Moot Hall. But it doesn’t stop there. There will also be swimming races in the sea, Suffolk School of Samba, the crowning of the carnival queen and more.

And that’s not all. Throughout the festival there will be rides for children, the famous gallopers, arts, crafts, gifts and food and drink stalls. To find out more about what’s going on over the carnival weekend and plan your visit, head to the Aldeburgh Carnival website. Aldeburghcarnival.com

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival

Saturday 28 September – Sunday 29 September
Snape Maltings

A highlight for any foodie whilst in Suffolk has to be the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival. Now in its 19th year, the festival celebrates the county’s finest food and drink. With over 130 food and drink producers, live demo stages, masterclasses to get involved in, cookery classes, live music and more – it’s a day the whole family can enjoy.

Day tickets cost £12 per adult and weekend £18 per person when purchased before 31 August, with prices increasing to £15 for a day ticket and £25 per person for a weekend ticket on 1 September. Under 16s can enter the festival for free. Additional tickets for the masterclasses will also be required. For more information on prices and what to expect from the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, visit aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk

Henham Steam and Country Show

Saturday 21 September – Sunday 22 September
Henham Park, near Southwold, Suffolk

If you’re looking for an action-packed weekend, make sure you head to the Henham Steam and Country Show. Taking place at Henham Park near Southwold, it’s a show for everyone. Alongside the working steam engines, visitors can enjoy the Bolddog FMX, Ben Long, Falconry Displays, Lowestoft Dog Agility Display team, and more. There’s even the chance to steer one of their steam engines, with public steering taking place throughout the weekend.

But it doesn’t stop there. There will be a bandstand with live music, a children’s corner, a petting farm, donkey rides, Punch and Judy show and more.

It’s a ticketed event, with tickets available in advance or on the door. To find out more and start planning your visit to the Henham Steam and Country Show, visit henhamsteam.com

With so many exciting events taking place, view our stylish places to stay in Suffolk and find your ideal cottage to retreat back to after a wonderful day.

Image credits. Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival – Will Green Photography | Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival – Charlotte Bond Photography