Close Icon

Top Suffolk Events Happening in May and June

Suffolk is a beautiful destination to visit any time of the year, with miles of heritage coastline, beautiful countryside, historic attractions and more. But, visit in the spring and summer months, and you’ll uncover an array of festivals and events, showcasing what makes our county so great. With music festivals to get you up on the dance floor to food festivals, showcasing some of Suffolk’s culinary delights, family friendly events and more, we’ve pulled together some of the county’s best events happening this May and June.

Read on to discover more….


Suffolk Walking Festival

Various locations
11 – 26 May 2024

If you love walking, and let’s face it Suffolk has some truly beautiful countryside to walk through, you won’t want to miss the Suffolk Walking Festival. It’s one of the longest running walking festivals in the UK, meaning you’ll be in good hands to uncover some of Suffolk’s hidden treasures and learn more about our county’s fascinating history.

So, pack those walking boots, and find a tour that suits your taste. Short walks, long walks, night walks, family walks and more – you’re sure to find something to suit. But be quick, tickets are selling fast.


Beccles Food and Drink Festival

25 May 2024

If a day of delicious food, music and entertainment sounds right up your street, you won’t want to miss the Beccles Food and Drink Festival. Now in its ninth year, the event is free to attend and it’s sure to tantalise your taste buds, with over 60 stalls celebrating the finest food and drink from East Anglia. It’s family friendly, too, with children’s entertainment, including a Punch and Judy Show and live music throughout the day. From the sounds of the 1940s and modern folk to cover bands and more, there’s an eclectic mix of artists ready to entertain.

You’ll find car parking in the town centre, and they’ll also have a free park and ride shuttle service running from Beccles Quay – making it easy to attend.


Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre

Bury St Edmunds
26 – 27 May 2024

Often described as a jewel in the crown of Suffolk is Bury St Edmunds. And, if you’re planning on visiting this market town, combining it with a trip to their Spring Fayre in May would be a great idea.

Happening over the Sunday and Monday of the May bank holiday weekend, it offers a great day out for all the family – and the best part is – it’s free to enter.

If you love to browse around a market stall, you’ll find over 70 of them at the fayre, showcasing some of the county’s local cuisine and talents. Make sure you visit both the vintage market and flower, food and craft market.

You’ll also find child friendly activities at the Urban Beach, including the ever popular Punch and Judy Show.


The Suffolk Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich
29 – 30 May 2024

One of Suffolk’s most iconic events, The Suffolk Show, held at Trinity Park, in Ipswich celebrates the best of Suffolk. It offers a great day out for all the family, with lots of fun activities happening throughout the two days. There’s exciting events happening in the ring, from show jumping to Bolddog FMX, RAF Falcons Parachute Display and more. Plus, you’ll also find a food and drink area, giving you the chance to indulge your taste buds on some of Suffolk’s local produce.

A flower show, a sports village, military zone, wildlife area, farm discovery zone and more, The Suffolk Show really does have it all.

It’s free to enter the show for children under 15 years of age – making it a great family day out. Adults cost £38, reduced to £35 when purchased in advance. There are discounted tickets available for senior citizens and young people aged 15-18.

Dogs are also welcome at the show, provided they remain on a lead – meaning if you’ve brought your furry friend on holiday, they too can enjoy the show. Please note, dogs are not allowed in the foodhall or ringside clubs.


Red Rooster

Euston Hall
30 May – 1 June

If you love to watch live music – you can’t go wrong with a visit to Euston Hall, near Thetford for the Red Rooster Festival. Now in its tenth year, the festival celebrates the best of Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues, Roots and Country Music.

And, it’s not just a great line up of live music acts that you’ll be treated too, with river swimming, vintage stores, dog training, butchery classes, family friendly activities, culinary delights and more – it’ll be a weekend to remember.

Whilst the festival does have a campsite, why not stay in luxury and head back to your stylish place to stay, after an enjoyable day at Euston Hall? Tickets start from £65.45 for an adult.


Aldeburgh Festival

Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings venues
7 – 23 June 2024

If you’re a fan of classical music and the arts, you won’t want to miss the Aldeburgh Festival. Now in its 75th year, the festival brings together some of the world’s best artists, new commissions and world premiers.

With an actioned packed programme, over two weeks, and activities and performances spread between Aldeburgh and Snape Maltings Concert Hall – it’s all set to be a great festival to celebrate a remarkable 75 years.

With both free events and ticketed pricing, make sure you check out the programme, and plan when you will be visiting.


First Light Festival

22 – 23 June 2024

If you love the beach and love a festival – then the First Light Festival in Lowestoft is for you. Taking place at the UKs most easterly beach, visitors to the festival will be treated to performances from artists around the world and locally.

Music, dance, wellbeing, theatre, science, comedy, sports and more, it’s a festival that has it all. It’s free to attend the festival’s outdoor programme; however should you wish to attend any of the Sundown programme, tickets are required. With various events happening, make sure you check out their full line up, which will give you all the details on tickets, pricing and times.


Southwold Arts Festival

Southwold
22 – 29 June 2024

Back for a ninth year is the Southwold Arts Festival. Popular with locals and tourists, the festival is well-established and brings together a week’s worth of poetry, drama, comedy, folk, blues, jazz and the visual arts.

With household names and newcomers set to headline, check out the eclectic mix of events happening and start planning your visit to Southwold’s Arts Festival. You’ll find both free to attend and ticketed events with pricing – all the details you need.


Heveningham Hall Country Fair

Heveningham Hall
29 – 30 June

The Heveningham Hall Country Fair is a captivating fair for all the family. Fun for all ages, visitors can enjoy the horse displays, demonstrations from birds of prey, the dog and duck show and more.

For the foodies in your group, there’s the Food and Drink Fayre – showcasing the finest produce East Anglia offers, and the Fire Feast stage is a must, as chefs get to work – with smells to tantalise your taste buds.

If you’re a car enthusiast the Concours enclosure is for you. One of the finest motor car shows in the UK you’ll find an array of cars. Plus, there’s the historic aeroplanes, ready for you to look around. Make sure you check out the flight schedule, too, as some will be taking off for displays throughout the weekend.

A great day out for all the family, tickets are priced at £45 when booked in advance for a family ticket, or £60 on the door.


Felixstowe Book Festival

Harvest House, Felixstowe
26 – 30 June

If you love to settle down for the evening with a good book, then the Felixstowe Book Festival is for you. Now in its 11th year, it’s an intimate event with author events, book signings and more.


With so much happening in May and June, it’s a great time to come to Suffolk, and explore more of what our region offers. Our stylish places to stay offer the ideal accommodation to retreat to after a busy day exploring. Whether you’re looking for a coastal getaway, a countryside break or a stay in a market town, the choice is yours. Couples, families and extended family and friends, find your Suffolk retreat today.