Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with fantastic events across Northamptonshire. Whether you’re looking for family days out, live music, food and drink festivals, outdoor theatre, village fêtes, sporting events or unique experiences, there’s something happening in every corner of the county.
We’ve rounded up our favourite things to do in Northamptonshire this July, including free events, family-friendly activities, cultural celebrations and must-visit attractions. As new events are announced, we’ll continue updating this guide, so be sure to check back throughout the month.
Here’s our pick of what’s on in Northamptonshire this July.
Festivals
- Pride, July 11th in Market Square, Northampton. Live performances, walkabout entertainers, food and drink stalls, community spaces for attendees of all ages. Pride Parade is a highlight. https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/events-and-activities/northampton-pride
- Hollowell Steam & Heavy Horse Show 4 – 5 July 2026. A big countryside festival with steam engines, heavy horses, vintage vehicles, fairground rides, country stalls and family attractions.https://www.hollowellsteam.com/
- Summertime Live, Delapre Abbey – 18th July Summertime Live returns for the biggest year yet with 4 stages of incredible DJs and live music, headlined by Tinie Tempah and Wilkinson! Plus fun fair, food village, shisha bar, roaming entertainers, and much more. https://delapreabbey.org/events/summertime-live-at-delapre-abbey
Food Festivals & Drink Events
- Great British Food Festival Holdenby House 25 July – 26 July. A celebration of independent food and drink producers with artisan stalls, baked goods, cheeses, craft drinks and local street food traders from across the county. https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/tickets/holdenby-house
- 🌱 Northamptonshire Biodiversity & Regenerative Food Festival 11th July Becket’s Park. 10.30am -4pm. A day filled with local culture and regenerative food.
Arts and Culture
- ‘Operation Mincemeat’ at Royal & Derngate – 13 – 18th July. Irrepressible wartime musical is a West End gender-swapped triumph. 4 star review by The Guardian. https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/operation-mincemeat/
- Derren Brown: Only Human. 21st to 25th July Royal & Derngate The multi-award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, returns to Royal & Derngate with his brand new live show, Only Human.
- Summer Arts and Craft Fair- Northampton Museum & Art Gallery 18th July Join talented makers from across Northamptonshire. Browse a carefully curated selection of beautifully handcrafted items, meet the artists behind the work, and enjoy a relaxed and inspiring day discovering unique arts, crafts, and artisan products.
- What do you want to have achieved in 50 years time? Dinosaur Kilby, 15th July 6pm. Arts Collective. Join artist-curator Dinosaur Kilby as he shares insight into his collaborative practice, from co-running artist-led space Prayer Room, making exhibitions and organising Free House in Digbeth, Birmingham. https://www.artscollectivenorthampton.org/
- Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026 June 25 – August 19 The Yardley Arts Summer Open 2026 is a major new open-call exhibition celebrating the very best of contemporary art.
- As You Like It – Masque Theatre Company present popular Shakespeare play in the beautiful setting of Abington Park Museum. 23rd July to 1st August 2026. https://northantsmag.co.uk/event/as-you-like-it-by-the-masque-theatre-company
- The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, July 1 Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits, including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Visit castletheatre.co.uk or call 01536 414141 to book.
Other
- British Grand Prix Silverstone July 3rd to July 5th he 2026 British Grand Prix will take place at Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, known as the “Home of British Motorsport” https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/formula-1-british-grand-prix
- Hip Hop Jive Club’s Fantastic Record Hop July 5th. Great Oakley Village Hall Lewin Road, Great Oakley, Corby, United KingdomThe Hop Jive Club’s Fantastic Vintage Record Hop. Come along, bring a friend, bring the family, it’s only a fiver on the door, bring your own refreshments or grab a cuppa, no charge for tea or coffee. It will be an evening of vintage and retro Rock’n’Roll, Doo Wop, Rockabilly, Country Rock and some Bluesy Rock, played by Top Rockin’ DJ, Tony Mascaponi from the Jive Shack.
- Book Launch at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery; Theatre of Dreams by Dennis Meredith. 25th July. Visit: https://northantsmag.co.uk/event/book-launch-theatre-of-dreams-by-dennis-meredith