2017 festivals in Bath – plan your year around books, beer, food, comedy, music and more

22 November 2016

Visit Bath on any given month, and there will nearly always be something special going on. The city offers a fantastic year-round programme of festivals and activities celebrating everything from food to music, so there really is something for everyone.

If you’ve been browsing Bath Holiday Rentals properties with a mind to visit Bath in 2017, here’s our at-a-glance guide to which festivals are happening when:

January –  Bradford Roots Music Festival 2017. While Bath continues with festive celebrations in January, Bradford on Avon – just a half hour drive from Bath – is holding an extra-special event for music fans. The Bradford Roots Music Festival, running from 14th to 15th January in Wiltshire Music Centre, has become an iconic event featuring acoustic and electric artists from the local area.

February – Bath Bachfest. Fans of the classical composer flock to Bath every year for Bachfest, a 5-concert, 3-day event which next year will be held on 16th-18th February in venues across the city including Bath’s magnificent Abbey.

March – Vitality Bath Half Marathon. Bath is a famously sporty city, so the annual half marathon is always well attended by over 36,000 participants and many more spectators. 2017’s event, the 36th of its kinds, kicks off on 12th March in Great Pulteney Street. Great Pulteney Street

April – The Bath Digital Festival, Bath Comedy Festival. April sees two fantastic events come to the city, including the world-famous Bath Comedy Festival featuring household names, rising stars and over 100 hilarious events across multiple venues – dates to be confirmed. The Bath Digital Festival (dates also TBC) is also back for 2017 with talks, workshops and more in celebration of local digital industries, talent and exciting new innovations.

May – The Bath Festival. A brand new festival running from 19th-28th May, bringing together the very best from the city’s literature and music festivals. A celebration of music, arts and reading across multiple venues, this one is not to be missed.

June – Bath Fringe Festival. The Fringe, running from 26th May to 11th June in 2017, is an arts festival with an edge – featuring over 200 alternative and vibrant music and arts events in a wide range of venues.

July – Bath Carnival, Bike Bath. On 15th July 2017, Bath celebrates the culture, food and music of South America in the annual Bath Carnival, but also worth getting involved in if you’re a keen cycling fan is Bike Bath on 2nd July 2017, the fifth annual city-wide bike ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

August – Bath Folk Festival. A 9-day festival (dates TBC) celebrating the very best of British folk music, with gigs, workshops, sessions and free events taking place across the city.

September – The Jane Austen Festival. Bath is the home of all things Austen and 2017 will be the 17th anniversary of this much-loved festival, running from 8th-17th September with events including tours, Regency dancing and food events.

October – Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Great Bath Feast. October sees the largest children’s literature festival in the UK return to Bath with over 100 events across 9 days, while foodies can get their fill of amazing local produce at the Great Bath Feast, another 9-day festival. Dates for both TBC.

November – Bath Film Festival. Film buff? Head to the annual Bath Film Festival at the start of the month (dates TBC) for first-look screenings, world classics, talks and special events.

December – Bath Christmas Market. December in Bath is dominated by the fabulously festive Christmas Markets, taking place throughout the month in the centre of the city and offering food, shopping and festive cheer.