Berkshire is a county full of pageantry and ceremonial events, and this year it is also celebrating its close ties to Jane Austen with a host of new tours, events, and exhibitions. Home to a host of internationally renowned events, including Royal Ascot, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Windsor Flower Show and Reading Festival, you'll find Berkshire's event calendar is full to bursting.
2025 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, this world-famous author went to school in Reading, and her old school will be open for a series of tours for the first time. Believed to be the inspiration behind the school in her fourth novel Emma, this is the perfect time to discover more about the 18 months she spent here. Whether you're visiting Berkshire for the royal connections, spending time on or alongside the River Thames, exploring its history and culture, you'll surely find a festival or event to include as part of your visit.
Berkshire is easily accessible for day trips from London and there's plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. You'll also find a host of free events (F) to help you stretch your budget a little further. To find out what's on in Berkshire today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date.
Don't miss the Changing of the Guards on the streets of Windsor, or the chance to follow one of the free activity trails at Windsor Castle. Look out for the magnificent Red Deers and hand-crafted adventure playground in Windsor Great Park. Stroll along the Thames Path National Trail, or catch a boat and enjoy some time on the water, watching the iconic sights of this famous Royal Borough go by. Plan ahead so you don't miss out and book for some Royal Windsor's and Maidenhead must see events including Royal Windsor Horse Show (15th - 18th May 25), Royal Windsor Flower Show (7th June 25), Royal Ascot (17th - 21st June 25) or Windsor Championship Dog Show (26th - 29th June 25).
Reading a town full of surprises, with links to Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, King Henry I, football, and biscuits! Tours of Jane Austen's school open from April 25, discover more about the Jane Austen 250 events in Reading here. Discover some of Reading's top events to enjoy this summer including Death Comes to Pemberley Mill, The Mill at Sonning (1st May - 28th June 25), Reading Walking Festival (10th - 18th May 25), Reading Water Fest (28th June) (F), Reading Festival (21st - 24th August 25) combine your next event in Reading with a stroll along the famous St James Way, the UK's stretch of the Camino de Santiago.
Take a look at our featured events in Berkshire to get you started and then scroll to the bottom of the page for lots more events and activities to enjoy.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Berkshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Berkshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Berkshire. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 48
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Wasing Lane, Aldermaston
For one magical weekend Wasing invites festival-goers to come together to mark the Summer solstice, which takes place on the same day everywhere on the planet, connecting everyone in a truly global moment.
Now reimagined as a weekend festival at…
Food
Reading
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join us at The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge for the best afternoon tea in Berkshire.
Tour
Reading
Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide.
Sporting Event
Ascot
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is a raceday like no other. A celebration of all things extraordinary, this exquisite event brings together exceptional talent from all over the world - to compete on the racetrack and entertain at the post-racing…
Sporting Event
Ascot
A wonderful day of fabulous Jumps racing action and festive fun.
Festival
Aldermaston
Well Read is a literary festival that invites acclaimed writers, nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts to gather in a spectacular woodland setting in the heart of Berkshire. Taking place on 25-26 May within the estate's ancient woodlands, Well Read…
Walking
Peascod Street, Windsor
Have fun (re-)discovering Windsor, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this royal town. Curious About…
Music
Maidenhead
Presented by Maidenhead Music Society.
Britten Three Divertimenti
Haydn Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 50 No. 1
Suk Meditation on an old Bohemian Chorale (St Wenceslas), Op. 35a
Dvořák Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 51
The miraculous Heath Quartet…
Participatory Event
Windsor
Parallel Windsor is the UK's national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing. Our award-winning event is held in the grounds of the majestic Windsor Great Park and staged on the iconic Long Walk.
Food
Ascot
Ascot Farmers' Market offers a great choice of fresh produce, pies and pastries, dairy products and plants whilst on-site parking means a stress-free shopping experience.
Arts
Shiplake Cross,, Henley on Thames
Explore Henley's arts filled treasure trail over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend 3-5th May. 280 artists showing their work in 31 unique venues from vineyards, a distillery, artists's studios to The famous Leander Club. And it's FREE! www…
Theatre
Bracknell
Proud-lay presenting…
Our award-winning pantomime returns in 2025 with Mother Goose and the Golden Egg – one of the original British pantos, first performed in London in 1806.
The traditional family story about an impoverished woman who hatches a…
Tour
Eton, Windsor
Our seasonal programme of guided tours focuses on the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections.
Family
Reading
In 2012, Vinz, a young Frenchman, thought it would be great if his friends in Reading could join him in celebrating Bastille Day and also gain a better understanding of French culture. So, Bastille Day 2012 was born out of this idea.
Festival
Abbey Square, Reading
The 2025 Reading Walks Festival takes place between 10-18 May and is more diverse than ever. The Festival includes 50 walks in and around Reading plus two bike rides and a talk.
Each walk in the Reading Walks Festival is led by a local volunteer…
Family
Newbury
Celebrate the holiday season and treat your family to a day out at the Challow Hurdle Day.
Festival
Maidenhead
Fi.Fest is a family-friendly festival that promises an unforgettable experience for every member of the family. Choose the camping option, allowing you to enjoy the festivities all weekend long, and make it a festival to remember! Get ready to…
Ceremony
Windsor
Children of the Royal Borough are invited to help wish His Majesty The King a happy birthday, by taking part in the traditional 21-gun salute outside Windsor Castle, on 14 November at noon.
Sporting Event
Windsor
Royal Windsor Horse Show is the UK’s largest outdoor premier Show and takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
Water Based Activities
Maidenhead
Maidenhead Sailing Club is holding its annual Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday 5th MAY between 12 noon & 4pm.
Try sailing or paddleboarding for free with one of our experienced members, or simply relax beside the beautiful lake while enjoying a BBQ…