What's On in Berkshire

Find what's on in Berkshire, from riverside events along the Thames and royal-inspired celebrations to live entertainment, food experiences and family-friendly days out. Discover ideas for great days out, short breaks and seasonal events across the county. Berkshire is ready to welcome you with a year filled with heritage moments, cultural highlights and great days out across royal towns, riverside locations and beautiful countryside. From Reading and Newbury to Windsor and Maidenhead, you'll find new experiences unfolding in every season. Discover what’s happening today, this weekend and throughout the year below.

What's on across Berkshire's towns and along the River Thames

Don't miss the chance to watch the historic Changing of the Guard along Windsor High Street most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (F) or see the King's birthday 21-gun salute (14 November). Take to the trees with the brand new Halloween Potion Hunt at Go Ape Bracknell (24 October - 1 November) - a fun add-on to the Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure plus. 2026 is a particularly special year in Reading, when both the original Bayeux Tapestry and the UK's full‑scale Victorian replica are in the same country for the first time, with the landmark exhibition at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027, while Britain's full‑size 1886 replica remains proudly on display at Reading Museum. 

The colourful Diwali Light It Up Festival returns to Reading Town Hall Square on the 24 October (F), ahead of the family-friendly free Autumn Adventure trail (24 October - 1 November) (F). Don't miss the chance to explore Reading's varied shopping opportunities, with its brand-packed high street, shopping centres and large department stores including John Lewis Reading, perfect for cooler autumn days. The festive season kicks off in Berkshire with the Eton (12 November), Windsor (14 November), Reading (14 November) and Maidenhead (21 November) Christmas light switch on events - a great way to welcome in the festive season ahead of popular Cookham Craft Market (28 November) and night markets at Norden Farm Centre for Arts (4, 11 December).

Events in Berkshire

Home to the Chiltern Hills, grand country houses and charming market towns, Buckinghamshire combines beautiful countryside with fascinating heritage attractions and family-friendly experiences. Whether you're visiting for a festival, seasonal event or weekend escape, there's always something new to discover across the county. Explore featured events or scroll down to discover upcoming events across Berkshire, or use the search filters to find something near you. Discover theatre shows and royal celebrations, boat trips to free things to do, along with dining out experiences, official ceremonies and walking trails. With something happening every week, there's always a new way to enjoy Berkshire.

• Miss Marple The Mirror Crack'd
  4 September - 31 October | Mill at Sonning, Reading, Berkshire
• Eton Discovery Trail
  12 October - 15 November | High Street, Eton, Berkshire
• Go Ape Bracknell Sundown Adventures
  16 October - 8 November | Swinley Forest, Bracknell, Berkshire
• Oktoberfest
  23 - 24 October  | Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire
• Hallowellyween
  23 - 31 October | Wellington Country Park, Reading, Berkshire
• Maidenhead Farmer's Market
  8 November & 13 December | Grove Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire
• Disco Night on The Thames
  14 November & 5 December | Thames Rivercruise, Reading, Berkshire
• Christmas at Windsor Castle
  26 November - 4 January 2027 | Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire
• A Town Called Christmas
  1 December - 5 December | Norden Farm Centre for Arts, Maidenhead, Berkshire
• Carols on the Hill (F)
  11 December | Castle Hill, Windsor, Berkshire

With events taking place across towns, country parks, and heritage sites, Berkshire is the perfect place for a day out or short break around what's happening. Start planning your 2026 adventure — your Berkshire experience is waiting.

Plan your visit to Berkshire

If you're planning to come to South East England to enjoy one of the many events in Berkshire, find answers below to some frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions about events in Berkshire

How can I plan a short break around an event?

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 to plan your stay.

What's on in Berkshire today or this weekend?

You'll find regularly updated events and activity listings by using the area and date filter in the search box above, or browsing the listings on this page - great if you are stuck for an idea or want to find something to do.

When is the best time to visit?

Berkshire hosts events throughout the year, with seasonal highlights taking place in Windsor, Reading, Maidenhead, Ascot and Newbury. Spring and summer bring outdoor festivals and riverside events, while autumn and winter feature food festivals, illuminated trails and festive celebrations. The Thames Path is accessible year-round for walkers and cyclists, making Berkshire a great destination whatever the season. 

Is Berkshire easy to reach from London?

Yes. Berkshire's excellent rail and road connections make it one of the most accessible destinations in South East England. Whether you're visiting Windsor Castle, attending an event in Reading, exploring the Thames Path or enjoying the countryside around Newbury, many Berkshire destinations can be reached in under an hour from London. Regular trains services connect London Paddington with Reading, Slough, Maidenhead and Newbury, while London Waterloo provides direct services to Windsor & Eton Riverside. By road, the M4, M25 and M40 provide excellent transport links to destinations across the county.

Berkshire events near me

Discover events for day visitors, local residents and holidaymakers below, or find out what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button. A visit to Berkshire means you're never far away for an event along the River Thames, its vibrant towns or historic parks.

Berkshire is ideally located in South East England and is one of the closest counties to London, making it easy to visit for a day trip, short break or holiday.  It is also well connected to surrounding counties including Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.