The Bath Festival is really two linked events run by the charity Bath Festivals: Bath Literature Festival, which runs in May, and Bath Music Festival, which follows straight after in late May and into June. In 2026 the Literature Festival runs 16 to 24 May, and the Music Festival runs 30 May to 7 June, together filling the city with authors, poets, historians, comedians and musicians for about four weeks each spring.
What the two festivals actually are
Bath Festivals, the charity behind both events, splits its main spring programme into Bath Literature Festival and Bath International Music Festival. The literature side brings well-known authors, poets, historians and comedians to venues across the city for talks, panels and readings, often built around a theme that touches on current events and culture. The music side follows with a programme of internationally renowned musicians across genres, from classical to contemporary, staged in Bath's concert halls, churches and smaller venues. Bath Festivals also runs a separate Bath Children's Literature Festival in the autumn, aimed at younger readers, which is worth knowing about if you're planning a family visit outside the spring.
When each one runs
| Festival | 2026 dates | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bath Literature Festival | 16-24 May | Authors, poets, historians, comedians |
| Bath Music Festival | 30 May-7 June | Classical, contemporary and world music |
| Bath Children's Literature Festival | Autumn | Family and children's events |
The two spring festivals run back to back rather than overlapping, so a visit timed for late May can realistically catch the tail end of one and the start of the other if you plan your dates around the handover weekend.
Getting tickets
Both festivals sell tickets through the Bath Festivals box office and Bath Box Office, with individual event prices set per speaker or performance rather than one flat festival price. Big-name authors and headline concerts sell out fastest, so it's worth checking the programme and booking as soon as it's released, typically a few months ahead of the festival dates. Some events, particularly around the festival's opening weekend, include free or low-cost community activities alongside the ticketed programme.
Where events happen
Events are spread across multiple venues rather than one central site, including The Forum, Bath's main concert venue, plus churches, hotels and smaller halls around the city centre. Because most of these venues sit within Bath's compact, walkable centre, you can usually get between back-to-back events on foot rather than needing a taxi. If you're staying centrally, see our guide to where to stay in Bath for areas within easy reach of the main festival venues.
Planning a visit around the festival
If you're building a trip around either festival, book accommodation early since hotel rooms fill up faster during festival weeks than in a typical May. Pair festival events with the city's usual sights during the daytime, the Roman Baths and the Georgian streets don't get any less worth seeing just because there's a festival on, and a few hours at an exhibition or museum fits naturally between ticketed sessions. Our day trips from Bath guide is also useful if you want to build in a quieter day away from the festival crowds.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bath Festival?
"The Bath Festival" usually refers to two linked events: Bath Literature Festival, which in 2026 runs 16 to 24 May, and Bath Music Festival, which follows from 30 May to 7 June.
Is the Bath Festival the same as the Bath Literature Festival?
They're related but distinct. Bath Literature Festival is the spring literature event; Bath Music Festival is the music event that follows it. Both are run by the same charity, Bath Festivals.
Is there a children's version of the Bath Festival?
Yes. Bath Festivals also runs Bath Children's Literature Festival, which takes place in the autumn rather than alongside the spring events.
Where do Bath Festival events take place?
Across multiple venues in the city centre, including The Forum, plus churches, hotels and smaller halls, rather than one single festival site.
How do I book tickets for the Bath Festival?
Through the Bath Festivals and Bath Box Office websites. Tickets are sold per event rather than as one combined festival pass, and popular events sell out well ahead of the dates.
Do I need to book accommodation early for the Bath Festival?
Yes, if you want a central hotel. Rooms fill up faster during the festival weeks than during an average May, so book as soon as your dates are confirmed.