Festivals in the Windsor area

Here in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead we are lucky to have very different types of events that fit under the 'festival' heading embracing not just literature, music and the arts but food and drink too!  Explore a wide range of festival events taking place.

Parallel Windsor | Festival of Inclusivity, 6 July 2025

Parallel Windsor is the UK's national celebration of disability inclusion and wellbeing.  This award-winning event is held in the grounds of the majestic Windsor Great Park and staged on the iconic Long Walk.  Parallel features a range of challenge events for everybody of all ages, health conditions and abilities so participants can 'start together, finish whenever'.  Parallel Windsor also features a fully accessible Festival of Inclusivity, providing lots of inclusive fun and entertainment for the whole family including a wonderful charity village, picnic area and yummy food concessions.  There is also a huge range of activities and entertainment - Live Music Stage, Arts and Crafts, Storytelling, Sport, Active Lifestyle, Play, Skills and Careers, Technology, Mobility and Community.

Maidenhead Festival, July 2025

Free admission family-focussed weekend event takes place in Maidenhead’s Kidwells Park and features music, a beach, fairground, stalls and side-shows as well as circus performers. Find out more about Maidenhead Festival.

Norden Farm Kite Festival, image Kayleigh Robinson

Kite Festival, September 2025

Round off the summer holidays with this fun afternoon filled with kite making, food and drink stalls from local vendors, entertainment and, of course, kite flying.  Norden Farm's Kite Festival is an annual event and entry is free.

The Big Ascot Food & Wine Racing Weekend, 5 - 6 September 2025

The Big Ascot Food & Wine Racing Weekend offers a taste sensation alongside two days of fantastic late summer Flat racing. Peruse a range of food stalls, get involved with BBQ displays and marvel at live-cooking demos with Michelin-starred chefs. Live music and plenty of tasty food and drink options make this a memorable social event for all to enjoy!

Cliveden Literary Festival, September 2025

Evoke the spirit of the great writers and potentates who stayed here and continue the tradition of the house as a sanctuary for lovers of literature. Cliveden Literary Festival promises lively discussion, innovative ideas, and political debate, which reflects Cliveden’s own story.

Cliveden Literary Festival

Windsor Festival, September/October 2025

Celebrating music, literature and the arts across two weeks, the Windsor Festival Autumn Festival is dedicated to delivering high-calibre performances in magnificent venues. 

Windsor Fringe Festival, September/October 2025

Windsor Fringe offers a mixed programme of the arts and entertainment: music of all kinds, drama, visual arts (including photography and sculpture), film, poetry, informative walks in Windsor, gastronomy – and even conkers. Many young artists, such as soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and jazz musician Jamie Cullum, cut their teeth in the Fringe, and went on to become household names.

Ascot Beer Festival, 3 - 4 October 2025

Beer tastes best outdoors watching premium sport with friends and family and Ascot delivers this with pride as part of the BetMGM Ascot Autumn Racing Weekend. As one of the largest beer festivals in the South East, racegoers can enjoy the opportunity to sample their choice of over 160 different beers, lagers, real ales, ciders and perries. This rustic and traditional style CAMRA (campaign for Real Ale) beer festival, with a modern twist, has something for everyone.

Ascot Beer Festival, image Nicole Hains