In August, things are heating up in Norfolk. This is the most popular time to visit and we also have a bank holiday weekend at the end of the month to look forward to. There will be plenty of events to keep everyone entertained. In this post, we will share our top picks for the month.
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August 2024 Norfolk Events
If you are looking for things to do in Norfolk in August, you have come to the right place. Here you will find events happening in August 2024 in Norfolk. It includes some events that are family-friendly and/or free.
Remember there can always be last minute changes, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the details with the organization hosting the event.
*Details for some of the August 2024 events have not been announced. Events with TBC – meaning to be confirmed – next to them means they happened last year but have not been confirmed for this year. I will update the post as the information becomes available.
Time Horizons at Houghton Hall
When: 21 April – 31 October select days
Experience Antony Gormley’s monumental exhibition, “Time Horizon,” at Houghton Hall, featuring 100 life-size sculptures spread across 300 acres of the park. These cast-iron sculptures, each weighing 620kg and standing at an average of 191cm, create a striking visual impact, installed at a uniform level across the landscape. Some sculptures are partially buried, while others rise above the ground or stand on concrete columns.
Houghton Hall, a stately home built in the early 18th century by Sir Robert Walpole, boasts exquisite Palladian architecture and has been open to the public since 1976. The Houghton Arts Foundation continues to expand its collection of contemporary art, positioning Houghton as a premier destination for experiencing great art in a historic setting. “Time Horizon” follows a distinguished lineup of previous exhibitions, such as Tony Cragg and Chris Levine.
Get more information here.
Cromer Pier Show
When: 29 June – 28 September
The famous Cromer Pier Show is back for another year! It will have the same format as last year with a different guest star every week. There will be singing, dancing, comedy, and much more.
Read my review of the 2021 Cromer Pier Show to find out what to expect.
Get more information about this year’s Cromer Pier Show here.
Summer Circus & Water Spectacular
When: 10 July – 15 September
Prepare to be amazed by the grandest and most awe-inspiring Circus & Water Show yet! You will enjoy the unique water spectacular featuring talented swimmers, fountains, and breathtaking special effects and laugh out loud with comedy legends Jack Jay & Johnny Mac.
All of this takes place in the iconic 1903 Hippodrome, Britain’s last surviving circus building in Great Yarmouth. It is hailed as one of the seven wonders of the British seaside.
For more information and tickets for other dates click here.
Raveningham Sculpture Trail
When: 17 July – 8 September (Weds – Sun only)
The sculpture trail is back at the Raveningham Centre for another year! Read about our experience from previous Raveningham Sculpture trails.
Get more details about the 2024 trail here.
Circus Fantasia
When: TBC
Circus Fantasia will be in Hemsby with a two-hour performance accompanied by a live circus orchestra in our climate-controlled big top, with stadium-style seating.
Get more details and book here.
Sunflower Sundowner
When: 1 – 10 August
Experience a sunset over the sunflower fields at Ha Ha Farm’s inaugural ‘Sunflower Sundowner’. Building on the success of last year’s food festival and sunflower patch, they’ve combined the two for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy the sunflower golden hour with live music, delicious food, and drinks from local vendors.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Fly High Beer Festival
When: 2 – 4 August
The Fly High Beer Festival will have live music, street food, and a fantastic selection of local beers to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy classic beer games, numerous craft stalls, and a classic car display. Bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends, and enter them in the dog show. Extend the fun by camping for the weekend to experience beautiful sunsets over the airfield and Seething’s famous clear, starry nights.
Get more information here.
Loomfest at the Weaver’s Arms
When: 2 – 4 August
At Loomfest, breweries will take over the taps, live music will set the vibe, and you can treat yourself to Brick’s pizzas and Yard’s pasta. Plus, enjoy a BBQ by The Weavers Arms.
Get more information here.
Wells Carnival
When: 2 – 11 August
Enjoy 10 days of family-friendly events in Wells-Next-the-Sea including a Carnival Day procession featuring floats, fancy-dress, live music, competitions, and much more.
Event details will be posted here about a month in advance.
Norwich Yoga Festival
When: 3 August
This family-friendly festival features yoga and all things wellness. There will be classes, lectures, and vendors offering a huge range of services, products and foods. It takes place at Whitlingham Country Park.
Get more information here.
Classic Ibiza at Blickling Estate
When: 3 August
Enjoy an open-air family-friendly bash with White Isle-inspired house music, reinvented by a 32-piece orchestra, live vocalists and headline DJs. You can bring your own food and drink or check out one of the bars or street popups on site.
Get more information here.
Read about more music festivals in Norfolk here.
Bannaroo
When: 3 – 4 August
Get ready for an incredible music festival experience at Bannaroo, hosted by the renowned Crown Inn Banningham! This event showcases an outstanding lineup of tribute bands and talented local acts, promising an unforgettable celebration of music. Plus, you can also enjoy the Roo Market and tempting street food scene.
Get more information here.
Look A Like Festival
When: 4 August
Earlham Park will host Norwich’s biggest outdoor tribute event, the Look-A-Like Festival. This all-day, family-friendly music festival features the UK’s best tribute acts. Enjoy street food trucks, jaw-dropping visuals, and top-notch stage production.
Find out more and get discounted tickets on Groupon here.
Cromer Lifeboat Day
When: 4 August
Enjoy a day of lifeboat launches and demonstrations, music, stalls, and much more.
Get more details here.
Sheringham Carnival
When: 4 – 10 August
Head to Sheringham for a week of Carnival events. Highlights include the parade, street party, fireworks, crowning of the Carnival Queen, duck race, live music, and fun fair.
Get details here.
Houghton Festival
When: 8 – 11 August
This a music festival with an emphasis on the extra special. It is a strictly aged 18+ event and standard camping is included in the ticket price.
Get more details here.
North Walsham Beer Festival
When: 9 – 10 August
The North Walsham Beer Festival is organised by volunteers from the Round Table and every penny raised benefits the local community. It will be held at the North Walsham Memorial Park and this year there will be gin and rum bars too.
Get more details here.
Ranworth Beer Festival
When: TBC
Get ready to raise your glasses at the 12th annual Ranworth Beer Festival! This year’s extravaganza promises an outstanding lineup of 18 ales and 4 ciders that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.
But that’s not all – the party is in full swing with live music rocking the stage on both Friday and Saturday nights, guaranteeing a weekend of non-stop entertainment. And, of course, delicious food will be aplenty to keep you energized and satisfied.
Nestled in the heart of the action is the unique and atmospheric Ranworth Village Hall, the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable event. The funds raised during the festival will go towards maintaining this cherished hall, ensuring its continued presence as a community hub.
Get more information here.
Thetford Seaside Special
When: TBC
Prepare for five days of awesome free family fun in the Market Place in Thetford. There will be a huge sandpit, puppet shows, live music, mermaid party, end-of-the-pier musical theatre, indoor activities, fairground rides, 80s disco, and much more!
Get more information here.
Old Buckenham Balloon Festival
When: 9 – 11 August
Back for its fourth year, this is more than just a Balloon Festival. They will also have street food outlets, BBQ, beer festival, live entertainment and much, much more. You can enjoy the Night Glow on both Friday and Saturday nights. Keep in mind the night glows and balloon flights will all be weather dependant.
The festival is suitable for families, with glamping and camping available at Old Buckenham Country Park.
Get more information here.
Run Sandringham 24
When: 9 – 11 August (24 hour race Saturday 12:00 to Sunday 12:00 with free kids race of Saturday)
A major event for runners in East Anglia will take place at Sandringham, where the Royal Family celebrates Christmas. It’s a 24 Hour Race around the Sandringham Estate and surrounding trails to raise money for good causes.
The Start/Finish and large Event village are within the Sandringham Estate, so you can expect a scenic route with stunning views of the Royal Estate, Norfolk Countryside, and Royal Parkland.
Get the details here.
North Norfolk Music Festival
When: 9 – 16 August
Back for its 19th instalment, the North Norfolk Music Festival showcases classical music at St Mary’s Church in South Creake.
Get details here.
Reepham Festival
When: 10 – 11 August
Since starting in 2008, the Reepham festival has consistently delivered amazing music. Expect two days of outstanding headliners and incredible new talent. People come from all over the UK and Europe to attend.
The Reepham festival is non-profit and donates any profit made from ticket sales to charity. It is organised and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Get more information here.
Hemsby Lifeboat Day
When: 11 August
A day of fun on the beach featuring tombola, grand draw raffle, arts & crafts, games, face painting, bouncy castle, beer tent, BBQ, DJ, live bands and more.
Get more details here.
Tour de Broads
When: 11 August
This will be the 11th anniversary of Tour de Broads in Plumstead, near Norwich. Experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads as over 2000 cyclists take on our 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile routes. All abilities and bike types are welcome, including road, hybrid, MTB, tandem, handbike, and E-Bike. Ride with confidence as our routes are fully supported and signposted.
Get more information here.
Cromer Carnival
When: 17 – 23 August
Carnival Day will be Wednesday with a parade and more. You can find details of all the events taking place during the Carnival Week in Cromer listed here.
Blakeney Party on the Pastures
When: 18 August
Blakeney Party on the Pastures is a fun-filled family day with exciting new additions! Enjoy the Dog and Duck show, the Angel Voices choir, and fun kids’ races. Don’t miss the annual fun dog show and a special appearance by Bluey. Dance the night away with live music from Nighttrain in the Circus Big Top.
Get more information here.
Rum Fest
When: TBC
Head to the Rumsey Wells in Norwich for 3 days of Rum Filled Fun. They will have over 40 rums from all over the world, goat curry, live music, DJs, ice cream, and more.
Get more information here.
MuttonStock 2
When: TBC
MuttonStock is an exciting weekend filled with over 20 varieties of beers, 6 types of ciders, and performances by 6 talented musical acts. Hosted at the Shoulder of Mutton in Strumpshaw, this event offers not only a fantastic range of beverages and live entertainment but also ample parking space and a warm welcome to furry friends, as it is a dog-friendly venue.
Get more information here.
Norfolk Tank Museum Amourfest Military Weekend
When: 17 – 18 August
Get ready for arena action, re-enactments, living history, medieval displays, models, trade stalls, food stalls, and licensed bar as part of Amourfest. Then on Saturday night, put on your best 1940s clothing and enjoy a traditional Hangar Dance set amongst the tanks, memorabilia, and other enthusiasts.
Get more details here.
Gray Brothers Funfair
When: TBC
Norwich’s Chapelfield Gardens will be hosting a funfair over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. You can enjoy dodgems, the Extreme Skydiver thrill ride, a Transformers ride, a ghost house, fun house, bungee trampolines, a Helter Skelter, a carousel, swings and more. There will also be games and plenty of food.
Get more information here.
Maui Waui Festival
When: 23 – 25 August
Maui Waui is a three day international festival of music, performance and arts in Dereham. Back for its 11th year, there will be plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained including watching world class bands, circus shows, small upbeat bands, acoustic acts, cabaret, comedy, and more.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Fecken’ Beer Fest
When: TBA
For 12 fantastic years, the “Fecken’ Beer Fest” has been a staple of the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Feckenham’s Rose and Crown. This long weekend extravaganza is all about enjoying 14 exceptional beers and ciders from both local and distant sources. The garden games ensure everyone has a blast, and the selection of delicious food and refreshing soft drinks keep all taste buds satisfied.
As the sun sets on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday afternoons, the garden comes alive with the sounds of live music, setting the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.
Get more information here.
Mid-Norfolk Railway Beer Festival Weekend
When: 23 – 26 August
The Mid-Norfolk Railway holds a beer festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Beer and cider enthusiasts can look forward to sampling real ales and ciders from all around the country, as well as locally brewed varieties.
Train services will be running all weekend with late night services and on-board real ale bars, making it easy to hop from station to station to explore the festival offerings.
Only day and weekend rover tickets are available for this event. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance online, or at the ticket office on the day, subject to availability.
Get more details here.
Open Day at Norwich Theatre Royal
When: 24 August
Don’t miss this opportunity to go behind the scenes at Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two for free. There will be backstage tours, the chance to get up close with some fancy panto costumes, special workshops, and much more.
Get the details here. Read about our experience on the Theatre Royal backstage tour.
Dinos in the Dark
When: 24 August
This is your chance to venture into the Valley of the Dinosaurs once the sun has set, confront the challenges of the Predator High Ropes in the dark, and see the world of creepy crawlies at Animal Encounters. There will also be live music, dancing, street vendors, and much more.
Get more details here.
Spread Eagle Beer Festival
When: TBA
Enjoy for two days of pure delight at the Beer Festival at The Spread Eagle in Erpingham where they will have 2 real ales on the stillage and 6 on the main bar, complemented by a selection of ciders. Satisfy your taste buds while enjoying live music and delectable food.
Get more information here.
All About Dogs Show at Norfolk Showground
When: 25 – 26 August
It’s an event for you and your dog. There will be classes, activities, and the opportunity to learn about new products for your dog. Be sure to get tickets in advance as they do not guarantee tickets will be available at the gate.
Get more information here.
Brickfest
When: 26 August
Brickfest is an annual event that showcases an assortment of Rock, Rockabilly, Metal, and Acoustic favourites at the Brickmakers in Norwich. True to tradition, the event will continue its mission of supporting local charities and projects.
Get more information here.
Aylsham Show
When: 26 August
The Alysham Show is all about food, fun and farming. It’s one of the finest showcases in the region held at the National Trust‘s Blickling Estate.
Get more information here.
Harleston and Waveney Festival
When: 26 August
The Harleston and Waveney Festival at Harleston Recreation Ground offers a delightful day for all ages. Enjoy mini-donks, children’s games, food stalls, craft stalls, and much more.
Get more information here.
Sheringham Beach Life
When: 27 August – 30 September
Prepare for the ultimate summer finale as Sheringham Beach Life returns! Four exciting days of free activities for children and young people await, marking the perfect conclusion to the summer holidays.
Organized by the collaborative efforts of Sheringham’s churches and backed by Scripture Union, Beach Life promises an action-packed extravaganza right by the shoreline. Enjoy an array of events, featuring sports, drama, creative Bible teachings, inflatables, artistic crafts, and, with a bit of luck, plenty of sunshine. And let’s not forget the epic tide fight that has become legendary.
Find out more here.
Visible: Norfolk’s Neurodiversity Festival
When: 30 – 31 August
The Forum in Norwich proudly welcomes back Nansa’s (Norfolk and Norwich SEND Association) Neurodiversity Festival for its second year. This event promises a dynamic lineup of expert-led discussions and interactive workshops, complemented by a diverse array of information stands hosted by local agencies, charities, and projects dedicated to supporting and advocating for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. It will be a day of empowerment, education, and celebration of neurodiversity.
Get more information here.
Looking Ahead
Check out September Events in Norfolk
Something to Look Forward to Next August
Sea Palling Lifeboat Day
When: TBC August 2024
Head to Sea Palling for a day of fun for the whole family hosted by Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat. There will be games, Lifeboat displays and refreshments.
Get more information here.
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