Free Events

As well as Colchester's fantastic free attractions, you'll find an impressive selection of free events happening in and around the city all year long. Firstsite Art Gallery always has an exhibition on that's bound to impress, and during the summer months Castle Park is home to pop up bandstand concerts, and a number of festivals with free admission in the lower park. Later in the year, firm favourites like Heritage Open Day and Invasion Colchester provide fantastic entertainment at absolutely no cost. Find our picks in the listings below!

Into the Orchard Feb 08

Take a walk through the seasons at Crapes Fruit Farm in Essex in this immersive audio-visual exhibition by artists Hana Loftus and Maddie Persent. A year in the orchard Beginning in January 2024, the artists documented a year's cycle at Crapes – a sixteen-acre orchard near…

Sue Webster: Birth of an Icon Feb 08

Defaced leather jackets, memorabilia, self-portraits, video, and installation – journey through a raw, and personal exploration of art, identity, and growing up different. Marking her first major solo show after a celebrated collaborative career, this landmark exhibition…

Firstsite Holiday Fun Feb 14

Get making during our Holiday Fun: Make session with a variety of free creative activities at Firstsite this February. Most suitable for those aged 4 – 11 yrs, but all ages welcome. Drop-in anytime between 10am – 2:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday to take part. No need…

Chess Tournament Feb 21

Chess Tournament! The Mayor of Colchester invites you to the Moot Hall for a day of chess. Whether you’re a seasoned chess master, a complete beginner, or just looking for a fun family day out, there is something for everyone. FREE with donations to the Mayor’s…

The Firstsite Art Fair Feb 28

Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures. Whether you're on the hunt for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, this is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that…

Wivenhoe Art Trail May 01

The next Art Trail will take place over 4 days from Friday 1 - Monday 4 May 2026, 10am to 5pm. A warm welcome awaits you as the artists and makers of Wivenhoe open their homes and studios and invite you in to view their most recent work.

Moot Hall Lunchtime Organ Recital MAY May 12

Emma has been Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral since September 2024. A graduate of Pembroke College, Cambridge, she trained as an organ scholar at St Martin-in-the-Fields and Southwell Minster, and completed an MMus in Organ Performance at the Royal College of Music. She…

Mersea Island Art Trail May 23

Come to beautiful Mersea Island and embark on a creative journey!  Mersea Island Art Trail is a celebration of our community's creativity! This is your opportunity to meet the MERSEA ART COLLECTIVE passionate artists. Explore their studios, and witness their creative…