What’s On

There's always something happening in Colchester! From vibrant community events to large-scale festivals and concerts, you're bound to discover something to keep you entertained while you visit our fantastic city.

You could catch a showwatch a band, browse the stalls at a market, or take in an exhibition at one of our wonderful galleries! Check out our event listings to discover what's happening during your trip to Colchester - this handy tool will show you everything coming up in the city. You'll be sure to find hidden gems, large scale events that you don't want to miss and everything in-between.

This Month's Highlights

Coming Up in Colchester...

Arpita Shah: Nalini Sep 22

Developed across India, East Africa and the UK, discover a photographic series that explores the connected histories of Arpita Shah, her mother, and grandmother. "My grandmother was born in India but grew up in Kenya for 12 years before moving back to India. Although I visit…

Close to the edge Sep 22

John Parker’s Suffolk School of Art An Exhibition on Climate Change produced by established artists Visit www.suffolkschoolof.art for more information

Doom Painting by A K Blakemore - Book Launch Sep 22

Pre-publication event on Tuesday 22nd September 2026 will include a hardback edition of DOOM PAINTING, a hearty bowl of soup and a talk with AK BLAKEMORE DOORS OPEN: 6:45PM SOUP SERVED: 7PM TALK WITH AK BLAKEMORE: 7:30PM PLEASE STATE IF YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGENS/INTOLERANCES/DIETARY…

Museum of the Moon Sep 22

You’ve marvelled at Gaia and Mars — now there’s an opportunity to visit the Moon. We’re over the moon to announce that Luke Jerram’s  Museum of the Moon  will arrive at Colchester Castle from 24 July to 31 October 2026, bringing this…

My Generation Sep 22

My Generation 36 artists / 88 art works by artists exhibiting at Chappel Galleries over 40 years. See the full complement of artworks at Chappel Galleries Opening Saturday 19th September Continuing to Sunday 18th October, 2026 Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm or by appointment…

ParkPlay Sep 22

Every Saturday, children and families can join in with free games, have fun, move more, and make friends. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend and to enable communities to get active.   Before you come along to your first ParkPlay, we need you to register…

Simon Carter: From the Landscape Sep 22

Discover over 30 acrylic paintings and drawings made since 2020, an early watercolour Simon painted when he was 23, and three new series created especially for Firstsite. Existing and brand new works are placed over newly painted surfaces that respond to Firstsite's…

The Clayground - pottery classes for beginners Sep 22

Want to get creative with clay, learn a new skill or discover a new hobby? The Clayground is an informal, community-minded pottery series designed specifically for beginners. Get hands-on with clay, learn a new pottery technique & bring your ideas to life with guidance from…

Then and Now Sep 22

Free entry Plan your visit Continuing the Colchester Art Society 80th anniversary celebrations, CAS members have been asked to make work in response to the CAS permanent collection, in whichever medium they choose. You can find that collection here…

Relatively Speaking Sep 24

A witty and cleverly crafted comedy of misunderstandings, Relatively Speaking follows a young couple whose weekend visit takes an unexpectedly awkward turn. Full of sharp dialogue, mistaken assumptions and classic British humour, Alan Ayckbourn's much-loved comedy keeps…

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Sep 25

Join us for a hilarious and immersive evening as you dine in the 'Faulty Towers' restaurant hosted by Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal alongside five-star comedy where nothing goes quite as planned and surprises are guaranteed. Doors open at 7:00pm…

Fireside poetry reading with Eliza O'Toole Sep 25

Join us for an evening of verse and book signing with Eliza O'Toole, who will be reading from her critically acclaimed book: Buying the Farm: (A Georgics of Sorts), which explores East Anglia's farmland, wildlife, and rural heritage. Eliza O'Toole is an award-winning…

'Jane Eyre' at Mercury Theatre Sep 26

A Mercury Production “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” One woman’s fight for a life that is worthy of her courage, and a love that is worthy of her heart. Orphaned as a young girl, the passionate and sensitive Jane longs to escape the clutches of her cruel…

Colchester Fringe Festival: #SHORN Sep 26

#SHORN presented by the highly talented Elsa McTaggart. Celebrating 15 years of touring and five-star Fringe performances, this show features original song, eclectic musical styles, loop-pedal and spoken anecdotes. Drawing on a lifetime of music-making, Elsa performs with warmth…

Colchester Record Fair Sep 26

Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stall holders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or…

Guided Walking Tour: From Camulodunum to Colchester Sep 26

Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert guide. Colchester was Britain's first city, and is now it's newest after regaining city status in 2022. With a story stretching back over 2000 years, join one of our official…

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