14 of the best Family Festivals and Events

The days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter, as the weather heats up get prepared and start planning your summer with the family. No matter if you want to dance the night away, watch a show or get hands on with countryside crafts, Cheshire has an abundance of festivals and shows for the entire family from children to grandparents there is something for the entire family to enjoy.

So get your dancing shoes on, pack your picnics and get the kids (and fur babies) ready for a summer of Cheshire family fun!

1. Bolesworth International - 14th - 18th June 2023
 

Enjoy the perfect event for the whole family at the Bolesworth International from June 14 to 18 2023! Featuring live music from DJ Trevor Nelson and The Brand New Heavies, a family zone featuring zorbing, bouncy castles, a fairground, circus skills, face painting and more, camping, shopping, action and entertainment such as freestyle motocross … there's truly something for everyone throughout the show. Find out more >

2. DogFest - Tatton Park - 17th & 18th June 2023
 

Bring your dog to DogFest Cheshire, presented by Many Pets Pet Insurance, and treat them to a day which guarantees to get their tails wagging at Tatton Park. Try your paw at a variety of have-a-go activities from dog diving to agility, enter the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win Best in Show, or raise vital funds for Dogs Trust as you admire your surroundings on the Big Dog Walk. Enjoy sensational dog displays all day in the Main Arena, get advice from a variety of animal experts, learn training trips at Dogs Trust's Dog School, and much MUCH more! Plus, there's shopping galore, festival food & drink, and more dogs than your can ever imagine. Plus under 5s and dogs FREE! Find out more >

3.Royal Cheshire County Show - 20th & 21st June 2023
 

The Royal Cheshire County Show is a wonderful celebration of the Cheshire countryside, agriculture, food & family fun and will be celebrating its 185th year in 2023. Come and enjoy demonstrations from celebrity chefs Jean Christophe Novelli, Brian Mellor and more, enjoy live music in the bandstand and dance performances on the village green, watch and learn at the Sheep and Horse Shows, see monster trucks and a bike battle, birds of prey and much more! Find out more >

4. Funtopia – Crewe - 29th May & 25th July 2023. Macclesfield - 1st July 2023. Northwich - 22nd July 2023. (Autism Friendly Sessions too).
 

This summer Funtopia has expanded to now having three Cheshire locations so even more people can enjoy the fun! Funtopia is designed especially for younger visitors (Up to 10 years of age) and grown-ups are highly encourages to get involved, visitors can enjoy unlimited play on the activities and inflatables as many times as they like during their stay! The festival is packed with an array of activities and fun things to do such as - Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Course, Inflatable Slide, Bungee Run, Human Wrecking Ball, Inflata-Bull, Nerf Wars, Driving School, Circus Skills, Sumo Suits, Giant Games, Space Hopper Races, Crafty Corner and they also provide an under 5s Zone for our mini guests, filled with Bouncy Castles, Soft Play, Ball Pool, Ride On's, Giant Piano Mats and more. Find out more >

5. Deva Fest - Cholmondeley Castle - 11th - 13th August 2023
 

Deva Fest is BACK from the 11th – 13th of August at the beautiful Cholmondeley Castle Gardens in Cheshire. Deva Fest is a great value family-friendly three-day extravaganza of music, comedy, camping, family entertainment and fabulous handpicked food and drink stalls from local suppliers. This year, Deva Fest is set to be bigger and better than ever before with amazing headliners such as Will Young, Fleur East, Morcheeba, Starsailor and Feeder! Book your tickets here >

6. Just So Festival - Rode Heath - 18th - 20th August 2023
 

Just So Festival is an imaginative outdoor adventure for children and their families. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So invites families to step out of their day-to-day lives and into a wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy, and creative pursuits together. Just So takes audiences from bumps to great grandparents on a unique expedition of mischief and mayhem to lands full of magical midnight feasts, curious creatures, hidden retreats, top notch food, drink and boutique camping options and breath-taking beauty. Find out more >

7. Bluedot - Jodrell Bank - 20th - 23rd July 2023
 

Bluedot at Jodrell Bank is a real gem in the Cheshire music festival calendar. This four-day festival in the shadow of the iconic Lovell Telescope is a celebration of all things music, science and cosmic culture. As well as some fascinating talks and exhibitions this year’s acts include Roisin Murphy, Leftfield, Grace Jones and Pavement. There’s a family-friendly atmosphere and a lot to keep both adults and little ones entertained. This year's theme is Space Carnival and will be celebrated with an array of special parades, immersive art, silent disco parties and more. 

8. Tatton Park Foodies Festival - 7th - 9th July 2023
 

This year's Foodies Festival is set to be their biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music. Enjoy live music from headline acts such as Sophie Ellis Bextor and Scouting for Girls, sample delicious street food and goumet treats and see live demonstrations from Michelin-starred chefs, MasterChef Champions, Great British Menu winners. Purchase treats to take home from one of the many stall holders and take part in kids cookery. Find out more >

9. Moonlight Flicks - Deans Field, Chester - Throughout July and August
 

Moonlight Flicks Open-air cinema is back in the stunning setting of Chester Cathedral’s Dean’s Field. This year you can see family favourites such as The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia, Matilda the Musical and Jurassic Park. Pre order fresh pizzas and drinks to enjoy whilst you watch or bring your own picnic. Find out more and book >

10. Dubbed Out Festival - Knutsford - 27th - 30th July 2023
 

Dubbed Out is a weekend family festival with big top tents, live bands, top DJ's, fine food, bars, stalls and more. Families can enjoy panic circus, fairground rides, mini golf, go carts, extreme MTB show, axe throwing, dub dog show and more! Find out more >

11. Cheshire Game and Country Fair - Knutsford - 27th & 28th August 2023
 

This is a fair for all the family with THREE main arenas packed full of things to entertain all ages. Come and watch Scurry Racing, Falconry, Ferret Racing and Shire horse Displays. Have a go at clay shooting, fishing lessons, airgun training and archery. The speed carving is something to behold and there is even a chance to buy the smaller carvings. Not only that there is a Food Glorious Food tent offering a range of national and local food producers with a number of cookery demonstratons and even a craft village with demonstrations. All offering an unbeatable day out! Find out more >

12. Cheshire Balloon Fiesta - Bolesworth Castle - 4th - 6th August
 

Expect a weekend of amazing family entertainment, incredible musical performances and hot air balloon mass launches, tethers and night glows. Brought to Cheshire by the team behind the successful Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta, we're excited to welcome unique hot air balloon shapes and world-class musical talents to Cheshire at Bolesworth Castle this August. Find out more >

13. Great British Food Festival - Arley Hall & Gardens - 23rd & 24th September
 

With artisan market, street food, bars, chef demos, live music, men vs food, cake off, BBQ stage, bake stage, mini zoo, kids cookery, adult cookery, foraging walks, kids activities, crafts and gifts and more! If you fancy the little ones being entertained for around 30 - 40 mins, they have the chance to get their hands dirty whilst learning how to cook up some fabulous Rocky Road Truffles or Coconut Ice Critters, which they can take home and eat! Best of all parents can stand back, watch and relax whilst the team at Arley clean up! Find out more >

14. Magical Woodland - Blakemere Village - 6th - 31st October 2023
 

For a touch of magic, visit Blakemere Village for their popular Magical Woodland event featuring BRAND NEW themes to guarantee you an evening of Halloween family fun! In the heart of the Cheshire Countryside, experience nature in all its Autumnal glory, lit up bydazzling cathedral canopies of fairy lights, interactive light features, and dancing tunnels of Borealis-style lasers. The Halloween theme features some family favourites, including: Dinosaurs, Ghostbusters, Under the Sea, Hocus Pocus and more! The trail can be looped as many times as you wish, with plenty of opportunities to refuel and warm up with tasty snacks and hot drinks - whatever the weather! Book your tickets here >

See more festivals in Cheshire here!