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Photo: Lukas Eggers
The August bank holiday is approaching fast, and everyone wants to make the most of the long weekend - without spending too much! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find low-cost things to do in August UK.
The bank holiday weekend August brings is the perfect time for festivals, concerts, sport, theatre, comedy and last-minute plans. The long weekend means you get that extra day to spend enjoying the best entertainment the UK has to offer. Read on to find out more about what’s on across the UK, and how eligible members can use Tickets for Good to find cheap tickets.
The exact dates depend on where you are in the UK; in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the bank holiday is Monday, 31st August. In Scotland, it’s Monday, 3rd August.
If you’re looking to get in some live music this August bank holiday weekend, you’re more than spoilt for choice! Here are a few of our favourites.
One of the world’s leading festivals for electronic and dance, 80,000 music fans from around the world attend Creamfields for a four day camping experience. With some of the biggest names in electronic, house, techno, trance and drum & bass, it’s perfect for any dance music lover looking to make the most of the August bank holiday.
No guide to the bank holiday weekend in August would be complete without Reading & Leeds Festival. Taking place simultaneously across two sites, it's one of the UK's biggest music festivals, bringing together huge international headliners alongside the best emerging talent across rock, indie, pop, rap and alternative music.
For something a little different this August bank holiday weekend, try Shambala Festival. Located in the Northamptonshire countryside, this independent festival combines a lineup of electronic, reggae, soul, hip hop, folk and global music with a programme of arts, wellbeing and family-friendly activities. You can try everything from cabaret, comedy and workshops to poetry, yoga and immersive woodland installations.
As Europe’s biggest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival in West London is one of the most famous August bank holiday weekend festivals. With three days of Caribbean culture, food, and music, vibrant parades and elaborate masquerade costuming, this year is set to be an extra spectacular year, as the iconic festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Live sport is a fantastic choice for groups, families, or anyone looking to soak up the atmosphere over the August bank holiday weekend.
Horse racing fans can head to Goodwood Racecourse for its August Bank Holiday fixture, or enjoy a day at Chepstow Racecourse, both offering an exciting mix of racing and entertainment. If motorsport is more your thing, CarFest at Silverstone is another great option, with on-track action, live music, family activities and food.
Plus, try the Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show on 30 August. Free to attend this year, the event celebrates traditional Lake District sports with competitions including Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, fell running, tug of war, paragliding displays, hound trails and a popular dog show.
If you're looking for an evening plan or a rainy-day backup this August bank holiday weekend, theatre, comedy and musicals are all excellent options. Whether you're after a West End show, a stand-up comedy night, a touring musical or a local fringe performance, there's plenty happening across the UK over the long weekend.
One highlight is Camden Fringe (on until 30 August), where you'll find a programme of comedy, theatre, cabaret and new writing performed at venues across London.
For theatre and musicals, we recommend checking sites like TodayTix, which offer heavily discounted day-of-performance tickets. Tickets for Good also regularly features discounted and free* tickets across theatre, comedy and other live entertainment categories, although availability varies. If you're planning things to do this August bank holiday, it's worth browsing the platform in the lead-up to the weekend to see what's available, as new offers are added regularly!
The August bank holiday weekend is a brilliant time for families to squeeze in one last adventure before summer comes to an end.
One of our top picks is The Big Feastival, held on Alex James' farm in the Cotswolds. Alongside headline music acts including Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Rudimental, the festival offers a packed programme for children, with live shows from TV favourites such as Justin Fletcher, cooking classes, crafts, dance workshops and an animal petting area.
For a magical day out, head to The Fantastical Magic Festival in Darlington. Set within the beautiful Dartington Hall in Devon, England, the event features immersive storytelling, live performances, creative workshops and enchanting experiences that bring fantasy to life for younger visitors.
Families can also enjoy Victorious Festival in Portsmouth, which combines live music with dedicated family entertainment, fairground rides, activities and family-friendly facilities. This year’s lineup includes names like Richard Ashcroft, The Scissor Sisters, Rudimental, Faithless, The Black Keys and loads more.
If you're looking for even more August bank holiday events near you, check local museums, parks, heritage sites, outdoor cinemas and community festivals. Many offer free or low-cost activities during the long weekend, and Tickets for Good regularly features discounted and free* family-friendly live events for eligible members, subject to availability.
For those of you looking for things to do in August UK, there are lots of easy ways to find ideas! Our suggestions are to check local council websites and tourism boards for roundups on what’s available to book near you, for example VisitLondon, VisitBritain, or VisitScotland, but searching for resources specific to your area is always the best way to go. These sources may also filter for free or low cost activities like picnics, community festivals, outdoor markets, and scenic walking routes to explore.
Checking specific local venue listings like parks, museums, and local theatres can also be a great way to get information straight from the source. We also recommend filtering by location on Tickets for Good’s browse page to find events local to you!
If you’re looking to turn the weekend into a week away, why not turn a one-day event or night out into a two-day overnight trip?
After booking an event, consider spending August bank holiday breaks in one of the UK’s major cities. Or, stay by the coast (with the weather timed right, it can be hotter than going abroad and much cheaper!). Or, explore the British countryside, get outdoors, and go camping.
Plus, if you’ve got friends or family across the country, turn the bank holiday into a stay with them and spend some quality time with loved ones without breaking the bank.
Finding cheap August bank holiday events can be easier than you’d think!
Our advice is to book early wherever possible, as ticket prices can rise significantly as the date approaches and availability becomes more limited. Another great tip for finding cheap events in August UK is to compare transport costs. Swapping a taxi for a train, or a train for a coach, could help you save money before you even arrive.
If your venue allows it, bringing your own food and drinks can also help keep costs down—just be sure to check the venue's policy beforehand. If you're heading out with friends or family, it's worth looking for group discounts too.
Finally, keep checking what's on, especially if you're planning a last-minute trip. Popular events can sell out quickly, but new ticket releases and offers can appear, giving you the chance to grab tickets at a lower price.
Tickets for Good is an events platform offering free* or heavily discounted tickets to the UK’s top music, theatre, comedy, sport, attractions and more. Membership is open to NHS, charity, and education professionals, those on cost of living payments, and more.
Signing up is completely free and takes only moments - once you’re in, you’ve unlocked access to thousands of discounted tickets for the best UK events in August!