Chester Events

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Chester in the evenings?

Chester comes alive after dark. Storyhouse runs a varied evening programme of theatre, film and live events throughout the year, and there are ghost tours, riverside bars, independent restaurants and late-night dining across the city centre. On race days, the evening atmosphere around the city is particularly special.

How do I find out what events are on during my visit?

The Visit Cheshire events calendar is the best place to start. You can browse by date, category or interest to find everything from major festivals and race days to markets, outdoor cinema and cultural events happening across the city and wider Cheshire.

Is Chester good to visit at Christmas?

Chester at Christmas is something special. The city's medieval streets and black-and-white architecture make a naturally beautiful setting for the festive season, with its popular Christmas market, events and an atmosphere that is hard to match anywhere in the north west.

Are there free events in Chester?

Yes. Heritage Chester hosts a variety of free events throughout the year, as does the Grosvenor Museum. Markets and community events are regularly held at Exchange Square outside the Market, while the city is especially known for its vibrant parades that wind their way through town in June and during the festive season.

What's on in Chester this weekend?

The best place to check is the Visit Cheshire events calendar, where you can browse everything happening across the city by date. Chester tends to have something on most weekends year-round, whether that's live music, a market, a race day or a performance at Storyhouse or Grosvenor Park. It is always worth a look before you visit.

What are the biggest events in Chester during the year?

A few dates stand out in the Chester calendar. Chester Races are one of the highlights of the social calendar, drawing visitors from across the country for racing and a great atmosphere at the oldest racecourse in Britain. The Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival is a favourite for food lovers. Deva Fest brings the city's music scene into the streets. Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre runs through the summer and sells out quickly. And Christmas in Chester has a charm that is genuinely hard to match anywhere in the north west.

What outdoor events take place in Chester in summer?

Summer is when Chester really comes into its own outdoors. Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is the standout, with performances set against one of the city's most beautiful backdrops. Moonlight Flicks brings outdoor cinema to the city on warm evenings. Race days at Chester Racecourse fill the city with energy. Carriage Shed hosts outdoor concerts and community events throughout the season. And the buskers at The Cross and along the main streets add a spontaneous soundtrack to any summer day in the city.

Are there family-friendly events in Chester?

Plenty. Grosvenor Museum has a programme of events throughout the year (many of them free!) and the Christmas season brings markets, lights and festive events that younger visitors love. Throughout the year Chester's calendar includes seasonal activities, outdoor performances and events at Storyhouse that are designed with families in mind. The Visit Cheshire events calendar lets you filter by what works for your group.

Does Chester have a food festival?

 Yes. The Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival is one of the highlights of the city's events calendar, bringing together the finest local produce, artisan makers and culinary talent for a celebration of everything that makes this region such a strong food destination. It is a must for anyone who takes their eating and drinking seriously. There are also regular Farmer and Makers Markets that run throughout the year.