1. Events

What’s On in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is brimming with exciting festivals, seasonal wonders, and unforgettable experiences all year round. Whether you’re drawn to live music, adrenaline filled activities, creative arts, wildlife adventures, or stargazing under our famous dark skies, there’s always something to enjoy in our beautiful region.

What’s On in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is brimming with exciting festivals, seasonal wonders, and unforgettable experiences all year round. Whether you’re drawn to live music, adrenaline filled activities, creative arts, wildlife adventures, or stargazing under our famous dark skies, there’s always something to enjoy in our beautiful region.

    A Region Alive with Unique Events

    This is a place where creativity, culture, and tradition come together to create unforgettable experiences. Quirky celebrations like the Newent Onion Fair - with its famous onion-eating contest and family-friendly fun - capture the area’s unique charm, while live performances such as at the free Coleford Music Festival bring the community together with music and excitement.

    Foodies will love the opportunity to dive into local flavours at events like the Forest Food Showcase, featuring artisan producers and hands-on cooking classes. Why not try foraging in the forest or indulge in a cooking experience masterclass? There’s no better way to discover and connect with the region’s rich food heritage.

    Seasonal Highlights to Discover

    Every season brings its own unique charm to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:

    • Spring: In spring, the landscape bursts to life with the Golden Triangle of Daffodils and carpets of delicate snowdrops and bluebells.
    • Summer: Cool off with river adventures like kayaking, explore the forest by bike, or soak up the summer sunshine along scenic trails and waterways.
    • Autumn: Known as the UK’s best Leaf Peeping destination, it’s the perfect season for scenic walks and the annual Walking Festival.
    • Winter: Winter is the perfect time to experience the magic of the region’s Dark Skies.
    Family on a canoe on the River Wye enjoying a summer day.

    Get Closer to Nature

    Nature lovers will be captivated by the Forest of Dean’s rich and diverse wildlife. Guided Wildlife Safaris offer the chance to spot wild boar, deer, and even peregrine falcons soaring high above. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the region has an extensive network of walking and biking trails to discover.

    Wild Boar Humbugs in the Forest of Dean

    Creative Arts and Community Spirit

    The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has a thriving arts scene, with annual events that showcase local creativity. Don’t miss the farOpen Arts Trail - explore open studios and discover the work of talented local artists during this much-anticipated yearly event. Enjoy lots of community arts events, from exhibitions to workshops, the area’s creative spirit is celebrated through a variety of activities for all ages. From pottery workshops to creative crafternoon teas, many events invite you to roll up your sleeves and join in, making memories while learning something new.

    Wye Valley Sculpture Garden

    Our Events

    Select a Timeframe:

    Date From:

    Date To:

    Champagne Picnic in the Forest of Dean

    Dates:
    26th Jul 2025 - 26th Jul 2025

    On the 26th July, the Speech House Hotel will host an extraordinary Taittinger Champagne…

    Family visit

    Dates:
    24th May 2025 - 1st Jun 2025

    May Half-Term is World War II Week!

    Gage

    Dates:
    21st May 2025 - 21st May 2025

    Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the collection up close!

    IMG 7044 2 1

    Dates:
    2nd Aug 2025 - 2nd Aug 2025

    Join Mo for a 3d needle felting workshop. Mo will guide you through the whole process of how to…

    IMG 2774 2048x2048 1
    Foodies

    Hand Stitched Leather Journal

    Event Dates:
    13th Sept 2025 - 13th Sept 2025

    Join Jen from Sew Forest of Dean to make your very own leather journal.…

    IMG 2791 2048x2048
    Foodies

    Autumn Colours Bouquet

    Event Dates:
    11th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025

    Join Jo from Wye Valley Flowers to make an autumn colours bouquet.

    IMG 2780 2048x2048
    Foodies

    Indian Block Printing

    Event Dates:
    8th Nov 2025 - 8th Nov 2025

    Join Anna from Made at the Hut for the mindful art of Indian Block…

    Kerri boar
    Foodies

    Nature Journal Safari

    Event Dates:
    12th Oct 2025 - 12th Oct 2025

    This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and to…

    A XEV8d Hkj59 M7r10t Qvjb Bk7 Ufm J3 R Uq Zb Ka Cx HR
    Foodies

    Autumn Foraging

    Event Dates:
    4th Oct 2025 - 4th Oct 2025

    On our autumn forages you will be accompanied by fungi experts, Eric,…

    666583d3 19b8 4afd 9d54 f078426e4992
    Foodies

    Christmas Wreath Making

    Event Dates:
    28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

    We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…

    666583d3 19b8 4afd 9d54 f078426e4992
    Foodies

    Christmas Wreath Making

    Event Dates:
    28th Nov 2025 - 28th Nov 2025

    We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…

    666583d3 19b8 4afd 9d54 f078426e4992
    Foodies

    Christmas Wreath Making

    Event Dates:
    29th Nov 2025 - 29th Nov 2025

    We’ve teamed up with Jo to provide Christmas Wreath workshops so that you…

    Stay up to date

    Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.