August is one of my favourite months in Leicestershire. The evenings are still light, the countryside is looking its best and there always seems to be something happening, from traditional agricultural shows and horse events to outdoor concerts, food festivals and family days out.
Living and working near Market Harborough means we’re lucky enough to have Leicester, North Kilworth, Stanford Hall, Rockingham Castle, Donington Park and some of the county’s loveliest rural venues within easy reach.
If you’re wondering what’s on in Leicestershire in August 2026, I’ve picked out the events that genuinely look worth adding to your diary, with plenty of country events included.
Leicestershire events in August 2026 at a glance
- 2–30 August: Roar and Explore at the National Space Centre
- 5–23 August: LIVE at Kilworth House Theatre
- 6 August: Farmers Market on The Square, Market Harborough
- 7 August: Summer Jams at Abbey Park
- 8–9 August: Leicester Food Festival
- 8–9 August: Convoy in the Park at Donington Park
- 14–16 August: Ranch Jam Country Festival
- 15 August: Burbage Gardening Club Annual Open Show
- 15 and 22 August: Music in the Mead, Hinckley
- 16 August: Vintage and Craft Market at Belvoir Castle
- 20–22 August: 110 Above Festival
- 22–23 August: Bosworth Medieval Festival
- 22–23 August: British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park
- 27 August: National Summer Shire Horse Show
- 27–30 August: The Long Road Festival
- 28–30 August: Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Rally
- 30–31 August: Leicestershire County Show
Farmers Market on The Square, Market Harborough
When: Thursday 6 August 2026
Where: The Square, Market Harborough
Best for: Local food, independent producers and a relaxed morning out
The monthly Farmers Market on The Square is a smaller event than some of the country shows on this list, but it is still one of the nicest ways to support local producers.
Running from 9am until 3pm, the market brings together local food traders selling cheeses, meats, pies, cakes, flowers and vegan produce.
Being based near Market Harborough, this is a particularly easy one for us to recommend. You can have a wander around the market, stop for coffee and combine it with a visit to the town’s independent shops.
LIVE at Kilworth House Theatre
When: 5–23 August 2026
Where: Kilworth House Theatre, North Kilworth
Best for: Couples, families and summer evenings out
Kilworth House Theatre always feels particularly special in summer. Set in a wooded glade in the grounds of Kilworth House, it feels like much more of an occasion than an ordinary trip to the theatre.
The LIVE at Kilworth programme runs throughout August, with tribute performances celebrating artists including ABBA, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Bob Marley, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift and Queen.
There is also A Country Night in Nashville on 12 August, which would definitely be one of my personal choices. You can make more of the evening by booking pre-theatre dining at the hotel.
Even on a warm day, take a light jacket because the temperature can drop once the sun goes down. Our women’s lightweight jackets and men’s lightweight jackets are ideal for outdoor theatre evenings.
Summer Jams 2026 at Abbey Park
When: Friday 7 August 2026
Where: Abbey Park, Leicester
Best for: R&B fans, groups of friends and festival-goers
Abbey Park hosts several major events during August, beginning with Summer Jams 2026.
The line-up includes some big names from R&B, UK Garage and British music, including Eternal, Damage, Ms. Dynamite and special guest Lethal Bizzle.
As with any British outdoor event, dress for the sunshine but prepare for rain. Comfortable footwear and an extra layer will make a long day much more enjoyable. You can find waterproof boots, jackets, caps and practical accessories in our Festival Essentials collection.
Leicester Food Festival
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Abbey Park, Leicester
Best for: Food lovers, couples and families
The Leicester Food Festival returns to Abbey Park for its second year, bringing together street food, local traders, bars, brewers, cocktails and plenty of sweet treats.
There will also be live local music, tastings, talks and workshops throughout the weekend. For younger visitors, the programme includes children’s cooking classes, circus activities and other family entertainment.
This feels like one of the easiest events on the list to enjoy with almost anyone. It works equally well as a family day out, a relaxed date or an afternoon with friends. My only advice would be not to eat too much before you go.
Convoy in the Park at Donington Park
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026
Where: Donington Park
Best for: Families, truck enthusiasts and motorsport fans
Convoy in the Park combines the British Truck Racing Championship with a huge celebration of trucks and the people behind the industry.
The racing is the main attraction, but there is plenty happening away from the circuit too, making it suitable for families as well as serious motorsport enthusiasts. If you have children who love anything large, loud and fast, this is likely to be a successful day out.
Donington Park is quite exposed, so sun protection, comfortable shoes and a packable waterproof are sensible even when the forecast looks promising.
Ranch Jam Country Festival 2026
When: Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026
Where: Cattows Farm, Heather
Best for: Country music, line dancing and groups of friends
Ranch Jam Country Festival is bringing three days of country music and Nashville-inspired entertainment to Cattows Farm.
The programme includes country tribute bands, line dancing, rodeo-inspired activities, smoked food, traders and fairground attractions. Camping and VIP options are also available for anyone wanting to make a full weekend of it.
This is definitely one of the most fun country events taking place in Leicestershire this August. It is also a very good excuse to bring out your cowboy boots, jeans and western shirts.
Our Ariat collection includes western boots, belts, shirts, jeans and accessories that are practical enough for a farm setting while still looking the part.
Burbage Gardening Club Annual Open Show
When: Saturday 15 August 2026
Where: Hastings High School, Burbage
Best for: Gardeners, flower enthusiasts and traditional village-show fans
For something more traditional, the Burbage Gardening Club Annual Open Show returns for its 78th year.
The event includes the Burbage Gardening Club Dahlia Championship, with entries judged during the day before the show reopens for public viewing at 4.30pm.
Admission for viewing is free, with donations being collected for LOROS Hospice. It is a smaller local event, but that is part of its appeal. There is something lovely about a proper horticultural show filled with carefully grown flowers, friendly competition and people who are genuinely enthusiastic about gardening.
Music in the Mead, Hinckley
When: Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 August 2026
Where: Argents Mead, Hinckley
Best for: A relaxed and free afternoon out
Hinckley’s free Music in the Mead concerts return in August, with Different Kettle of Fish performing country, rock and pop on 15 August, followed by Rachel Ball singing classic hits on 22 August.
Both concerts run from 1pm until 3pm in Argents Mead. They would be lovely paired with lunch or a little shopping in Hinckley beforehand.
The Music in the Mead concerts are free to attend, making them a particularly good option if you are looking for affordable things to do in Leicestershire this August.
Vintage and Craft Market at Belvoir Castle
When: Sunday 16 August 2026
Where: Belvoir Castle
Best for: Couples, crafts and a slower Sunday
Belvoir Castle’s monthly Vintage and Craft Market brings together vintage finds, handcrafted pieces and independent traders within the estate’s Engine Yard retail village.
This is one of the calmer events on the list and would make a lovely Sunday out if you enjoy browsing, good food and beautiful country surroundings. It is also easy to combine with a walk around the wider Belvoir estate.
I would wear something comfortable but slightly smarter than standard festival clothing. A lightweight jacket, jeans and a pair of Dubarry boots would work perfectly.
110 Above Festival
When: Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 August 2026
Where: Gopsall Hall Farm, near Atherstone
Best for: Discovering new music and smaller festival crowds
110 Above is an independent rural festival with a particular focus on emerging artists.
It is a good alternative to the huge commercial festivals, especially if you prefer discovering new performers and enjoying a more intimate atmosphere. Taking place at Gopsall Hall Farm, it still has the countryside setting and camping experience you want from a summer festival.
Comfortable boots, light layers and something waterproof will serve you much better than an outfit that only works while the sun is shining.
Bosworth Medieval Festival
When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026
Where: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney
Best for: Families and history lovers
The Bosworth Medieval Festival returns after a year away, bringing battle re-enactments, living-history camps, medieval traders and arena displays to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
The Battle of Bosworth is recreated as the finale on both days. Visitors can also meet re-enactors, explore the heritage centre and learn more about the Wars of the Roses.
Younger visitors can take part in activities including storytelling, a fancy-dress competition and Knight School. It manages to be educational without feeling like a school trip, which is probably why it remains such a popular family event.
British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park
When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026
Where: Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit
Best for: Motorsport fans and families with older children
The British Touring Car Championship returns to Donington Park’s extended Grand Prix circuit for a crucial weekend in the 2026 championship.
Saturday includes practice sessions, support racing and a qualifying race, while Sunday features three main BTCC races. The supporting programme includes the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, British Formula 4, Caterham racing and the MINI CHALLENGE.
Children under 13 can attend free with an adult, making it a more affordable family motorsport day than you might expect. Ear protection for younger children is worth bringing.
National Summer Shire Horse Show
When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: The Great Park at Rockingham Castle
Best for: Horse lovers, farming families and traditional country-show visitors
The National Summer Shire Horse Show is coming to Rockingham Castle for 2026, bringing together an impressive collection of pedigree Shire horses.
The programme includes in-hand classes for stallions, mares and geldings, alongside ridden, trade and agricultural classes. There will also be national championships, a grand parade and trade stands.
Shire horses are such an important part of British agricultural history, and seeing so many together in Rockingham Castle’s parkland should make this a genuinely memorable country day out.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads, and food and drink will be available to purchase throughout the day.
The Long Road Festival
When: Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026
Where: Stanford Hall, near Lutterworth
Best for: Country music, Americana, western style and festival weekends
The Long Road Festival is one of the biggest country, Americana and roots music festivals in the UK, and it takes place right here in Leicestershire.
Held in the grounds of Stanford Hall, the festival combines live music with American-inspired food, dancing, workshops, vintage vehicles, shopping and plenty of western style. There is also camping for anyone wanting the full weekend experience.
Even if you are not normally a festival person, The Long Road has a slightly different atmosphere. It feels more relaxed, friendly and connected to country culture than many larger music festivals.
This is the event where you can properly embrace cowboy boots, denim, western shirts and statement belts. The trick is to choose pieces that are comfortable enough for a long day on your feet.
You can explore our Ariat western boots and clothing, including practical boots, jeans, shirts, jackets and accessories for both men and women.
Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Rally
When: August Bank Holiday weekend
Where: Belvoir Castle Parkland
Best for: Steam engines, vintage vehicles and family country days
Belvoir Castle’s Steam and Country Rally brings traditional country-show entertainment to the parkland surrounding the castle.
Visitors can expect steam engines, vintage tractors, classic vehicles, working machinery, countryside displays, stalls and family entertainment.
This is the sort of event where sturdy footwear matters. Country-show fields can quickly become muddy after rain, so waterproof boots and a practical jacket are worth putting in the car even if the morning begins with sunshine.
Check the live event page before travelling, as public show dates and camping dates may be listed separately.
Leicestershire County Show
When: Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026
Where: The Showground, Market Harborough
Best for: Rural life, livestock, horses, dogs and families
The Leicestershire County Show is probably the biggest country event taking place in the county this August, and it is particularly close to home for us.
Founded in 1883, the show celebrates Leicestershire’s farming community and countryside traditions with cattle and heavy-horse classes, sheep displays, dog events, vintage tractors, classic cars and steam engines.
There will also be barrel racing, hound displays, sheepdog demonstrations, young farmers’ competitions, craft marquees, local food and family entertainment.
The show takes place over both days of the August Bank Holiday at the Market Harborough Showground. Gates open at 9.30am, children aged 15 and under can enter free, and dogs are welcome provided they are kept on leads.
If I were choosing just one traditional country event from this list, this would be it. It brings together farming, animals, shopping and family entertainment without losing the local feel that makes an agricultural show special.
Roar and Explore at the National Space Centre
When: 2–30 August 2026
Where: National Space Centre, Leicester
Best for: Families and rainy days
If the weather refuses to cooperate, the Roar and Explore summer event at the National Space Centre is a useful backup plan.
Families can explore the Centre’s new Outer Solar System experience, discover how life survives in extreme environments and come face-to-face with full-size dinosaurs, including velociraptors, a Spinosaurus and a Carnotaurus.
It is open throughout most of August, so you do not have to plan your entire month around one particular weekend. Admission also includes an automatic annual pass, giving you the option to return later in the year.
What should you wear to a country show or outdoor event?
August weather in Leicestershire can be anything from hot sunshine to sudden heavy rain, sometimes within the same afternoon. For country shows, festivals and open-air events, I would recommend:
- Comfortable boots or shoes that can handle uneven ground
- A lightweight or packable waterproof jacket
- Breathable layers that can be added in the evening
- A hat or cap for exposed showgrounds
- A small crossbody bag or secure backpack
- Sun cream and a reusable drinks bottle
- Wellington boots in the car if rain is expected
Our Festival Essentials, waterproof jackets and Dubarry collection include plenty of practical options for British outdoor events.
Frequently asked questions
What country shows are taking place in Leicestershire in August 2026?
The main country events include Ranch Jam Country Festival from 14–16 August, the National Summer Shire Horse Show on 27 August, The Long Road Festival from 27–30 August, the Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Rally and the Leicestershire County Show on 30–31 August.
When is the Leicestershire County Show 2026?
The Leicestershire County Show takes place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026 at the Showground on Gallow Field Road in Market Harborough.
What is the best country music festival in Leicestershire?
The Long Road at Stanford Hall is Leicestershire’s largest country, Americana and roots festival. Ranch Jam at Cattows Farm is another option, focusing on country tribute acts, line dancing and Nashville-inspired entertainment.
Are there any horse shows in Leicestershire in August?
The National Summer Shire Horse Show takes place at Rockingham Castle on 27 August. The Leicestershire County Show also includes heavy-horse and other equestrian classes on 30 and 31 August.
What are the best family events in Leicestershire this August?
Some of the best family events are the Leicestershire County Show, Bosworth Medieval Festival, Roar and Explore at the National Space Centre, Convoy in the Park and the Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Rally.
Are there any free events in Leicestershire in August?
Music in the Mead takes place in Hinckley on 15 and 22 August and is free to attend. Public viewing at the Burbage Gardening Club Annual Open Show is also free, with donations collected for LOROS Hospice.
Make the most of August in Leicestershire
There is a brilliant mix of things to do in Leicestershire this August, but the country events are definitely the highlight for me.
The Long Road is perfect if you love country music and western style, while the National Summer Shire Horse Show offers something genuinely traditional. Closer to home, the Leicestershire County Show is hard to beat for a proper family day filled with animals, farming, food and countryside entertainment.
My personal choices would be A Country Night in Nashville at Kilworth, The Long Road and the Leicestershire County Show—although the National Space Centre may still prove to be the most useful option if the British weather has other ideas.
Event information was checked on 3 August 2026. Dates, admission prices and programmes can change, so always check the organiser’s website before travelling.