Free Events in Leicester this summer

While there are loads of amazing events taking place this summer, we are very aware that it can be an expensive time of year so we have put together this great list of fantastic free and low cost events which will allow you to make the most of your time, for as little money as possible.

Starting with some events that will be running all summer, the May The Toys Be With You exhibition at Leicester Museum is open 7 days a week and showcases the impact that Star Wars has had, both in Leicestershire and across the world. Newarke Houses Museum will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the holidays, with some special events including a Dino Adventure Day, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Castles & Cannons!

And don’t forget that our streets will be filled with music thanks to the Busk Leicester initiative which sees local musicians performing in a variety of locations around the city. You can also chuck them a few quid if you like them, and check out our ongoing gig guide.

Summer properly kicks off with the Riverside Festival, which takes over the River Soar, DMU Campus and Castle Gardens on 6 & 7 June. With live music, performances, dance, outdoor cinema, craft stalls and lots more, this is the biggest free arts festival in Leicester! Straight after this Jubilee Square will be transformed as the World Cup starts. Summer On The Square will see live music, DJs outdoor cinema, street food and drink, and of course broadcasts of all the key matches plus some Wimbledon as well! On Saturday 20 June join the Windrush Day Tea Party on Museum Square and then the next day Clarendon Park will be holding its annual Summer Fair on Sunday 21 June which includes great food and drink, live performances, craft stalls and a fantastic community atmosphere. Rounding out June is the Rathayatra festival of Chariots, a free Hindu parade which will make its way through the city centre on Sunday 28 June.

As July rolls around we see An Indian Summer come to Leicester. Now in its 11^th year, this celebration of south Asian culture runs from 1-5 July and will include dance, music, cinema, creative workshops and lots more, most of it free! On Saturday 11 July the Cosmopolitan Arts Festival sees live music, dance and performance workshops take over the city centre.

 At Newarke Houses Museum on Wednesday 22 July the Summer Games Family Fun Day celebrates the Commonwealth Games. Kids can make their own medal and flag, then take part in some games and races on the lawn before following the sporty trail!

On 1 August celebrate island style as the Leicester Caribbean Carnival returns! Shimmy through the streets as the parade winds its way through Leicester before the big celebrations and sound systems on Victoria Park. The music continues on Saturday 15 August with For The Love of Jazz which will showcase loads of amazing local musicians on Jubilee Square. ,

Open Streets will return on the August bank holiday weekend with a day filled with great cycling activities, family fun and traffic-free city centre! Then as we head into the first weekend of September watch the city come alive as the Brewbeat craft ale and music festival returns to Jubilee Square and Leicester Pride fills the city with a parade packed with colour, love and great tunes!