The festive season is over, and 2026 is well under way, so you might be planning for the year ahead. There are many excellent events happening in the local area throughout the year, so there is plenty for you and your family to enjoy.
Here are seven of the best events in Cheshire to add to your 2026 diary.
1. Snowdrop walks at Rode Hall and Gardens
If you want to shake off the winter blues, the snowdrop walks at Rode Hall and Gardens are perfect.
Between 1 February and 1 March 2026, the gardens will be covered with a carpet of beautiful flowers as the snowdrops bloom. You can enjoy the spectacle on a walk through the grounds around the historic Rode Hall.
There will also be a snowdrop market on 7 February, boasting more than 70 stalls selling crafts and artisan food.
2. Chester Heritage Festival
Chester Heritage Festival is a brilliant annual event celebrating the rich and varied history of the city. From 23 May to 7 June 2026, there will be events across the city for the whole family to enjoy.
You can take part in guided walking tours around historic areas of the city and visit buildings which are normally closed to the public. There will also be talks from experts where you can learn more about important historical events in the area.
Throughout the city, you will also find hands-on workshops teaching you about topics such as traditional crafts or archaeology.
3. Boodles May Festival at Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse has many fixtures throughout the year, but if you only choose one, you may want to attend the Boodles May Festival.
This event, sponsored by the prestigious jeweller, Boodles, is the official start of the racing season at Chester. The races start on 6 May 2026 and run for three days, showcasing some of the best jockeys and rising stars of horse racing.
4. Royal Cheshire County Show
The Royal Cheshire County Show is a local institution that has been running since 1838. The show returns in 2026 on 16 and 17 June, with a host of livestock competitions and equestrian events. As well as this, you can learn some new skills from live demonstrations of gardening or cooking.
There will also be many local food and drink producers and artisan craft stalls to visit.
The show is large enough that you can easily spend one or both days exploring with your family.
5. Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival
The Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival is a unique event taking place from 19 to 21 June. Over the course of the weekend, hundreds of canal boats will gather in Middlewich for the festival, which showcases excellent folk music throughout the town.
As well as the live music performances, you can experience the spectacle of a large floating market on the canal boats and food and drink stalls across the town.
6. Tatton Park Foodies Festival
The Tatton Park Foodies Festival from 10 to 12 July is an exciting event for the whole family. If you are a food lover, you will be thrilled to see top chefs giving cooking demonstrations. You will also get the chance to sample all kinds of delicious food from around the world.
There is also plenty of entertainment on the live music stage throughout the weekend, and if you are brave enough, you can enter the Hot Chilli Challenge.
7. Chester Literature Festival
In spring, Chester will play host to the annual Literature Festival. There will be a full roster of events and performances throughout the festival, with readings from top authors and poets. You can also get involved with workshops if you want to flex your own writing muscles.
Which of these events are you and your family looking forward to the most in 2026?