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Colchester

What's On in Colchester – Events This Week & Things To Do

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St John’s Abbey Gate remains standing where monks once walked, flint walls that predate most towns in England.

In Colchester, history isn’t just preserved; it’s present on riverside walks by Hythe or through Balkerne Gardens at dusk.

Between café chatter and social media noise, local events slip away, pop-up markets in Castle Ward, summer bandstand concerts near Promenade Park, or quiet spots along the River Colne.

We track what matters: new food spots, seasonal walks by ancient walls, live music at The Manor Health & Wellness Centre.

Just a few minutes each week, no scrolling required.

A peek inside recent issues

Preview of The City Brief Colchester weekly newsletter
Preview of The City Brief Colchester weekly newsletter – sample issue
Preview of The City Brief Colchester weekly newsletter – past edition

Events in Colchester This Weekend

How do i Find Part-time Work?

· Fitness & Outdoors

The University of Essex hosts an informational session on finding part-time work opportunities.

Bioyufe Webinar: Nature-based Solutions For Climate-change Adaptation

· Culture & Arts

The University of Essex hosts a webinar discussing nature-based climate change adaptation solutions.

Hometown Glory by Natalie Black

· Nightlife & Music

Natalie Black presents Hometown Glory, a live performance at Colchester’s Charter Hall.

Honeybadger With Support From Freak

· Nightlife & Music

Honeybadger performs a live gig at Coda in Colchester with support from FREAK.

The New Conrad Miller Trio

· Nightlife & Music

The New Conrad Miller Trio performs a live jazz concert at Wivenhoe Congregational Church.

View all events this weekend →

Events in Colchester This Week

How Can i Overcome Imposter Syndrome in my Career?

· Fitness & Outdoors

University of Essex hosts a session exploring strategies to overcome imposter syndrome in careers.

How do i Get a Job Using Linkedin?

· Fitness & Outdoors

The University of Essex hosts a workshop on leveraging LinkedIn for job searching.

University Centre Colchester Open Event

· Food & Drink

Prospective students can attend an open event at University Centre Colchester to learn about courses and facilities.

Adult Learner Event

· Food & Drink

Adults can attend free learning sessions at Colchester Institute on Sheepen Road.

How do i Find Part-time Work?

· Fitness & Outdoors

The University of Essex hosts an informational session on finding part-time work opportunities.

Bioyufe Webinar: Nature-based Solutions For Climate-change Adaptation

· Culture & Arts

The University of Essex hosts a webinar discussing nature-based climate change adaptation solutions.

View all events this week →

Explore Events by Category

Looking for something specific in Colchester?

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Upcoming Events by Category

Culture & Arts

Godfried Donkor: It's a Numbers Game Exhibition Events

· Firstsite · Culture & Arts

Firstsite hosts an exhibition of Godfried Donkor's work exploring identity, culture, and storytelling.

Bsff Midsummer Scream: we Put The World to Sleep

· Firstsite · Culture & Arts

Firstsite hosts a screening of 'BSFF Midsummer Scream', an apocalyptic film exploring AI technology.

Bsff Midsummer Scream: Cult Film Secret Screening

· Firstsite · Culture & Arts

Firstsite hosts a secret screening of a cult film as part of the BSFF Midsummer Scream.

Bsff Midsummer Scream: Deep Water

· Firstsite · Culture & Arts

Firstsite screens 'Deep Water', a thriller about passengers stranded in shark-infested waters.

View all Culture & Arts events →

Fitness & Outdoors

How Can i Master my Interview?

· Fitness & Outdoors

The University of Essex hosts an event providing guidance on mastering interview techniques.

How Can i Stand Out to Employers as a pg Student?

· Fitness & Outdoors

University of Essex hosts an event offering career advice for postgraduate students.

View all Fitness & Outdoors events →

Food & Drink

Apprenticeship Evening

· Food & Drink

An evening event at Colchester Institute to provide information on apprenticeship opportunities.

Colchester Food And Drink Festival

· Castle Park · Food & Drink

Colchester Food and Drink Festival returns to Castle Park with local stalls and new culinary offerings.

View all Food & Drink events →

Nightlife & Music

The Greatest Musicals Disco - Colchester

· Nightlife & Music

A disco party featuring music from popular musicals like Hamilton, Grease, Wicked, and Frozen.

Daisy Diamond: Burlesque And Cocktails

· Nightlife & Music

Daisy Diamond presents a burlesque show featuring cocktails at Coda in Colchester.

Miss Americana - a Tribute to Taylor Swift

· Nightlife & Music

A tribute act performs Taylor Swift's greatest hits at Charter Hall.

View all Nightlife & Music events →

Colchester Places And Events Guides

Things to do in Colchester

You can find live music, theatre shows, family events, food festivals, and markets in Colchester. Activities include visiting historic sites like the Roman Walls and St John’s Abbey Gate, or exploring green spaces such as Castle Park and Promenade Park. Events occur across neighbourhoods including New Town and Lexden & Braiswick, offering a mix of culture, food, music, and outdoor experiences.

The city runs regular events that reflect its long history and community focus. Seasonal markets take place near the River Colne or at landmarks such as Jumbo (Water Tower), with family-friendly gatherings in parks like Castle Park. Music fans can attend concerts around town hall, while others join guided walks highlighting Roman heritage.

The site lists what’s happening by week across categories such as Food & Drink, Family & Kids activities, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, and Shopping & Markets. Use venue or neighbourhood filters like Balkerne Gardens and Castle Ward to plan ahead.

Common Colchester Questions

What kinds of events happen in Colchester during the week?

Weekly activities are spread across city centre neighbourhoods. Markets occur at Castle Park and New Town with local food and goods. Theatre shows take place at Headgate Theatre and Curzon Cinema. Art exhibitions by regional artists appear intermittently at public spaces such as Abbey Field or Odeon Cinema foyer. Family events include storytelling, guided walks along the Roman Walls, and seasonal festivals like Kids Fest (Village Green) during school breaks.

Where do most events take place in Colchester?

Most weekly activities are centred on established hubs with infrastructure. Castle Park hosts markets, concerts, and community gatherings especially during summer evenings. Balkerne Gardens sees daytime festivals and family stalls at the monthly market. St John’s Abbey Gate provides backdrop for heritage walks or educational tours. Colchester Castle Museum contributes through temporary displays tied to Roman history.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Colchester?

Yes, options include play areas at Promenade Park and within Castle Park near the boating lake and flower beds. School holiday activities include Forest Fun sessions on weekday mornings or themed events during half-term weeks via Abbotts Hall Family Club. Interactive markets offer hands-on experiences for young visitors, including craft stalls in New Town. Guided walks along Roman Walls are available with free educational materials.

What nightlife and music events happen in Colchester?

Evening performances occur across the city centre’s entertainment districts. Headgate Theatre hosts live music such as jazz evenings or themed concerts like Nat King Cole: Unforgettable, while pubs on Queen Street hold acoustic sessions midweek. Seasonal festivals including the Colchester Beer Festival draw crowds to Castle Park during spring and summer months.

How can I find events happening this week or this weekend in Colchester?

To see what’s happening now, use The City Brief’s listings for categories such as Nightlife & Music, Family & Kids, or Culture & Arts. Look at venues including Castle Park, Balkerne Gardens, or the New Town area to view real-time updates on upcoming events like candlelight concerts at Colchester Town Hall or markets near Jumbo water tower.