Events in Colchester From 18th May – 24th May 2026

Home · Events in Colchester This Week

This week in Colchester, you can find a range of activities shaped by opportunities for learning and leisure. If you're looking for things to do in Colchester this week or a break from routine, consider the programme on offer. University workshops and talks cover career skills, finance, and contemporary European cinema. Sessions on leadership encourage discussion and new perspectives. These take place on campus, accessible by the First Essex bus network and the Colchester Park and Ride scheme.

Families will find dedicated events to foster creativity and activity for younger attendees. Castle Park provides a backdrop for many family-focused events, though parking can be congested during popular festivals, consider using the nearby rail station on the Great Eastern Main Line or the A120 bypass for travel. As evening approaches, entertainment emerges. Colchester's nightlife includes music and comedy at venues throughout the town, alongside the established pub scene on the High Street. Check listings for times and venues.

Beyond scheduled events, look forward to cultural experiences and art exhibitions. Colchester retains its historic character, with Roman walls visible near Balkerne Gate and Castle Park. Be aware of potential road closures on the High Street. The area around Colchester Castle and Roman sites can have parking challenges, especially during events, using First Essex buses or rail may be preferable. The Sunshine Coast Line offers access to nearby coastal areas if you're considering broadening your itinerary.

Monday 18th May

How Can i Apply For a Job?

· Food & Drink

A workshop at the University of Essex offers guidance on how to apply for a job.

Tuesday 19th May

Book Launch: Nostalgia And Displacement in Contemporary European Cinema

· Culture & Arts

Book launch explores themes of nostalgia and displacement in contemporary European cinema.

Will Payment Innovations Disrupt Banking? Lessons From Prepaid Cards by Paul…

· Culture & Arts

Paul Pichler leads a seminar at the University of Essex on payment innovations and their impact on banking.

Essex Libraries Mobile Library Bus

· Culture & Arts

Essex Libraries hosts a mobile library bus event at the University of Essex.

Wednesday 20th May

How Can i Find a Job as an International Student?

· Fitness & Outdoors

A career workshop at the University of Essex offers guidance for international students seeking employment.

Leadership 'to Save The World'?

· Culture & Arts

A university-hosted discussion on the role of leadership in addressing global challenges.

How do i Get a Job Using Linkedin?

· Culture & Arts

A University of Essex workshop teaches job seekers how to use LinkedIn effectively.

Federal Reserve Tools For Managing Rates And Reserves

· Food & Drink

A university lecture on Federal Reserve tools for managing interest rates and reserves.

Holiday Fun May 2026: Forest Schools

· Colchester · Family & Kids

Children participate in outdoor games, crafts, and adventures at Holiday Fun Forest Schools in Colchester.

Holiday Fun May 2026: Mini Athletics

· Colchester · Family & Kids

Children participate in mini athletics activities during the Holiday Fun May 2026 event at Firstsite Colchester.

Daisy Diamond: Burlesque And Cocktails

· Nightlife & Music

Daisy Diamond performs a burlesque show with cocktails at Coda in Colchester.

Thursday 21st May

Sadomusical: so Funny it Hurts* (*us)

· Nightlife & Music

Award-winning performers stage a comedic musical involving electrocution for shock value.

Saturday 23rd May

Holiday Fun May 2026: Canteen

· Firstsite · Food & Drink

A family-friendly canteen at Firstsite in Colchester offers hot meals during Holiday Fun in May 2026.

Godfried Donkor: It's a Numbers Game

· Colchester · Culture & Arts

An art exhibition exploring historical figures through visual and numerical storytelling at Firstsite Colchester.

Queen of The Night - a Tribute to Whitney Houston

· Nightlife & Music

A tribute performance honoring Whitney Houston's iconic music at Charter Hall in Colchester.

The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre - London

· Culture & Arts

The Lion King musical performs at Lyceum Theatre in London.

Sunday 24th May

Colchester Living History Festival

· Colchester · Culture & Arts

A historical re-enactment festival features live musket fire, cavalry charges, and 2,000 re-enactors at Alresford Hall near Colchester.