Cheltenham Science Festival 2026 is taking place from 2 – 7 June 2026. The Festival is a celebration of all things science (where science means science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, communicated using all artforms).  

The Festival has over 100 ticketed events spanning the worlds of tech and innovation, politics and society, criminology, health and wellbeing and much more, illuminating the ability science has to influence global issues in an accessible way. The 2025 Festival programme included a wide range of topics, speakers and events, from the impact of American politics on the scientific community, to the methods used to bring criminals to justice, to the real effects of weight loss drugs.

For the last five years our theme, Be The Change, has empowered audiences as individuals and as a collective to enact positive change across a range of crucial global issues. The festival has worked with 20 young Changemakers who have focused on topics such as climate justice, youth mental health, cybersecurity, neurodiversity and more. 

In addition to the ticketed programme, we have a vibrant outside free stage and free-to-enter Interactive Zones which are full of interactive, hands-on activities for all ages.