Get set for a STEAM-powered summer

Norwich Science Festival might not be back until 13–20 February 2027, but there's no shortage of ways to stay curious this summer!

Get ready for a STEAM-powered six weeks with our guide to some of the top science, technology, engineering, arts and maths events taking place across the county.

Books, Museums & Making

There's plenty to inspire kids over the school holidays, whether your little ones love reading, history or getting creative.

Summer Reading Challenge | 4 July– 12 September
This year's Read to the Beat theme encourages children aged 4–11 to discover new stories inspired by music and culture. Pick up a free challenge pack from your local library, collect stickers as you read and earn a certificate and medal for completing the challenge.

Find out more: Free, but children must be library members. Visit your local Norfolk library to get started.

Happy 100th Birthday, Museum of Norwich! | 18 July–2 September
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is celebrating its centenary with a summer of family activities. Make a finger puppet inspired by a famous Norwich character, dress up in 1920s fashion, complete a family trail and help create a giant community collage imagining Norwich 100 years from now.

Find out more: Price is included in museum admission. Activities run daily from 10am–4.30pm.

Arts & Performance

Norfolk's creative scene is buzzing this summer with performances that celebrate culture, community and storytelling.

On The Huh! - 900 Years of Norwich Market | 21–26 July
Celebrate the history of Norwich Market with this free outdoor community performance from The Common Lot. Blending theatre, music and storytelling in their unique 'docu-panto' style, the performances bring 900 years of market history to life.

Find out more: Free. Evening performances from 21–25 July at 7.30pm, with a 3pm Saturday matinee on 26 July.

Amazons | 1 August
Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Amazons tells the stories of women from the world's largest rainforest, weaving together history, identity and environmental themes in one unmissable show.

Booking: Suitable for ages 12+. Book your spot via Norwich Theatre.

Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris: The Book of Birds | 24 September

Ok, it's not technically in the summer holidays, but later on in September, nature and literature come together as acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris discuss their new collaboration, The Book of Birds, in conversation with Patrick Barkham.

Booking: Presented by Norwich Arts Centre, this event is set to take place at Epic Studios. Tickets available via Norwich Arts Centre.

Nature & Wildlife

Get outside and discover the incredible wildlife on Norfolk's doorstep.

Marine Day at West Runton | 28 July
Spend a day exploring Norfolk's coastline with friends of the Festival, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Families can enjoy free hands-on activities, discover local marine wildlife and learn how everyone can help protect our seas.

Find out more: Most of the activities are free, but the day also features two bookable paid events. Check the Norfolk Wildlife trust event calendar for full details.


Murmurations - live evening performance at Cley Marshes | 22 August

Enjoy an evening of folk music in one of Norfolk's most beautiful nature reserves. Norwich group Murmurations combine rich harmonies and acoustic instruments with storytelling inspired by the natural world.

Booking: Tickets available through Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

History & Heritage

Thousands of volunteers across England throw open the doors to fascinating places as part of the annual Heritage Open Days (11–20 September). Coordinated by The Forum, Norfolk Heritage Open Days features hundreds of events across the county - all for completely free!

Our top STEAM-inspired picks include:

• Cromer Museum | 12– 13 September - discover fossils, the famous West Runton mammoth and Norfolk's prehistoric past.

• East Anglian Air Ambulance's Base Open Day | 12– 13 September - go behind the scenes to learn how helicopter emergency medical services save lives across the region.

• Wheatfen Nature Reserve | 12, 14, 15 September - explore 52 hectares of fen, reed beds and broads while discovering the reserve's rich natural history.

• Low Ground – High Expectation | 17 September - join a guided walk through Whitlingham Country Park exploring the landscape's history and engineering.

Find out more: All events are free, although some require advance booking. Booking for pre-book events opens on Wednesday 26 August at 10am.

Wherever your curiosity takes you this summer, we hope this guide helps you discover something new!

Be sure to check with each venue or organisation for the latest event details and booking information before you visit.