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

Family Imagination Days at National Centre for Writing | selected dates, 20 July– 23 August

Our Festival partners at the National Centre for Writing are gearing up for an epic summer of free fun with their Family Imagination Days. Head to the iconic Dragon Hall for storytelling, games and creative play. There's a lovely range of activities on offer, including giant games, tours, and activities led by local artists and performers. Their beautiful garden will also be open, and picnics are encouraged!

On selected dates, keep an eye out for additional free pop-up activities, running from 10am–12.30pm, including:

• Puppet making with Rootling Theatre | 4 August - create your very own miniature merchants and craft tiny wares inspired by Dragon Hall's trading past.

• Cyanotype photography with Eleanor Rodwell | 18 August - use objects, drawings and sunlight to create striking blue‑and‑white artwork.

• Storytelling in translation with Anke Kranendonk & Laura Vroomen | 24 & 25 August - explore languages, poetry and the senses with drop-in activities inspired by words from around the world.

• King of the Forest with Jenny Williams | 31 August - make an oak‑leaf crown and learn why Dragon Hall’s mighty oak timbers earned the title King of the Forest!

• Monoprinting with Eleanor Rodwell | 1 September - experiment with colour, shapes and simple techniques to create artwork inspired by Dragon Hall’s past.

Find out more: Free, with no booking required. Family Imagination Days take place on selected dates throughout the summer, so check the National Centre for Writing website for the full programme.

Summer Reading Challenge | 4 July– 12 September
It's back! 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

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. They'll bring 900 years of market history to life with their unique 'docu-panto' style, blending theatre, music and storytelling.

It's unmissable fun for all ages, but make sure you wear comfy shoes - On The Huh! will weave its way from Hay Hill to City Hall, and you may miss bits if you don't follow the cast!

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 on the Norwich Theatre stage.

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

Murmurations - live evening performance at Cley Marshes | 22 August

Fancy a gig night with a difference? Don't miss an evening of live folk music in one of Norfolk's most beautiful nature reserves. An all-female musical flock from Norwich, Murmurations will be performing their unique 'music for the moors.'

Booking: For ages 18+. Tickets are available through Norfolk Wildlife Trust website.

Nature & Wildlife

Marine Day at West Runton | 28 July
Spend a day exploring Norfolk's coastline with friends of the Festival, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. They'll be joined by organisations including Sea Watch Foundation, NCI Cromer, Fish Net Zero, Seasearch East and Coastguard for a special celebratory Marine Day. 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 NWT event listing for full details.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust have a fantastic range of events taking place throughout the entire summer, and beyond. Be sure to take a look at their online events directory to see what's coming up, including wildlife filming, guided walks and beach cleans.


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

Ok, it's not technically in the summer holidays, but it's too good to leave off our list. Later in September, acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris will take to the stage at Epic Studios to discuss their new collaboration, The Book of Birds. They'll share insights from the book's seven-year creation, and explore the wonder and importance of Britain's declining birdlife - from Dippers to Dunnocks and Kestrels to Kingfishers.

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

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.