Culture Bolton Coming Up

Children taking part n an investigative storytime, They are standing holiday a magnifying glass up to their eyes.
Children at the Octagon Storytelling activity on National Play Day.

This is your one-stop-shop for Cultural Activities coming up in Bolton. From open days, to performances, to the Food Festival, there's so much on the horizon!

Bolton is due to be the setting of a huge number of events and activities in the coming months – here’s what’s on the horizon…

 

Rock Hall is showing no signs of slowing down with a jam-packed programme of activities and events throughout the summer holidays and beyond.

For the rest of the summer holidays and beyond, Rock Hall will be hosting open days with crafts and activities for all ages. We’ve seen some incredible creations so far and we have loved interacting with as many of you as possible about future plans for the hall, which we have displayed on boards in the front room. It goes without saying that brews are provided, and all are welcome to engage in the activities available.

Stay tuned for our upcoming autumn programme!

The Octagon are touring Bolton Libraries with a Story Garden adventure performance!

The Summer Reading Challenge is well underway, and the Octagon Theatre have produced a performance for families with children under 8 which will be touring libraries. Reading and the theatre go hand in hand, fostering confidence and creativity in equal measure. Check out the performance dates to find your next one!

Smithills Hall welcomes you for crafts and another exciting performance!

Each Friday over the Summer Holidays, Smithills Hall is playing host to a fabulous craft session, which is bookable on Eventbrite for only £3.00! The summer holidays are a time for fun and exploration, so come on down and see what Fantastic Fridays has to offer! On the 14th of September, Smithills will play host to the farewell performance of the Octagon Theatre Sharing Stories Library Tour. The performance is connected to this year's Summer Reading Challenge, so don't forget to sign up at your local library. This is a drop-in activity.

The Food and Drink Festival approaches!

One of Bolton’s tastiest events is set for the 22nd-25th of August. The Food and Drink Festival gathers the best of the world’s cuisine and brings it to Bolton for all to enjoy! It is not just a celebration of food and drink itself, it is a celebration of the cultures, togetherness, and enjoyment it carries with it. With cooking demos from the best in the business, music, activities, and more, there’s something for everyone!

Save the date – it won’t be long until it’s time to Put the Big Light On…

November may seem far away, but Bolton’s light festival extravaganza will be here before we know it! We have incredible performances and artworks planned all over the town between the 20th and 23rd of November. Stay tuned for more information over the coming months!

Published: 1st August 2025