There is SO much to do in Milton Keynes this summer that I just had to put together a blog post sharing some of the best fun and foodie things you can do in our city over the next few months. From arts and culture to street food to festivals, I’ve got it covered in this guide.
Every effort has been taken to ensure the information in this blog post is correct, however, I advise referring directly to the vendor websites and social media pages for the most up to date information. If you see an error or something is incorrect, please email blog@sophieetc.com.
What’s on in Milton Keynes this Summer
IF: Milton Keynes International Festival
21st – 30th July, Various locations across Milton Keynes.
For ten days, from 21st to 30th July, unusual places and spaces in Milton Keynes and beyond will be transformed by live music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, outdoor events and family activities, including major commissions and UK premieres, creating unforgettable memories for all of who experience it.
The festival has already started, but there is still plenty to enjoy, including the mesmerising ‘The Place Between’ in Middleton Hall.
Check out the full programme on the IF:MK Website.
All Things Street
Friday 28th July, 5pm – 9:30pm, Middleton Pavillion.
All Things Street is a new street food event bringing some very cool vibes! This time, you’ll find it at Middleton Pavillion from 5pm with a banging line up including Lime Face, Chibog and Kings Comfort Food. Free entry, and family friendly.
Check out all things street on Instagram.
Bletchley Big Street Eat
Saturday 29th July, 12pm – 6pm, Queensway Bletchley.
Bletchley Big Street Eat is back for summer 2023 and it’s bigger and better than ever. Hosted by Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council, this free-to-attend family-friendly event aims to celebrate the wonderful array of cultures and communities within the local area.
The event spans the length of Queensway and will feature performances, artists, street food, a Kid’s Village, parades and so much more. For the first time ever, the Council have a British Sign Language interpreter for the main stage so this event is fully accessible.
To find out more, check out my blog post about what you can expect!
Read more: Three reasons why you need to go to Bletchley Big Street Eat this July
Eat Street Summer Market
Sunday 30th July, 11am – 4pm, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre.
Eat Street’s quarterly seasonal market is back on 30th July. There will be six street food vendors, cocktails, a bar and a selection of small businesses and sweet treats. These events are always so much fun!
Follow Eat Street on Facebook for updates.
Wild Canvas
3rd – 29th August, Turvey House Estate.
Wild Canvas is a one-of-a-kind camping experience with a relaxed festival atmosphere nestled within the picturesque riverside meadows of the historic Turvey House Estate in Bedfordshire. Now in its fourth year, the event runs through the school summer holidays and is the perfect location for camping and relaxation.
Guests can look forward to escaping the everyday and immersing themselves in nature, music, creative arts and wellness. On-site food is provided by The Riverfront Cafe & Grill where you can expect great food from The Brother’s Supper and there is a whole host of free and paid activities for everyone to enjoy. This includes swimming, yoga, dance, and more. There will also be a host of DJs setting some groovy tones across the month.
If you can’t stay over, they offer day tickets from Wednesday – Sunday. You can come for the day, sample the food, take part in activities, go wild swimming or paddleboarding and enjoy the weekend parties over the weekends.
I can’t wait to check it out myself!
For bookings, visit www.wildcanvas.uk
Summer at Milton Keynes Market
5th – 13th August, Milton Keynes Market.
SUMMER at Milton Keynes Market runs from 5th – 13th August with a free programme of music, yoga and wellness, creative workshops, guest traders, pétanque tournaments and much more.
This programme is so much fun – Featuring The Fandangoe DISCOTECA and The Loss Project who have invited musicians, artists, dancers, healers and therapists to deliver a very special programme centred around love, loss, heartbreak and healing.
Food and drink will also be on offer, with guest chefs from Wlyd/MK College cooking up a storm with ingredients from Milton Keynes Market and a very special Market cocktail. A new specially commissioned Milton Keynes Market poem will also be launched. You won’t want to miss this!
Check out the full programme on Milton Keynes Market’s website.
Stowaway Festival
18th – 2oth August, Blackpit Farm, Stowe.
I really wish that I could head back to Stowaway Festival this summer! This was one of my FAVOURITE weekends of 2022 – We had so much fun at this chilled festival. With an absolutely packed line up of music, comedy and DJs, there is something for everyone. It’s super family-friendly too and if you’re from Milton Keynes, this is literally half an hour down the road – Winning!
Check out the line up and get tickets on Stowaway’s website.
Sophie’s Street Feast
Sunday 3rd September 11am – 4pm, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre.
Sophie etc. (me!), Toybox and Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre are bringing you an eclectic and exciting mix of local street food vendors, offering an array of delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Proceeds from the event will support some of Milton Keynes’ fabulous small charities including Toybox, St Marks Meal and Girl Pack MK.
We have an absolutely INCREDIBLE line up for you this September, with some of Milton Keynes’ best vendors. The event is totally free – All we ask is that you come along and have a great time!
Thank you to our sponsors: TRACX, Ginger Finance, Willoughby & Co., and Lilly Kitchens.
Check out the line up in this blog post.
If you try any of these recommendations, make sure you tag me on Instagram and use my hashtag #EatAndExploreMiltonKeynes. You can also share your own finds in my Facebook community group, Eat & Explore MK.
Which events will you be heading to this summer?
