Enjoy a Summer in Stoke

The arrival of the summer holidays is always eagerly anticipated by excited children counting down the days and hours until school is finally finished for the summer! But here at Visit Stoke, we know it’s not always easy to keep the whole family entertained for six long weeks! This summer roundup will take you on a virtual tour of some of the most anticipated events and activities happening in the city during this school holiday. From bustling festivals to captivating workshops, we’ll uncover an array of options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Looking for unforgettable family adventures this summer break that won’t break the bank? Stoke-on-Trent is the perfect destination for affordable, fun-filled, family activities! With a plethora of budget-friendly attractions and events, our vibrant city promises incredible experiences right on your doorstep. 

This summer is also extra special with the help of our Staffordshire Mascot Staffy! From thrilling theme parks and wildlife encounters to countryside escapes and creative adventures, these are the places to visit in Staffordshire that have earned a spot on Staffy's ultimate Summer school holiday bucket list.

Nothing says summer like festivals and concerts, and we have plenty of those coming up in the city over the summer. 

Appetite is bringing The Big Feast back to the city centre this holiday with a free two-day festival-style event in the city centre, giving you an August bank-holiday weekend unlike any other with exciting artists and entertaining acts.  

Trentham Estate is also hosting an array of Summer Concerts 3 - 25 July. From Ed & Taylor – A Tribute to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift on 17th July, Thunderhammer’s Monsters of Rock Live 18th July, Fleetwood Bac – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (New for 2026!) 24th July  and Pop Party: 2010–2025 on 25th July. Trentham have got lots of summer evening fun in store.  

Trentham Live also returns for 2026 with four amazing shows, featuring an incredible line-up of artists. From Thursday 20 August through to Sunday 23 August, Trentham's 725-acre estate welcomes The Fratellis with support from The Subways, Madness with support from The Coral, Five with special guests The Wanted 2.0 and support from Absnt Mind and The Human League with support from Altered Images and Blancmange.  

Alton Towers are a hosting a Minecraft Meet the Mobs event. From 18th July for 6 weeks, enjoy an interactive experience for the whole family, where the world of Minecraft comes to life through play, discovery, and fun. Take part in the Meet the Mobs Trail, a journey through game-inspired settings in search of the adorable Mob Babies. Complete the challenge to earn an exclusive in-game digital reward. Get up close with your favourite characters at Meet & Greets featuring iconic figures like Creeper, Iron Golem, Chicken Jockey, Axolotl, Baby Panda, Chick, and Wolf Pup, and take unforgettable photos.

We all know it’s not always sunshine and clear skies in Stoke-on-Trent! So, if it’s a rainy day or evening, why not visit one of our theatres! With five theatres across the city, there will be something for everyone to enjoy this summer. 

The Regent Theatre is showing Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show on 7 – 8 Aug. With a new arrival on the way, the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time? 

Feeling creative? Why not check out some of the workshops running over the holidays. World of Wedgwood are hosting a Clay Club Potter’s Wheel Class during the summer holidays, a 30-minute guided session that offers a unique opportunity for little ones to get hands-on with clay and create their very own pot to treasure forever.

Having to keep the kids entertained for six weeks can get expensive, but there are plenty of fun days out in Stoke that won’t break the bank. 

Head over to Apedale Valley Railway on the 8 and 9 of August for the Friendly Engines Weekend! Their Friendly Engines will be coming out to greet younger visitors – how many will you be able to spot during the journey? Steam trains will run from 11:30 to 4pm on both days. Standard fares will be charged – and no need to book ahead, just arrive, pay in the shop, and hop on the next train.  

The V&A Wedgwood Collection is hosting a Families: Family Trail. Encounter real Wedgwood workers drawn straight from the archives, from George Eaton, the oven man, to Millie Taplin, the head paintress, and collect stamps along the way. You can then transform your booklet into colourful bunting to keep as a memento of your day at the V&A Wedgwood collection! 

The National Literacy Trust are hosting Tales in the Park events. Free mini festivals for families from 11 to 3pm for children aged 0 to 13. The Tales in the Park mini festivals will be hosted across various parks in Stoke, such as Tunstall on the 28th of July, Hanley on the 31st of July, Yeaman Street park on the 4 of August, Fenton on 7 of August, Longton on the 11th  of August and Burslem Park on the 14th  of August. There will be storytelling sessions, free books kindly donated by Harper Collins (free books available one per child and while stocks last), face painting, circus skills, pop-up sports, crafts and more!  

We hope that you have a great summer - share your adventures with us @VisitStoke on facebook and twitter, @visit_stoke on instagram and use the hashtags #summerinstoke  

If you want the lowdown on where to go and further information on what's on, take a scroll around www.visitstoke.co.uk/summer-in-stoke