Stratford-upon-Avon hosts a wide variety of events and festivals year-round. The majority of these events take place in the spring and summer, in order to take advantage of the warmer weather and outdoor venues.

Each April, Stratford-upon-Avon hosts Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration, which is held on the Saturday closest to the date of April 23, the date believed to be Shakespeare’s actual birthday. A large parade is held, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

In June, visitors can witness the Big Sheep Show at Mary Arden’s House, which involves contests and demonstrations in leather-making, sheep shearing, and barrel making, as well as sheep races and sheep dog trials. Also beginning in June is the annual Shakespeare Poetry Festival that lasts through August and consists of regular poetry readings and discussions, and the occasional guest speaker or poet.

July sees the annual Stratford Races, which are boat races held up and down the river. The atmosphere is much like a festival, and participants are of all ages and skill levels, so it’s never boring.

In August, the Carpe Diem Theatre hosts a three-week summer acting academy for kids, and in October, the streets come alive with the sounds of classical music as the Stratford-upon-Avon Music Festival gets under way.

Several times a year there is a Ghost Cruise along the River Avon with Stratford Town Ghost Walk  in partnership with Bancroft Cruises.  It is a gentle cruise along the river with 'The Man in Black'  who will entertain with ghostly stories of ghosts, witches, murder and mayhem.  Mini bar on board. Cruise takes about 1 hour, boarding at 7pm, sailing at 7.30pm.  Places must be booked in advance due to seating capacity.