Autumn is officially on the way and Gloucestershire is gearing up for the new season, with this month’s events calendar featuring everything from harvest festivals to world-class equestrian events.
There’s also the chance to celebrate Pride Day in Gloucester, hear 'outrageous' stories from a Monty Python legend and take part in the county's craziest eating competition — as SoGlos rounds up the top 10 best things to do in Gloucestershire this September 2025.
Show your Pride in Gloucestershire
Come together and celebrate Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community when Pride in Gloucestershire returns to Gloucester Park on Saturday 13 September 2025.
Kicking off with a colourful parade starting at Gloucester Cathedral, march loud and proud through the city centre before heading to Gloucester Park for Pride Day festivities — featuring main stage, cabaret and family entertainment.
Enjoy lunch cooked by TV chef James Martin at The Lygon Arms
Delighting guests at The Lygon Arms since 2023, TV chef James Martin is back in the Cotswolds for two special foodie events this September.
While his expertly curated menus are always available at The Lygon, the chef himself returns to the kitchen to take diners on 'a culinary journey', with events on Thursday 4 and 11 September 2025. Those lucky enough to grab a table for the lunch services will have the rare opportunity to meet James in person, take part in a Q&A session and capture the moment with a photo, too.
Discover the past at Gloucester History Festival
Step inside historic buildings, experience fascinating exhibitions and learn about the county's past at Gloucester History Festival, with a programme of thought-provoking talks and events taking place from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
Billed as the 'most exciting history festival yet', there's a stacked lineup of esteemed guests to celebrate the event's 15th year – featuring famous faces Frank Skinner and Cecilia Emrie; renowned historians Professor Alice Roberts, Silk Roads author Peter Frankopan and Horrible Histories guru Greg Jenner; and even a panel of Cherry and Whites legends, celebrating 30 years of Gloucester Rugby.
Celebrate harvest festival at Malvern Autumn Show
With record-breaking veggies, free family activities and plenty of cider to enjoy, a day out at the Malvern Autumn Show is the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons — returning to Three Counties Showground from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025.
Gardening fans can listen to advice from BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don on the Garden Theatre stage; there'll be live baking demonstrations with special guests on the Great Malvern Cake Off stage; the UK’s top nurseries and growers will be displaying their best blooms for the return of the spectacular RHS Flower Show; and little visitors can even learn how to train a dinosaur, in the popular World of Animals area.
Tuck into tasty deals and more during The Brewery Quarter's Eat. Drink. Discover Week
Packed with family entertainment, exclusive discounts and offers on everything from food and drink to clothing and gifts, you won't want to miss the launch of the brand new Eat. Drink. Discover Week at Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter this month.
From Monday 29 September until Sunday 5 October 2025, visitors can sample 'secret cocktails' at The Alchemist; enjoy half price pizza at Mulligans; step up to the oche for a chance to win prizes at Flight Club; take advantage of 50 per cent off everything at Urban Outfitters and much more – culminating in a full day of live music and entertainment on Saturday 4 October 2025.
Catch all the equestrian action in the Cotswolds
September is a busy month for pro eventing with not one but two international competitions, attracting the very best equestrians to the Cotswolds.
Don't miss the Cornbury House Horse Trials from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 September; then, giddy-up to Blenheim Palace to see riders take on dressage, show jumping and cross-country challenges in the International Horse Trials from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
Stomach an elver eating competition
While you might leave feeling a little queasy, there's the chance to take part in a revived local tradition at Frampton Country Fair as it hosts its annual el-ver eating competition on Sunday 14 September 2025.
Using an eco-friendly substitute that's made from surimi, the fierce contest will see hungry competitors race to eat a plateful of the imitation eel-shaped seafood — affectionately known as 'el-vers' — in the quickest time.
Go to the movies during Cheltenham International Film Festival
Film buffs have the chance to engage with a diverse programme of cinema from Monday 15 September to Sunday 5 October 2025, when the annual Cheltenham International Film Festival goes 'unplugged' – with screenings at cinemas, theatres and community spaces across the Cheltenham borough and beyond.
The main event will see legendary filmmaker Terry Gilliam share 'outrageous' stories from behind the scenes of cult comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with a 50th anniversary screening at The Bacon Theatre; while there's an ode to Edgar Wright at The Bottle of Sauce with Scott Pilgrim Vs The World and Gloucestershire favourite Hot Fuzz; a centenary screening of Rupert Julian’s silent gothic masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera at Cheltenham Playhouse and a whole lot more on the programme.
Watch the world's best snooker players compete in the British Open at Cheltenham Racecourse
Snooker fans can watch all the biggest names in action, right here in Gloucestershire, as the iconic British Open returns to The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 September 2025.
Part of the World Snooker Tour and televised live by ITV, the 'FA Cup-style' tournament will see the sport's best players vying for the title, from current world number one Judd Trump to all-time greats John Higgins and 'The Rocket' Ronnie O'Sullivan.
See hundreds of spectacular new sculptures at Cotswolds garden Hidcote
Visitors to Grade I listed Hidcote near Broadway can experience something entirely new this September, with the garden hosting its first ever major exhibition of sculptures inspired by the environment, sustainability and human nature.
Featuring more than 200 pieces crafted by local and internationally acclaimed sculptors, the exhibition – launching on Monday 1 September 2025 – invites visitors to experience Hidcote from a different perspective, encompassing a variety of styles and materials from marble, granite and ceramics to aluminium, gold and glass; each designed to complement the iconic manor house, its garden borders and vistas.
