Science & Achievements

Cambridge Festival

Annual · Spring (2026 edition: 16 March – 2 April)

Image: Senate House, University of Cambridge — Cmglee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

About the Festival

The Cambridge Festival is the University of Cambridge's flagship public celebration of research, ideas and culture. Across roughly two and a half weeks each spring it brings more than 360 events to venues all over the city — the overwhelming majority of them free — mixing in-person, online and on-demand formats.

Researchers, artists and public figures come together to examine the science, culture and politics shaping modern life, from climate and AI to health, history and the arts. It is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the UK and a fixture of the Cambridge calendar.

Why we highlight it

For the Cambridge Society's members — founders, researchers and professionals across our Science & Achievements interest area — the Festival is an unrivalled chance to meet the people behind the city's research output and to bring families into the conversation. We encourage members to attend, volunteer and propose sessions through the official programme.

What to expect

  • 360+ talks, debates, hands-on demonstrations and exhibitions
  • Family-friendly science weekends and interactive activities
  • Online and on-demand sessions for those who can't attend in person
  • Direct access to University of Cambridge researchers and labs