Throughout the year there are plenty of unique events and festivals held in the city of Cheltenham.

During a long weekend every February since 1996, the Cheltenham Folk Festival takes over the city.  Held in the town hall, this unique mid winter event is all about music and dance, all with the common theme of folk.

In April/May Cheltenham hosts the annual Budvar Cheltenham Jazz Festival and in June The Times Cheltenham Science Festival.

For two weeks during the middle of summer (the first half of July in 2008), the city holds its HSBC Cheltenham Music Festival.  This is an event that focuses on the musical styles of one particular nation.  Russian music was the theme in 2005 and Scottish music in 2006.  For these two weeks there are many concerts and performances held in venues indoors and out.  For those who want to get involved, the festival offers musical workshops.    

A great fall event is the annual The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.  For a week in the beginning of October (10th – 19th in 2008), this festival attracts tens of thousands of people from all around the world.  Poets, comedians, play writers, actors, and novelists all contribute to the many events held throughout the week.