Skylarks are singing, bluebells are on the way, pub benches are warming up, spring has officially arrived in Ludlow. And with it comes a packed line-up of Ludlow events and festivals.
The LGL calendar is filing up quickly and it looks like it’s won’t be slowing down til school’s back in September. If you’re looking for things to do in Ludlow, these are our top tips for what to do and where to go.
Things to Do in Ludlow in May: Spring Festivals & Events
It all kicks off with an LGL favourite, the Ludlow Spring Festival (8th–10th May), bringing the first big weekend of the season to Ludlow Castle. Expect local food, drink, live music and a great mix of locals and visitors.
Hot on its heels is Alistair McGowan’s now well-established Ludlow Piano Festival (20th–24th May), taking over venues across town. This year’s programme includes Vanessa Wagner, Luke Faulkner and 15-year-old rising star Elisey Mysin, alongside more unexpected sets and late-night performances. It’s one of those festivals that’s well worth dipping into.
Throughout the season, regular markets (see the Ludlow TC calendar) keep things ticking over as well as a steady stream of local events and outdoor activities, including the long-standing May Fair (30th April to 4th May), a Ludlow tradition stretching back centuries and for hardore athletes, the iconic Storm the Castle Duathlon on 17th May.
Live Music in Ludlow: Summer Concerts at Ludlow Castle
In July, it’s all about the castle concerts. Live at Ludlow Castle has properly found its place in the summer calendar and the line-up this year brings big names including The Human League, Paul Weller, Rick Astley, Richard Ashcroft and Scissor Sisters across the run of shows. It’s a busy couple of weeks, you’ll definitely feel it and hear it across town!
Ludlow Food Festivals & Foodie Events
Food festivals are still at the heart of it all in foodie Ludlow. The Food Festival (11th-13th September), is still the big one, drawing people back year after year for local producers, tastings and a genuinely good atmosphere that still feels rooted in the town. If you like to walk and eat, check out the Magnalonga (9th August), a “delicious ramble through the rolling Shropshire countryside” but be quick, tickets for this sell like hot cakes.
New for 2026: Ludlow History Festival
New for the calendar in 2026 is the Ludlow History Festival (21st-30th August), with events spread across venues including the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, St Laurence’s Church and Ludlow Library. Ludlow Castle are offering a whole weekend of archaeology with hands-on activities and tours. Expect talks, tours, performances, comedy, theatre and music, all celebrating the rich and gripping history of our town.
More Things to Do in Ludlow This Summer
Summer madness also brings the Richard’s Castle Soapbox Derby – which is exactly as fun and unpredictable as it sounds – as well as pop-up food nights and live music all around town
Add to the mix outdoor cinema, art exhibitions, open gardens, guided walks and busy village halls, this is what spring and summer in Ludlow feel like. Not one headline event but a run of good weekends, buzzing streets, long summer evenings and the sense that there’s always something going on.
If you’re planning to visit Ludlow, this is a great time to do it. Visit our What’s On page for all the latest updates.
