Buxton Events

Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show is a week-long display of gardening inspiration, bursts of summer blooms and colour. It’s held every June at the grand and gracious Chatsworth Estate. 

This programme of visiting comedy, theatre, dance and street performances coincides with the Buxton Festival. For more than 40 years it has enjoyed a reputation as one of the largest independent Fringes in the country.  

Buxton Arts Festival is recognised internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals. It’s a summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature. It has taken place every year ever since 1936, with highlight opera performances at the magnificently restored Buxton Opera House.

These run throughout England as an annual celebration of local history, architecture and culture. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to visit private properties when owners open their doors to the public. This is a special September event that casts a light on what makes communities special. 

Alongside the permanent ‘Wonders of the Peak’ display of the area’s geological history, this museum organises several touring exhibitions, arts events and live music.

Buxton’s beautiful Opera House was designed and built by Frank Matcham, one of Britain’s finest architects, in 1903. It has a wonderfully varied programme of events including drama, music, comedy, dance and opera.

The Pavilion Arts Centre has two spaces: a 350-seat auditorium and a 90-seat studio theatre. The Arts Centre has a mixed programme of stand-up comedy and music events, and has also been home to Buxton cinema over the last 2 years.

The Pavilion Gardens are set within 23 acres of land gifted to Buxton by the 7th Duke of Devonshire. Along the banks of the river Wye are the Victorian bandstand, miniature railway, lakes and play park. The Octagon is a newly refurbished events hall with a domed ceiling, hosting a variety of diverse events throughout the year, including antique and craft fairs, auctions, concerts and classic car shows.