This summer is packed with music, food, culture and adventure events, so we thought we would highlight 3 great local (and FREE) festivals in Somerset to check out this year. Plus, find out about the all-new Mendip Mini Fests: six weekends of fun, adventure and free entertainment at no extra cost. It’s all the festival fun, without the festival price tag!
Summary
- Somerset hosts a range of free family-friendly summer festivals and events, including the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, regional eat:Festivals, and community events such as Weston Pride and Spray Jam.
- The Mendip Mini Fests run from 24th July 2026 to 30th August 2026, offering six weekends of festival-style entertainment at Mendip Basecamp, at no extra cost for campers.
- Outside the school holidays, Basecamp provides free weekend entertainment including live music, Circus Skills and family play areas, creating a relaxed, festival-style camping experience in Somerset.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Family-Friendly Summer Fun in Somerset
- 3 Free Local Festivals and Events
- Free Festival Fun at No Extra Cost
- Try a School Holiday Mendip Mini Fest
- Free Entertainment at Award-Winning Basecamp
- Mendip Mini Fest Frequently Asked Questions
Family-Friendly Summer Fun in Somerset
When it comes to festivals, Somerset is mainly known for the famous Glastonbury Festival. However, it’s not the only party in the county: there are plenty of great local events to experience, many of them family-friendly and often free!
3 Free Local Festivals and Events
1. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Take in magical views of the Bristol skyline at the city’s legendary ballooning event, taking place every summer at Ashton Court in south Bristol. Visit their website to find out when the next Fiesta takes place.
2. eat:Festivals
For all you family foodies out there! These food and drink festivals support local West Country producers and are a great way to discover local products and businesses. Events take place throughout the year in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Burnham-on-Sea, Portishead and Bedminster.
3. Culture Weston and Visit WsM
Culture Weston and Visit WsM regularly organise local events, including some with free entry. Highlights this year include Weston Pride and the Spray Jam, plus events and festivals featuring live music, art installations, and more.
Free Festival Fun at No Extra Cost
If your family is looking for their festival fix, Mendip Mini Fests are the answer you’re looking for. The highlight of Basecamp’s summer of free entertainment, our Mini Fests feature six weekends of live music, free activities and workshops, all at no extra cost!
Try a School Holiday Mendip Mini Fest
From 24th July 2026 to 30th August 2026, everything on a Mini Fest weekend is included in the regular camping price:
- Live music: Friday and Saturday evenings at Basecamp
- Circus Skills workshops: Try spinning plates, juggling and diablo
- Children’s Storytelling
- Nature workshops with local experts, exploring Somerset’s flora and fauna
- Orienteering sessions through ancient woodland and grassland
- Outdoor yoga led by experienced instructors
Mendip Basecamp is a warm, friendly and relaxed campsite with a natural festival feel, fantastic facilities and loads of space. Guests regularly compliment the clean, well-stocked and zero-queue toilets and showers, making the site a breeze for family campers.
Looking For a Taste of Adventure?
Tick some experiences off your family bucket list with some adventures at Mendip Activity Centre, a five-minute walk away from Basecamp. Challenge yourself to reach the top of a climb, or delve into the depths of the Mendip Hills, or something else entirely – the choice is up to you!
Free Entertainment at Award-Winning Basecamp
Outside of the school holidays, you and your family will still find free entertainment at Basecamp:
- Live music every weekend
- Circus Skills on Sunday mornings
- Giant sandpit and boulder garden
Relaxed and welcoming, with loads of space to run around and no set check-out times for tent/campervan pitches, Basecamp is an authentic and off-grid family campsite ready for your next adventure.
Mendip Mini Fest Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Mendip Mini Fests cost extra?
No! The Mendip Mini Fests are part of Basecamp’s summer entertainment schedule, designed to give you a relaxed, family-friendly festival-style experience without the high costs and late nights.
Find out more about Mendip Mini Fests here.
What happens on Mendip Mini Fest weekends?
Free entertainment and activities on Mini Fest weekends include:
- Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Circus Skills workshops
- Nature workshops
- Orienteering sessions
- Outdoor yoga
Is there still free entertainment at Basecamp outside the school holidays?
Yes! You will find free entertainment like live music and Circus Skills workshops on weekends, plus indoor and outdoor play areas for the children. You can learn more about Basecamp here.