Calendar of Essex Coast Events
For a great day out by the beach check out our guide to Essex Coast events and seaside festivals taking place each year. If you are looking for things to do and find out what’s on in Essex, see the events listed below.
Event Dates for your diary
Essex Coast events and highlights throughout the year for your diary. Find out what’s on in 2025, from food festivals to sailing and sporting events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
JUNE
Estuary Arts Festival
The Estuary 2025 festival, themed ‘Vessels’ will take place from June 21 to June 29, 2025, celebrating the connection between creativity and the Thames Estuary. This year, the festival will showcase new artworks across multiple sites, highlighting our relationship with this unique coastal area. It’s a wonderful chance to engage with the Estuary during the beautiful spring and neap tides!
JULY
Brightlingsea Regatta
The Brightlingsea Regatta is a popular maritime event celebrating the rich maritime heritage of Brightlingsea, Essex. The regatta features a variety of sailing races, showcasing skilled sailors competing in different classes of boats, including yachts and dinghies.
AUGUST
Clacton-on-Sea Carnival
The Clacton-on-Sea Carnival is an annual celebration held in August, featuring a variety of fun activities for all ages. Highlights include a colourful Carnival Street Procession, a Family Funday at the Greensward, and a Children’s Fancy Dress Competition. The festivities culminate with a Half Marathon, 10k, and Fun Run, bringing the community together for a week of entertainment and engagement.
AUGUST
Clacton Air Show
Two days of entertainment and activities with the world famous Red Arrows displays, on the Clacton seafront. The Clacton Airshow is a highly anticipated annual event held in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. This event is known for its thrilling aerial displays and family-friendly atmosphere. The airshow features a variety of aircraft, including military and civilian planes, performing impressive aerobatic maneuvers.
AUGUST
Mersea Week
The largest sailing event on the East Coast. Mersea Week is an annual sailing event held in Mersea Island, Essex. The week features various sailing competitions, including the RORC IRC East Coast Championships and the East Coast Sonata Championships, alongside regular Mersea Week fleets.
OCTOBER
Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival
The Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival is an annual event celebrating maritime music and culture, taking place in Harwich, Essex. The festival features a variety of sea shanty groups and musicians performing in pubs, clubs, and historic venues throughout the town, creating a lively atmosphere filled with maritime melodies.
ENJOY THE COAST AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER
Discover Essex Beaches
If you are going to a coastal event in Essex, check out some of the other beaches nearby
Top Essex Beaches
Looking for top Essex Coast destinations? Miles of sandy beaches, traditional seaside towns and family attractions. Walk the coastal path or find family friendly Blue Flag beaches. There are sandy beaches in Essex which are safe for swimming as well as dog friendly beaches for long walks with our four legged friends.
Blue Flag
Family Friendly award winning beaches
Dog friendly
For long walks with our four legged friends.
What’s On
Find out What’s On – from festivals to cultural events along the coast
Beach Guide
See all beaches in Essex
Enjoy the UK Coast