19 things to get excited about in Bath before the end of 2019

With roughly four months left to go before the year is out, and summer almost over, it can sometimes be hard to think of things to fill your days with.

The kids go back to school, the big save for Christmas begins and, sometimes, the darker days and wetter weather means you simply don't want to leave the house.

But there's a whole host of music, dining, shopping and festivals to get your teeth into in Bath before 2020.

We've compiled a list of 19 things you can get excited about before we say 'goodbye' to 2019.

The Nook Garden pop-up at The Bird in Bath

When: Until 29 September

A striking summer garden in the heart of Bath - The Nook Garden is open for locals and visitors to soak up the rest of the summer sun (provided there’s some left for this year).

It is even available to book exclusively for you and your loved ones, making it ideal for summer celebrations and get-togethers.

Avon Valley Country Park Big Family Water Fight

When: 30 August

Avon Valley Country Park is celebrating 30 years of play with its Massive Family Water Fight . Bring the whole family (and a change of clothes).

Includes two large slip ‘n’ slides, giant refilling stations and a foam party area.

If you want to stay dry, there will be a dry zone stocked with food & drink, a bar, music and plenty of entertainment for all the family.

Landing on the Moon - 50th Anniversary at Herschel Museum of Astronomy

When: 24 July - 30 August

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings, The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is holding a ‘Landing on the Moon’ event. Almost a month full of space-themed crafts for kids, with plenty of exhibits for the grown-ups!

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is located on New King Street.

Bath Artisan Market at Queen Square

When: Multiple Saturday dates, starting 31 August

The infamous Bath Artisan Market is back at Queen Square from Saturday 31 August. A great place to hunt for crafts, chat with stall holders and test out the street food on offer. What’s more, it’s dog friendly and helps to support local independent traders.

Located on Queen Square 10am - 4pm. Check the calendar for full list of dates.

Sky Safari at Longleat

(Image: Exclusive Ballooning/Michael D Buckle)

When: 13 - 15 September

With the disappointing wet weather putting a dampener on local Bristol Balloon Fiesta, the Sky Safari at Longleat is the next chance to see an array of hot air balloons (hopefully) take to the skies.

If weather is on our side, this year we should get to see a whole collection of Longleat's very own animal shaped balloons.

Jane Austen Festival at various locations

When: 13 - 22 September

The 19th Jane Austen Festival kicks off on 13 September and sees ten days of celebration in the name of the famous author. The programme includes the Regency Costumed Masked Ball at The Roman Baths, a ghost walk of Bath, readings and book signings and walking tours galore!

Tickets are on sale from Bath Box Office now. Multiple dates and locations - head to the official website for a full list of activities.

The Human League Live at Bath Racecourse

When: 14 September

Eighties chart-toppers, The Human League, will be taking centre stage once racing comes to a close at Bath Racecourse on 14 September. Their set list includes hit singles and no doubt some special treats exclusively for racegoers, as soon as all seven races conclude.

Head here for full event details, including timings and tickets.

Love Milsom Street

When: 2 - 22 September

As part of the Love Our High Street campaign, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, Milsom Street is going car free for a weekend. Restaurants, shops and bars are invited to ‘spill out’ onto the street, giving visitors a whole new shopping and dining experience.

Over 25 businesses are set to take part and there will be activities and promotions aplenty.

Open to all and free to visit.

1940s weekend at Avon Valley Railway in Bitton

When: 21 - 22 September

Avon Valley Railway in Bitton is again hosting their annual 1940s weekend , featuring the newly added ‘Bitton Blitz Boogie’ giving visitors the chance to swing along to classic hits from the ‘40s.

Enjoy a free vintage bus ride from Keynsham before admiring vintage vehicle and re-enactor displays. Meet Winston Churchill and Field Marshall Montgomery, then enjoy music from Jayne Darling and the Goodnight Sweethearts.

There’s also the chance to feast your eyes on the only full size replica Spitfire in the world with a working Rolls Royce engine.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival at various venues

When: 27 September - 6 October

Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival this year sees a star-studded lineup, with Harry Hill, Jacqueline Wilson and Dougie Poynter among the special guestlist. There’s also Shaun the Sheep model making workshops, The Wimpy Kid Show and heaps of storybooks!

For the full lineup and tickets, click here .

Bath Rugby first home game of the season

When: 28 September

Though Bath’s season technically starts a week before, when they travel away to play Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, the Blue, Black and Whites kick off their first home game of the season at 3pm on 28 September for a crucial early match against Worcester Warriors.

It’ll definitely be one you won’t want to miss and with the Rugby World Cup imminent, rugby fever will surely be rife across the city!

The Big Massive Komedia Quiz at Komedia

When: 10 October

Fans of pub quizzes will be excited to hear that the Big Massive Komedia Quiz is coming to Komedia on 10 October.

Hosted by Gareth Williams and featuring everything you love about your everyday pub quiz, on a much bigger scale. We’re told to expect music, video and picture rounds, bonus prizes, audience participation, quick fire questions, forfeits and a lot of laughs!

Get your tickets here .

Bath Fireworks Display at Bath Recreation Ground

When: 2 November

Just in time for Bonfire Night, this year’s Rotary Club Fireworks Display takes place on Saturday 2 November. Wrap up and enjoy the show!

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 2 October.

Bath Vegan Winter Festival at Bath Pavilion

When: 9 November

Bath Pavilion hosts 2019’s Vegan Winter Festival. More than 60 stalls will fill the Pavilion, with free samples, talks and cookery demonstrations throughout the day. Standard tickets are as low as £3 and VIP tickets get you a goody bag.

Giant Flea Market at The Royal Bath and West Showground

When: 24 November

At Bath’s Giant Flea Market this year will be 250+ indoor and outdoor stalls, a licensed restaurant, café, food court and even on-site banking facilities.

You can browse the stalls for everything from vintage clothing, to books and toys. There’s even retro furniture on offer.

Paid admission but children go free. For more info, click here .

Bath Prosecco Festival at Bath Pavilion

When: 30 November

Now featuring gin, Bath’s Prosecco Festival is back and full of goodies, including a free glass of prosecco on arrival, a free branded prosecco glass for you to keep, your very own souvenir guide and wristband. Plus, access to all the bars, street food stalls and even a dancefloor.

For tickets & more info, click here .

The Festival of Light at Longleat

When: 9 November - 5 January with fireworks on 31st December & 1st January

Venture to the grounds of Longleat, just a stone's throw from Bath, where you will be met by an array of stunning sculptures and decor, light shows and more. This year's theme is 'Myths and Legends' and New Year fireworks take place on 31 December and 1 January.

Bath Christmas Market in Bath City Centre

When: 28 November - 15 December

For 18 days, Bath’s award-winning Christmas market fills the City Centre. Browse the 150 chalets, decked with twinkle lights and full of handcrafted jewellery, artisan crafts, homeware, gifts and plenty of delicious grub.

This market is famous the world over and will definitely get you in that festive spirit.

Cheese Fest UK at Royal Bath & West Showground

When: 7 December

The UK’s first and only touring cheese festival comes to the Bath & West Showground this December. This year it is celebrating 30 years of Wallace & Gromit, the faces of Aardman Animation.

To coincide with the theme, this year’s event in Bath will feature a meet and greet with Wallace & Gromit, model making with the Aardman Animations team, Wallace & Gromit life sized vehicles and an activity area.

All this plus live music, cooking demos, street food stalls and an artisan cheese market.

Tickets available on the Cheese Fest UK website .

What are your plans for the rest of 2019? Get in touch ellie.kendall@reachplc.com