Summer at the Green
Free family events this August in Wharf Green
Throughout August, activities such as an outdoor cinema and planetarium, will occupy the square. Each weekend you will see a different theme with a marquee activity taking place. There will also be activities taking place every Wednesday, including art and circus workshops.
The pop-up park, featuring a large artificial grass area, picnic benches, and play elements like hopscotch, a numbered snake and a running track, will remain in place throughout the month. It can be enjoyed at any time, even when no events are taking place.
Location and map
Wharf Green
Swindon
SN1 1LF
Located in the town centre, next to The Brunel Shopping Centre. View Wharf Green on a map.
Creative Arts Weekend
Saturday, 2 August - Family creative fun
Enjoy a full day of interactive workshops, performances and playful activities in association with Signal Festival, Swindon Dance, the Bubble Master, Museum & Art Swindon, Central Library and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Dance, song writing, clowning and visual arts workshops
- Board games, world-building and interactive role play
- Live open mic music and street performances
- Bubble shows, hands-on art and creative play
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Teddy Bears’ Picnic, storytelling, giant games and craft tables
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Sunday, 3 August - Celebrating South Asian arts and culture
In association with the South Asian Performing Arts Centre (SAPAC), Sunday brings a rich mix of music, dance and traditional artistry.
Activities include:
- Manisha Jha (solo and group Kathak performances)
- Harkit (tabla recital)
- DJ Karty
- Hindu Samaj (Bollywood and folk dance)
- Music Mantra (instrumental and karaoke)
- Shivani (classical Kathak)
- Aungush Rahman (light classical)
- Solo singer performance
- Henna art
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Circus School
Wednesday, 6 August - Big top fun for all ages
Enjoy a full day of circus-themed entertainment in association with Swindon Circus & Outdoor Arts Project (SCOAP), the Bubble Master and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Live circus performances
- Juggling, hula hoop and acrobatic workshops
- Bubble shows
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Sports Weekend
Saturday, 9 August - Try something active
Enjoy two days of energetic, hands-on activities in association with ATBShop, Swindon Fencing Club and Longevity Games.
Activities include:
- Mobile skate park with ramps, grind box, jump box and kickers
- Tech decks and crafts
- Professional skateboard and scooter tuition (equipment provided)
- Professional fencing tuition (equipment provided)
- Information and advice on staying active and healthy
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Sunday, 10 August - Skate, fence and have fun
Enjoy a day of high-energy activities in association with ATBShop and Swindon Fencing Club.
Activities include:
- Mobile skate park with ramps, grind box, jump box and kickers
- Tech decks and crafts
- Professional skateboard and scooter tuition (equipment provided)
- Professional fencing tuition (equipment provided)
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Wheelie Wednesday
Wednesday, 13 August - Celebrate cycling in Swindon
Enjoy a full day of cycling-themed activities in association with Life Cycle, Rogers Bikes, Travel Choices, British Cycling, Moredon Sporting HUB and e-Motion.
Activities include:
- Let’s Ride: Guided ride around Swindon
- Free drop-in bike repairs from a qualified mechanic
- Bike security marking
- Learn to cycle sessions with BMX bikes, adapted bikes, ICE recumbent trikes and electric bikes
- Cycling-themed crafts
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Outdoor Cinema Weekend
Saturday, 16 August - Water themed films and crafts
Enjoy a day of outdoor entertainment in association with Skylight Cinema, Historic England and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Three film screenings with a water theme
- Craft and drawing activities
- Historic coastal photography displays
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Sunday, 17 August - Sci-fi themed films and crafts
Enjoy a relaxed day of film and family fun in association with Skylight Cinema and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Three film screenings with a sci-fi theme
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Art Workshops
Wednesday, 20 August - A day to make, play and explore
Enjoy hands-on creativity for all ages in association with Artsite, Museum & Art Swindon and the Bubble Master.
Activities include:
- Mural painting
- Prop making
- Photo booth
- Interactive music
- Face painting
- Bubble shows
- Amazing animals mask making, colouring, puzzles and drawing
- Art display boards showcasing local artists
- Scavenger hunt trail
- Arts and crafts
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Planetarium
Saturday, 23 August - History-themed planetarium experience
Enjoy a day of discovery and hands-on learning in association with Immersive Experiences, English Heritage, the National Trust, the National Literacy Trust and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Large mobile planetarium
- VR experience: fly over different regions of the world
- Fossil dig and lava rocks activity
- Discover and handle historical artefacts
- Story and rhyme sessions
- Crafts, quizzes and prizes
- Book giveaways
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Sunday, 24 August - Journey through space and beyond
Enjoy an immersive day of space-themed activities in association with Immersive Experiences and New Elements.
Activities include:
- Large mobile planetarium
- Real meteorite artefact handling
- Space suit dress-up
- Giant rocket and moon photo area
- Worksheet activity zone
- Hands-on space activities: cycle the solar system or make a sundial
- Space VR bean bag area
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Live Music Finale
Monday, 25 August - Celebrate the summer with music and making
Enjoy a vibrant day of performances and creativity in association with Swindon 105.5, Eastcott Studios and Luna Face Painting.
Activities include:
- Live music performances (line-up to be confirmed)
- Pottery craft table
- Gurney face competition with prizes
- Face painting, glitter art and temporary tattoos
- Pop-up food and drink available throughout the day
Pop-up Park
Saturday, 2 August to Monday, 25 August
Enjoy the pop-up park in Wharf Green throughout August. Open daily, even when no events are taking place.
Activities include:
- Large artificial grass area
- Picnic benches for eating, resting and socialising
- Play elements including hopscotch, a numbered snake and a running track
Further information
All events and activities are free and open to everyone. No booking is required, but activities may be subject to change depending on availability and weather conditions on the day.
