2026 Festival of Archaeology.

The Festival will take place across the UK from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 2nd August and the theme will be ‘Archaeology and Nature‘.

Archaeology and nature are interconnected revealing how humans have lived with, shaped, and been shaped by the environment around them. By exploring the past using the climate, geology, animals, plants, landscapes and the effect of nature on archaeological sites and buildings today, we can understand how places and communities evolve and develop.

The Festival of Archaeology is the perfect time to bring these connections to life. Hosting an event — whether it’s a guided walk, a talk, community fieldwork project, or a creative workshop — invites people to see that archaeology isn’t just about the past. It’s about our ongoing story with the world around us.

By celebrating archaeology and nature, we can inspire curiosity and develop a deeper sense of belonging to the landscapes we share. We can’t wait to see how you interpret the theme.

Submissions for events opens on 21st February 2026.