What’s on in Stroud this fortnight: 26 Jan – 1 Feb
Some could be forgiven for being pleased that January is almost over, but for those not wanting to wish their lives away the good news is that there’s still nearly a week of art, music culture and community events to enjoy in the Stroud district.
This week’s highlights include a beer masterclass at Stroud Brewery, a jazz jam, a radical reading group and a chance to become an on-call firefighter. Plus, this weekend the team behind Stroud’s listings magazine Good on Paper throw their annual fundraising party and the Museum in the Park hosts a playful first exhibition of 2026.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Discuss The Matchbox Girl with Stroud Radical Reading Group – Wed 28 Jan, 7:30pm
Stroud Radical Reading Group hosts a discussion of The Matchbox Girl, chosen to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The novel by local author Alice Jolly reflects on the story of a young girl’s battle for survival and search for truth in occupied Vienna.
- Take a beer masterclass at Stroud Brewery – Fri 30 Jan, 6:30pm
Join the Stroud Brewery team for a masterclass in tasting organic beer. Led by one of their experts, this event explores the flavours and stories of the brews, as well as providing behind the scenes insight on the brewing process.
- Dance at the Crooked Stylus Social Club – Fri 30 Jan, 7pm
Crooked Stylus Social Club returns this Friday to Studio 18 for a monthly residency on the last Friday of each month. Entry is by donation for an evening that promises an eclectic selection of funk, disco, dub and house.
- Join the Stroud Jazz Club Jam Session – Fri 30 Jan, 8pm
Former British Jazz Awards Top Tenor Saxophonist and bandleader Simon Spillett joins the Stroud Jazz Club jam session at the SVA as he celebrates 30 years on the UK jazz scene. All are welcome to listen – and perform – at this friendly supportive monthly event.
- Have a go at Stroud Fire Station – Sat 1 Feb
Stroud Community Fire Station is on the hunt for new on-call firefighters to help make a difference in the community. Those who live within easy reach of Stroud or Nailsworth are invited to come along and find out what it takes at this ‘have a go day’.
- Attend the Good on Paper Party – Sat 1 Feb, 7pm
Alex Hobbis and Adam Hinks throw their annual fundraising party for Stroud’s unrivalled listings oracle Good on Paper. Now marking eleven years since its launch in February 2015, Good on Paper continues to offer the definitive guide to arts, music, theatre, film, dance, comedy, literature and spoken word events across the Stroud area.
Continuing this week
- Discover the movable world of Robert Race – Until Sun 8 March
The Museum in the Park reopened its doors on Saturday, and this first exhibition of 2026 explores the playful world of Robert Race, creator of moving toys, automata, sculpture and mobile decorations. Race’s ingenious inventions combine humour, wit and wonder, and a delight in recycling discarded objects and natural materials.
Further afield
- Attend the Gloucester Cajun & Zydeco Festival – Fri 30 Jan – Sun 1 Feb
Europe’s longest running Cajun & Zydeco festival is back for its 32nd year, bringing together two parallel strands of music from America’s deep south at Gloucester Guildhall for a packed programme of performances, talks and workshops. Expect dance workshops suitable for all abilities, instrument workshops and authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
