A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near California

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for California, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near California

125th Birthday Afternoon Tea1

125th Birthday Afternoon Tea

at Art at The Pavilion

We would like to invite you to indulge in our delicious Pavilion’s 125th Birthday Afternoon Tea in our theatre bar. Carefully curated and baked by the talented Dotty's Delights. Menu Includes: Cream cheese, dil & cucumber finger sandwiches Coronation chicken fingers sandwiches Beef & horseradish sandwiches Caramelised onion & goat's cheese tart Cheese & Chive scone with butter Raspberry scone with raspberry jam and clotted cream Victoria Sponge Bailey's strawberries & cream Eton mess Chocolate Tart . £26.50, , £31.50, with a glass of Prosecco Please book now as limited number of spaces available. Children’s afternoon tea are also available on request. State dietary requirements at time of booking.

7.1 milesSat 11 Jul£26.50,
Local gemSee the details→
Food & Drink

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An Introduction to Direct Gyotaku Printing3

An Introduction to Direct Gyotaku Printing

at The Seagull

Gyotaku is a printmaking technique originally used by fishermen to record their prize catch. Nowadays gyotaku is used by people all over the world to appreciate nature through the art of print. In this step by step practical workshop you will be introduced to direct gyotaku and be able to make your own fish prints. You will learn how to select and prepare fish, mix and apply non-toxic inks, use Oriental papers, print fish and finish the prints using traditional methods. No previous printing or art experience is necessary.

15 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
An Introduction to Direct Gyotaku Printing4

An Introduction to Direct Gyotaku Printing

at Seagull Theatre

Gyotaku is a printmaking technique originally used by fishermen to record their prize catch. Nowadays gyotaku is used by people all over the world to appreciate nature through the art of print. In this step by step practical workshop you will be introduced to direct gyotaku and be able to make your own fish prints. You will learn how to select and prepare fish, mix and apply non-toxic inks, use Oriental papers, print fish and finish the prints using traditional methods. No previous printing or art experience is necessary.

15 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
community5

The Seasiders do the Broads

at Museum of The Broads

The Seasiders do the Broads! Saturday 11th July 12.30-2.30pm Free with museum admission. This popular ukelele band from Winterton-On-Sea bring their music and songs to the Broads. Refreshments are available from the museum shop or bring a picnic and join the Seasiders by the river.

10.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
The Gathering6

The Gathering

at Christ Church Lowestoft

The Gathering is our Sunday evening service at Christ Church. It’s an informal service with a mixture of songs, prayers, news and at its heart a Bible talk relevant to life today. Currently, The Gathering meets in our Church Halls. Please note: once a month we run Cafe Church at 4:30pm instead.

13.5 milesSun 12 Jul19:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community
dance8

Charlotte Wood Academy of Dance: Tutus and Trainers

at Marina Theatre

Charlotte Wood Academy of Dance warmly invites you to their end-of-year showcase. Join us for an entertaining afternoon as our students take to the stage, giving family and friends the opportunity to enjoy their hard work and progress. The show features a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and street, performed by […]

13.7 milesSun 12 Jul£16.50
Local gemSee the details→
Dance
Lord Mayor's Procession Day Activities at The Halls9

Lord Mayor's Procession Day Activities at The Halls

at The Halls

Chill out at The Halls before the Procession (3pm) passes along St Andrews Street. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace, with gentle indoor activities and performances outside to enjoy alongside a drink from our fabulous bar on the Plain – and maybe even an ice cream.

18.2 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Live Music: Afterburn Saturday 11th July 2026 Find out more10

Live Music: Afterburn Saturday 11th July 2026 Find out more

at Jarrold Sport

Another incredible night of Live Music at Jarrolds Letheringsett An unforgettable night of live music from a dynamic 7-piece Suffolk based rock and roll band delivering classic hits, powerful vocals, driving guitars, and an energetic rhythm section. Look forward to a fun-filled atmosphere packed with dancing, singalongs, and great vibes from start to finish.

18.3 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.