Church Year
What Is Pentecost?
Whit Sunday — fifty days after Easter. Dates, Acts 2, and how to find a service near you.
Quick answer
Church Near Me explains Pentecost (Whit Sunday) — the feast fifty days after Easter marking the coming of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost 2027 falls on Sunday 16 May. Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches all keep the day. Confirm times with the parish.
Church Near Me editorial · Published 29 May 2026 · Updated 13 August 2026 Desk-researched from parish, diocesan and denominational publications. Where a time or fee is stated, the source and check date are named. Confirm with the parish before travelling.
Should you go to church on Pentecost?
Yes if you want a principal feast with red vestments, Acts 2, and often baptisms. It is public worship — you do not need to be Pentecostal. Skip this page if you only need Easter or Christmas dates. Skip a midweek “Holy Spirit weekend” (common on Alpha) if you want a single Sunday service, not a course.
When is Pentecost?
Always the seventh Sunday after Easter — fifty days, counting Easter Day. In 2027 that is Sunday 16 May. Whit Monday was a Bank Holiday until 1971; the late May holiday no longer follows the feast. The English name Whitsunday is thought to come from the white garments of those baptised on the day.
| Year | Easter Sunday | Pentecost Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 28 March | 16 May |
| 2028 | 16 April | 4 June |
| 2029 | 1 April | 20 May |
Dates follow Easter. Confirm the parish’s own service time before travelling.
What happened on the day of Pentecost?
Acts chapter 2: the disciples are in Jerusalem; a sound like wind; tongues of fire; they speak in languages they had not learned. Peter preaches; about 3,000 are baptised. That is why churches call it the birthday of the Church. The reading of Acts 2 is central to the day’s worship.
How do UK churches mark Pentecost?
| What you may see | Where |
|---|---|
| Red vestments and hangings | Catholic and Anglican altars — fire, not Christmas gold |
| Baptisms | A traditional day for baptism alongside Easter Vigil |
| Acts 2 in several languages | Some cathedrals and city parishes |
| Whit Walks | Parts of Greater Manchester and other northern towns — confirm locally |
How do I find a Pentecost service near me?
Use Churches Near Me, or open Pentecostal, Catholic or Church of England churches. Pentecostal churches take their name from this feast but every major tradition keeps the day. Check the church calendar for the date; confirm the time with the parish.
Common questions
When is Pentecost in 2027?
Pentecost Sunday 2027 falls on 16 May 2027. Pentecost is always celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026, Pentecost Sunday fell on 24 May 2026.
What is the difference between Pentecost and Whitsunday?
Whitsunday (or Whit Sunday) is the traditional English name for Pentecost. The name is thought to derive from 'White Sunday' — a reference to the white garments worn by those baptised at Pentecost. In the Church of England, the day is officially called Pentecost.
What happened on the day of Pentecost?
According to Acts chapter 2, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a mighty wind filled the room and tongues of fire appeared above each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. Peter then preached and around 3,000 people were baptised.
Is Pentecost a Bank Holiday in the UK?
Pentecost itself is no longer a public holiday. Until 1971, Whit Monday was a Bank Holiday. It was replaced by the Late Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May — a date which no longer tracks with Pentecost.
What is the season of Pentecost?
The long period from Pentecost Sunday to Advent is called 'Ordinary Time' or 'The Season after Pentecost' — typically 26–29 Sundays. The liturgical colour is green, symbolising growth.
How do I find a Pentecost church service near me?
Search Churches Near Me by postcode, or browse Church of England, Catholic and Pentecostal hubs. Pentecost Sunday is a principal feast — most parishes hold a main morning service. Confirm the time with the parish; we do not invent one.