Whatever time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music and film to food, beer and a dash of marmalade; Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals all year round.
Popular music and arts festivals include Kendal Calling, Lake District Summer Music Festival and Cockermouth Live.
If you fancy trying something a little different, the Dalemain Marmalade Awards and Festival takes place annually at the impressive Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens and is a celebration of all things (you guessed it!) marmalade. There are tastings, activities, and the world-famous Marmalade Awards. Later in the year, Holker Fest features a popular chilli eating festival as well as artisan stalls selling local food and drink.
Celebrate the wonder of the night sky at a Dark Skies Festival; which takes place every October/November and makes full use of the tremendous opportunities to experience the truly magical dark skies here in Cumbria - we would argue one of the best places in the UK to do so. And raise a glass and grab a sausage for Oktoberfest Cumbria - the fabulous festival imported from the home of The Schuhplattler, dirndl and lederhosen!
There are also annual events like the Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Carlisle City of Lights festival which are experiences not to miss.
Whatever time of year, there is something happening here in the Lake District, Cumbria. Check out some of the festivals taking place below.
Festivals throughout the year
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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Kirkby Stephen
Festival to celebrate the early medieval and viking age history of Kirkby Stephen and the world famous C10 Loki stone
Kirkby Lonsdale
WE ARE BACK!!
After the amazing success of last year we are back bringing you South Lakes Live 26!
A micro festival in the beautiful setting of Kirkby Lonsdale and surrounding countryside in the south of the Lake District.
We are a family friendly…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Ambleside
You're invited to Impact Aid's first ever Spring Bop! A feel-good evening of live music, food and fundraising - all in support of a brilliant local cause.
Join us at Ambleside Parish Centre on Saturday 16th May 2026 from 7pm for live music from…
Ravenglass
Experience medieval magic where knights clash, stories unfold, and the past comes alive!
Each year, Muncaster invites you to step into the past and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Medieval era. The Medieval Muncaster Festival is a grand…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Penrith
10.00am to 4.30pm
£85 inc tasty home made lunch, fresh coffee and cream tea
Material Charges: £5 to cover soil testing kits etc to Shelagh on the day
Design and Planting Tips for a Small Garden with Cumbrian Based lecturer, garden designer &…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Rosehill are delighted to announce its return of The Whitehaven Flower Club for their upcoming Summer Gala demonstration Colours of a Rainbow with special guest arranger Sara Barrow.
Whether you're an experienced arranger or completely new to the…
Penrith
Experience the best of the Lake District's community spirit, scenery and local flavour at the Royal Dockray Hotel's charity weekend on 19–20 June.
Set in the picturesque village of Dockray near Ullswater, this two-day event combines outdoor…
Carlisle
Carnival Parade through the city centre and finishing at Bitts park for The Big Lunch
Ravenglass
Mosey on down to Country By The Castle, Muncaster's Country Music festival!
Join us 17 - 18 July for a country music spectacular, set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Lake District fells and featuring some of the hottest acts from the UK…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Ambleside
Excitement is in the air as Lake District Music announce the programme for the 2026 Summer Festival. Featuring a captivating blend of music, and world class performers and emerging artists, the Summer Festival takes place from 31 July to 9 August…
Kendal
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Fanny Mendelssohn String Quartet in E flat
Dvořák Cypresses Nos.1, 9, 10&12
Bliss String Quartet No.1
Kindly supported by the Bliss Trust
Fresh from their appearance during our spring series the…
Ambleside
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Wihan String Quartet | Trio Bohémo | Marcelo Rodrigues - Double Bass | Nadejda Strin Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Dvořák Piano Quintet No.2 in A Op.81
Dvořák String Quintet No.2 in G Op.77
Suk…
Hawkshead
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quarter | Resol String Quartet
Haydn String Quartet in C Op.74, No.1
Caroline Shaw Plan and Elevation
Grieg String Quartet No.1 in G minor Op.27
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan…
Keswick
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Ravel String Quartet in F
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman and the Haworth Trust
A journey from impressionistic…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury
Rossini Overture to William Tell
Mussorgsky Suite from Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Cox & Knight)
Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks
Does music sound better on…
Cartmel Priory, Cartmel
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29 'Rosamunde'
Ravel String Quartet in F
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman
The spectacular setting of Cartmel's medieval priory is the venue for this…
Cartmel Priory, Cartmel
Coniston
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Ruskin's historic lakeside home plays host to two intricate and imaginative concerts with duo Flutes & Frets, known for their onstage chemistry and audience interaction.
The first concert explores…
Ambleside
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Ruby Hughes - Soprano | Huw Watkins - Piano
Bach Sarabande from Partita No.4
Purcell By Beautious softness arr. Ades
Purcell Music for a while arr. Tippett
Britten Folk Song arrangements
Huw Watkins…
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