What's On
What's On
What's On

What’s On in the Lake District and Cumbria

Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, Cumbria, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged and energised. From country fairs and garden parties to beer festivals and agricultural shows, this is very much #ThePlaceToBe – at all times of the year. Whether you are looking for what's on this week, what's on in the Lake District, or what's on in Cumbria, we have you covered with the best list of events taking place.

We Cumbrians love to celebrate things – food, music, literature, culture, the great outdoors – and nothing delights us more than sharing the wealth of our heritage and landscape with visitors from all over the world.

The county comes alive to the sound of music – and we mean all kinds of music, from classical to alt rock. Kendal Calling is Cumbria’s version of Glastonbury, but there’s all kinds of other musical celebrations to choose from, from folk weekends centred on a brewery to a music festival that also includes outdoor activities – so you can follow a 5k run with a beer and some live music.

We’ve no shortage of festivals that celebrate the great outdoors, which is hardly surprising given that the Lake District, Cumbria is one of Europe’s most beautiful corners. Walking festivals, fell runs, competitive bike races, orienteering and challenge events… whatever way you like to tackle or enjoy nature, we’ve got something for you.

And when you’re done exerting yourself, you’ll be looking for something to eat, and in Cumbria we know how to celebrate our remarkable food heritage. There are markets and foodie events all over the county spread throughout the year, including our tribute to the mighty Cumberland sausage in May. Taste Cumbria hosts a series of great festivals between April and October with lots of food stalls and cooking demos, and you can taste your chilli endurance at the Holker Chilli Fest, held in the grounds of gorgeous Holker Hall in September.

And don’t forget beer. We’re big fans of it in Cumbria – we like to brew it, drink it and celebrate its very existence with over a dozen brilliant festivals throughout the year, ranging from big events spread over a couple of days that draw in crowds from all over England to smaller events in cosy rural pubs deep in the heart of rural Cumbria.

Christmas markets, Easter fairs and seasonal celebrations are huge in the county, but maybe you’d prefer something a little more…unique? You can come enjoy the World's Original Marmalade Awards at Dalemain, or explore the county in the Great Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt, a tribute to local literary legend Beatrix Potter. And, keeping it literary, how about stepping back in time at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival?

We’re having a party; come and join us.

Calendar

This Month

Northern Soul Exhibition- Ian Scott Massie

An exhibition of watercolour paintings and screen prints exploring the character of the North of…

Openings

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4th September 2020-1st November 2020

Confluences

Confluences is the first joint exhibition showcasing the work of artists Martin and Siobhan…

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4th September 2020-2nd November 2020

Lakeland Arts and Crafts

A selection of Artisan and makers selling their local products

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30th September 2020-20th October 2020

Alone Together: Our community in Lockdown 2020

In April 2020, we asked members of the public to send us their photos of life in lockdown and tell…

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6th October 2020-31st December 2020

Wildcat Island

Explore previously unchartered territory as you navigate our wildflower meadow trail just like the…

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12th October 2020-31st October 2020

Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed

From ruffians to royalty; from sailors to socialites; from pilgrims to punks: tattoos have been…

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17th October 2020-16th January 2021

Sterling Silver Jewellery 'Three Silver Rings' with Melinda Scarborough

Design & make 'three Silver rings' with Sterling Silver and Semi-Precious Stones with Melinda…

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20th October 2020

23 Walks (12A)

Directed by Paul Morrison, 23 WALKS is a heart-warming comedy drama about finding love later in…

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20th October 2020

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21st October 2020

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22nd October 2020

Giselle Royal Ballet

The greatest of all Romantic ballets, Peter Wright's production of Marius Petipa's classic is a…

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20th October 2020

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29th October 2020

Helvellyn via Striding Edge, guided scramble

A guided walk and introduction to scrambling ascending Helvellyn via Striding Edge and back down…

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20th October 2020

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27th October 2020

The Royal Ballet: Giselle

The greatest of all Romantic ballets, Peter Wright's production of Marius Petipa's classic is a…

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20th October 2020

Stevie Nicks 24K Gold

Stevie Nicks, two time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and legendary Grammy-winning recording…

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21st October 2020

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25th October 2020

The Brockhole Halloween Experience: The Return of The Pumpkin

This October Brockhole is being taken over by more monsters, ghouls and ghosts and again you're…

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21st October 2020-31st October 2020

Guided scramble up Sharp Edge, Blencathra

A guided hill walk and introduction to scrambling on Blencathra with an ascent of Sharp Edge and…

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21st October 2020

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28th October 2020

The Jungle Book (PG)

After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli…

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22nd October 2020

Guided Scramble up Jack's Rake, Langdale

A guided walk and introduction to scrambling. Warming up on the rocky challenges on Stickle Ghyll…

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22nd October 2020

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29th October 2020

Disparate Romantics: Stephen Gill

Professor Stephen Gill joins Jeff Cowton and Simon Bainbridge to discuss his new edition of…

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22nd October 2020

The Secret Garden (PG)

Starring Colin Firth, Julie Walters and Dixie Egerickx. In The Secret Garden a young, recently…

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23rd October 2020

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24th October 2020

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30th October 2020

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31st October 2020

Where's Wally? Spooky Museum Search

This half-term, WALLY, the world's favourite children's book character – wearing a red-and-white…

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24th October 2020-31st January 2021

Stylish Tote Bag at Cowshed Creative

Create a stylish tote bag in a day. With expert step-by-step guidance, you will work from a pattern…

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24th October 2020

Stylish Tote Bag

Create a stylish tote bag in a day. With expert step-by-step guidance, you will work from a pattern…

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24th October 2020

Spooky Halloween Hunt

Half Term Halloween activity for Children at the Ruskin Museum, Coniston. Join us in the hunt for…

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24th October 2020-31st October 2020

Halloween Week

** Halloween Week At Muncaster is back! ** Do you dare visit Cumbria's most haunted Castle this…

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24th October 2020-31st October 2020

Over the Moon (U)

An adventurous girl builds a rocket ship to meet a mythical goddess on the moon.

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26th October 2020

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28th October 2020

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30th October 2020

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31st October 2020

Half Term Crafts

Prepare yourself for some more fun and entertaining craft sessions this half term. We will be…

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26th October 2020-31st January 2021

Bohemian Rhapsody (12A)

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead…

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26th October 2020

The Secret Garden

Showing From Tue 27 Oct - Sun 1 Nov Please book your tickets in advance on our website When Mary…

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27th October 2020-1st November 2020

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27th October 2020

Uncle Vanya West End Theatre Production

Sonya (Aimee Lou Wood) and her Uncle Vanya (Toby Jones) while away their time on an isolated…

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27th October 2020

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31st October 2020

Uncle Vanya

Following its critically acclaimed opening in London earlier this year, Sonia Friedman Productions'…

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27th October 2020

Dark Skies Walk

Join Jo Gruchy from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter Forest for a walk around the forest at night. The…

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28th October 2020

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30th October 2020

Akira

Showing Wed 28 Oct Please book your tickets in advance on our website (15) 124mins / OV / English…

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28th October 2020

The Princess Bride

Showing From Wed 28 Oct - Sun 1 Nov Please book your tickets in advance on our website (1987) A…

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28th October 2020-1st November 2020

After We Collided

Showing From Wed 28 Oct Please book your tickets in advance on our website Tessa has everything to…

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28th October 2020-29th October 2020

Bohemian Rhapsody

Showing From Wed 29 Oct Please book your tickets in advance on our website Bohemian Rhapsody is a…

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28th October 2020

The Winter Droving 2020

St Andrews Churchyard Projections A celebratory feature taking place in St Andrews Churchyard…

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28th October 2020

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29th October 2020

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30th October 2020

Black Panther

Showing Thur 29 Fri 30 Sat 31OCt Please book your tickets in advance on our website (12A) 134mins…

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29th October 2020-31st October 2020

Coco

Showing Thur 29 & Sat 31 Oct Please book your tickets in advance on our website (PG) 105mins…

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29th October 2020

Hand Applique Miniatures

Spend a relaxing day creating collaged pictures with fabrics and stitch. Turn all those hoarded…

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29th October 2020

Bad Wolf?

Bad Wolf? is a fantastic immersive theatre piece exploring the myths around the story of the Big…

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29th October 2020-31st October 2020

Murder at Monster Mansion - Themed Dinner

Enjoy an interactive fun evening with singing, laughter and a murder! Fancy dress is optional!

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29th October 2020

Phil Lynot Songs for while I'm Away

A feature documentary on the life and music of Phil Lynott, telling the story of how a young black…

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30th October 2020

Willow Platter - the perfect gift at Cowshed Creative

Learn a traditional rural craft and make your own willow platter. These simple, yet stylish…

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30th October 2020

NT Live: Frankenstein

Directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Frankenstein…

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30th October 2020

Halloween Spooky Skies Walk

Join JAG Outdoors and follow a route through the trees enjoying the sounds of silence and the…

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31st October 2020

Off Grid - Olivia Bax

Cross Lane Projects is proud to present a solo exhibition of new work by Olivia Bax, winner of the…

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Season

31st October 2020-12th December 2020

Forest Bathing - The Japanese Art of Shinrin-Yoku

Reestablishing a deep connection to nature can be very healing and nourishing. Nature has the power…

Openings

Season

31st October 2020

Inspiration

Festivals

Whatever the time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music to film and food to beer, Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals.
Markets

Cumbria and the Lake District’s collection of markets might just be the best in the country.
Challenge Events

Sure, you can come to Cumbria and the Lake District to go for nice walks or enjoy the stunning landscapes, but here we know how to test your competitive edge. Throughout the year we host races of all kinds - in the water, on a bike, across a fell, in a sack - but in Cumbria you can also challenge yourself in a host of competitions rooted in ancient traditions
Stress busting in the Lake District
The idea that spending recreational time outdoors in natural spaces is good for you isn’t new, but now there is a growing body of research that supports it.

12 Feb 2020
Food & Drink Events

Cumbria is famous for it's great food and selection of high quality local produce. Backing this up is the range of food and drink events throughout the year.
Cultural Events

The arts and culture scene in The Lake District, Cumbria is thriving, with many events taking place throughout the county year-round.

You may leave the Lake District, but once you've been,
it'll never leave you...

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What’s On in the Lake District and Cumbria

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