You are here: Home > What's On
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 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. We’ve got festivals aplenty, from folk weekends centred on a brewery to a music festival that also includes outdoor activities – hardly surprising given that the Lake District, Cumbria is known for its natural beauty. 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.
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, from a celebration of marmalade to a chili eating competition. Taste Cumbria hosts a series of great festivals between April and October with lots of food stalls and cooking demos.
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. Discover big events spread over a couple of days that draw in crowds from all over England, and smaller events in cosy pubs deep in the heart of rural Cumbria.
Christmas markets, Easter fairs and seasonal celebrations are huge in the county, too. From agricultural shows to festive fun, we’ve got you covered. How about stepping back in time at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival? Check out our Lake District, Cumbria blog for bags of inspiring articles on places to visit and things to see.
We’re having a party. Come and join us.
Number of results: 485
, currently showing 1 to 12.
Ambleside
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming. Rydal Water has a fascinating history and is the ideal location for wild swimming. Join us on this gem of a swim-hike, swim the islands of Rydal Water,…
Rydal Water, Ambleside
Ulverston
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of the botanicals we use to make our gins & vodkas. A welcome tipple awaits you, followed by a distillery tour by the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe.…
Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings, Ulverston
North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston
Hosted by Shed One's owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe. Enjoy a welcome tipple followed by a tour of the distillery and the story behind our gins and vodkas. Then relax in our visitor bar for a guided tasting of at least five of our spirits, with…
W Strand, Whitehaven
Discover the creatures that came before the T.REX.
Step back to the Carboniferous period, 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Visit tropical forests and swamps teeming with bizarre and ferocious ancient monsters, some of which had larger teeth…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a delightful musical spectacular! With beautiful puppets and enchanting songs, this theatrical treat is perfect for the whole family.
️ Thanks to the…
Ambleside
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of the Wray team.
Starting on the Castle terrace, you'll stop at key points around the perimeter to hear how the Dawson family created the estate,…
Wray, Ambleside
Moresby, Whitehaven
The People's Gallery + Art Lab | Take Part
This summer, we're transforming our top floor into Art Lab: a playful creative space for experimenting, making, and having fun.
You and your family can drop in and explore a wide range of arts and crafts…
Kendal
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Join Rosehill this summer for The People's Gallery, a free, family-friendly exhibition showcasing art from creatives across Cumbria.
Plus, spend time getting creative in our Art Lab, a creative play space packed full of free activities, books, art…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Ambleside
Participants will learn about:
*The fascinating history of the process
*Talk about design elements (and possibly collect objects/plants from around the grounds) to act as a "resist". Responding to the local environment and discussing ideas for a…
Brampton
Weekly on a Tuesday from 23.07 - 27.08. Aim for the high score as you test out your ancient archery skills at the Roman Army Museum! Can you be as accurate as the cohort of Hamian archers stationed at Magna Fort 2,000 years ago?
Roman Army Museum, Brampton
Inspiration
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
The People's Gallery + Art Lab | Take Part This summer, we're transforming our top floor into Art…
Join us for the first ever Outdoor Cinema weekend at Ambleside Manor, with four classic films being…
REACTOR is a new multimedia installation by Felicity Hammond, launching on Thursday 28th May at 6pm…
Looking for a fun, free activity to keep little explorers entertained this summer? Our Palm Pals…
Georgia Cécile is a UK award-winning jazz vocalist, championed by Gregory Porter and Jamie Cullum.…
Meet the Ancient Britons During your visit to the museum you will have the opportunity to meet…
Cumbria Tourism Best Experience Winner: 2022 & 2025 Create your own distilled gin or vodka in…
Hosted by Shed One's owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe. Enjoy a welcome tipple followed by a tour…
Beth Williams, a local Beatrix Potter researcher, and welcome manager at Hill Top, will be joining…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
The People's Gallery + Art Lab | Take Part Join fellow local artists for a relaxed and creative…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Celebrating the beauty, behaviour, symbolism and diversity of birds through the work of 57 UK…
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…
Participants will learn about: *The fascinating history of the process *Talk about design…
Our galleries take on a unique atmosphere as the world slows down. Whether you're looking to…
An action-packed family-friendly festival celebrating Cumbria's coastline and marine wildlife
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…


We’re having a party - come and join us.
Running an event?
Are you organising an event and would like to advertise it on the What's On section of Visit Lake District? Let us know! We welcome any new event submissions throughout the year.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL