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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: 514
, currently showing 1 to 12.
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…
Ambleside
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns May 23 – 25, 2026.
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District lets you tap into the essence of trad climbing with a range of clinics and workshops run by expert guides and world-class athletes. At…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends and celebrations, the combination of thrilling jump racing and a relaxed party atmosphere brings thousands of people back year after year. Over nine…
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
Bowness
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and learning through play.
Make a Flying Fish
What kinds of fish live in Windermere? Get creative in the Learning Centre…
122A Highgate, Kendal
12-4pm | 16+ yrs
Have you wanted to give our incredible clay courses a go but you're not sure if it's for you? Join our resident ceramist and artist, Chris Barnes, to explore clay and get your hands dirty in our studio in a fun, informal and…
Ambleside
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead, Ambleside. The morning session is ideal for those who are new to outdoor swimming. It aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence while…
Rydal Water, Ambleside
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house for hands-on crafting activities inspired by our new Useful/Beautiful exhibition.
Decorate a Pot!
Decorate your own paper pot…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Kirkland, Kendal
Celebrate spring at Abbot Hall with creative, family-friendly activities running throughout the Easter holidays. From hands-on crafts to gallery adventures, there's plenty to keep curious minds busy.
Draw a Self-Portrait!
Draw a self-portrait…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
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
Bowness - On - Windermere
Step back into the golden age of cinema on Saturday 23 May, for a truly special big screen experience — the legendary silent classic Pandora's Box presented with LIVE accompaniment on our magnificent Wurlitzer organ, performed by renowned organist…
Inspiration
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
Wed 22 Apr-1 Jul (10 wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-16 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 4.15-5.45pm | 11-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…
Thu 24 Apr-2 Jul (10 wks) | 6-8pm | 16+ yrs Design and make your own pieces, learning all the…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Tue 21 Apr- 16 Jun (8 wks) | 6.30-8.30pm | 18+ yrs An introduction to four different styles of…
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of…
Step back into the golden age of cinema on Saturday 23 May, for a truly special big screen…
Looking for some fun craft activities during May half-term? Come to the museum to make your own…
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.45pm | 16+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Join us for our fantastic Calvert Stables Open Day and experience the yard like never before. This…
Smoky barbecue, live music, and golden-hour views in the Lake District—with Someone's Something…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 7.15-8.45pm | 14+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
This is a high quality workshop where participants will be taught how to create a small stone…
This temporary exhibition celebrates the work of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10 wks) | 5-6pm | 7-11 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest


We’re having a party - come and join us.
Running an event?
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL