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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: 507
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122A Highgate, Kendal
11.30am-5pm | 18+ yrs
Join Helen Clues, Mosaic artist, to create beautiful mosaic pieces using fabulous materials in this workshop. There will be a choice of projects to choose from, all equipment and materials, including ceramics and glass, are…
Howtown, Penrith
Chillswim Ullswater 2026 will take place on Saturday 11th July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the outskirts of Pooley Bridge, this will be the 7th edition of this incredible swimming challenge!
Swimmers will complete the full length of lake swim in…
Arnside
This is a unique day out for individuals, groups and families, including dogs! Walk with us from Arnside to Grange across the shifting sands of Morecambe Bay, led by award-winning guide Michael Wilson and his team from the historic Guide over Sands…
Winscales, Workington
One of our Summer Series events, escape to the Mediterranean for a night of music, food and celebration inspired by 'Mamma Mia!'.
Your evening takes place in our new Woodland Event Suites. It includes a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course…
Moresby, Whitehaven
After the side-splitting success of last year's festival, we're thrilled to announce that West Coast Comedy Festival will be back in 2026!
Join us for a 7-hour comedy extravaganza, packed with 5 amazing comedians, great music, and some delicious…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Acclaimed actor, singer, musician and writer — and proud Geordie icon — Jimmy Nail heads out on the road in 2026 with Stories and Songs. It is a series of intimate retrospective shows reflecting on an extraordinary seven-decade career.
From the…
Ambleside
This retreat is a spiritual and creative journey, a cocoon of connection, to ourselves, to each other and to God.
Nancy's ethos as an artist and facilitator is directly linked to her spirituality. This retreat takes inspiration from The Artist's…
Portinscale, Keswick
Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the gorgeous Lingholm Estate, on the outskirts of Keswick.
A wonderful event for the whole family, the talented Illyria Theatre Company celebrates this…
Carlisle
Step right up and prepare to be transported back in time with Big Kid Circus: Jurassic — the most thrilling and imaginative production in the UK circus calendar for 2026! Celebrating the company's 21st UK touring season, Jurassic is a spectacular…
Ambleside
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the hamlet of Rydal. This is a wonderful hike up to the popular Buckstones Jum and the waterfalls that lie downstream. A "Jum" is an old dialect word for a…
2 Compston Rd, Ambleside
The Buckstones Jum and Waterfalls swim takes us just down the road from our Ambleside base to the hamlet of Rydal. This is a wonderful hike up to the popular Buckstones Jum and the waterfalls that lie downstream.
The pool below the fall at…
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
A diverse exhibition celebrating printmaking techniques, creativity, and artistic exploration by Cumbrian printmakers.
Exploration and Discovery is an exhibition by Cumbria Printmakers, a cooperative of individual artists united by a shared passion…
Inspiration
Calling all local talent – and local music lovers! Join us for Muncaster Castle's monthly Open Mic…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…
Seventy-five years before the Broadway musical, the true story of jazz-loving murderess Roxie Hart…
Gel-Plate Printing Workshop with Wendy Ann Stanger Saturday 6 June £70 plus £10 for materials on…
Cine-Social is a once-a-month evening for film-lovers to get together. Each month, three films are…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
Discover a wealth of horticultural colour, scent and design inspiration when 16 gates will open…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
Experience the perfect blend of music, food, and craft beer at Bess & Barrel, our monthly Summer…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
Join us for a trip back in time and discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the…
12.30-2pm | Open to Families – Children aged 5+ with a responsible adult Get ready to roll, press,…
Shortlisted works from Farfield Mill's Textile Competition, chosen by judges Jan Beadle, Cas…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Seven artists explore shared landscapes, material connections, and personal perspectives on land,…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
In 2026, we're back for a great retro weekend in Ulverston town centre. On Saturday 30th May, we'll…
Vibrant woven sails and textiles inspired by nineteenth-century Welsh shipwrecks and coastal…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Seven perspectives, bound by a mutual reverence for natural form, fragility, and transformation. As…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…


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