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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: 201
, currently showing 193 to 201.
Kendal
Join us for our Christmas Opening here at Levens Hall this December. We will be opening the House and Topiary area of the Gardens over the first three weekends in December.
5th, 6th, 7th December
12th, 13th, 14th December
19th, 20th, 21st…
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen, Kendal
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea room. Featuring glorious Windermere views, Blackwell is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delightful festive treat.
Savour a carefully curated…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
The Abbey, Carlisle
Carlisle Cathedral will once again host their Christmas Tree Festival throughout December, building on the success of the first event held in 2024.
Last year's festival involved 30 local charities, organisations, schools and groups, all of whom…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Grasmere
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover grand landscapes by Constable and Turner, a hasty sketch by Dorothy Wordsworth, dramatic watercolours and rarely displayed objects that spark wonder,…
Wordsworth Grasmere, Grasmere
Lake Rd, Keswick
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's quieter and safer. Until one extraordinary day, a surprise visitor turns his lonely life upside down.
Told by a very special performer, with a…
Bowness-on-Windermere
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child!
(Adults go free!)
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Royalty, where Father Christmas awaits in his enchanting winter wonderland!
Upon arrival, one of our cheerful elves will greet you at the…
Find a Christmas carols service to go to in Cumbria.
Search the whole county and use the map to find a carol service near you.
The Abbey, Carlisle
Every Christmas the Carlisle Cathedral choirs join forces for the annual Christmas Concert; this year our boy and girl choristers, Consort and Lay Clerks will be singing Carols by Candlelight - the perfect pre-Christmas musical treat, including…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Borrowdale, Keswick
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain!
Ho-Ho-Honister is back for 2025 with even more festive magic. Journey aboard the Honister bus into the heart of the fells before venturing underground with one of…
Inspiration
Join us for our Christmas Opening here at Levens Hall this December. We will be opening the House…
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful…
Step inside Santa's Secret Grotto – hidden deep inside a Lake District mountain! Ho-Ho-Honister is…
Get your skates on as our ice rink returns to the shores of Ullswater. A 16ft Christmas tree,…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Saturday, November 1st: 6pm-7.30pm Saturday, November 8th, 6pm-7.30pm Thursday, November 13th,…
13/9/25 Local author Deborah Lyon talks about her children's book set in second century Ambleside.…
As Rheged celebrates 25 years of culture, discover the work of 25 exceptional Cumbrian artists…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child! (Adults go free!) Step into the magic of…
Special Christmas edition of the popular comedy night featuring 4 award winning, Edinburgh Fringe…
Lady Anne Clifford: Building Attributes is a pop up exhibition presenting four architectural models…
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY & MEDITATION RETREAT Celebrate Christmas in a different way This Christmas,…
Your chance to make something beautiful for Christmas. Would you like to learn how to make a…
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20…
On 5 October 2025 18:00-19:30 We are delighted to bring this project to England this year,…
Team Walby is thrilled to announce that Father Christmas and his Festive Friends will be visiting…
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Join in a…


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