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: 201
, currently showing 13 to 24.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere
Grasmere
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some Regency Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths. Read Dorothy Wordsworth's gingerbread recipe and decorate some gingerbread stars.…
Wordsworth Grasmere, Grasmere
Moresby, Whitehaven
Come and celebrate the festive season with us and enjoy an evening full of great West Cumbrian talent in our great Big Christmas Concert!
Upon arrival you will be welcomed with a Hot Roast Turkey Roll and a glass of something non-alcoholic but very…
Bowness on Windermere
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will
Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell but with audience…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Enter the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense.
There's a wolf coming… but for now, The Three Little Pigs have tricked him onto a bus. If he catches them, he'll huff and he'll puff and we all know how that ends…
On the run and with the need to…
Carlisle
Christmas comes alive in Carlisle: festive market and magic in the city centre.
Carlisle is set to glisten this festive season with this Christmas themed market, adding to the city's regular Friday open-air markets.
Taking place on Sunday 21…
Crosscrake, Kendal
Join us for a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight in the beautiful surroundings of Crosscrake Church. Come along, join in with well known Christmas carols and enjoy refreshments afterwards. All are welcome.
Carlisle
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome back Sempre Amabile to the Fratry from 2pm.
While entry to our concerts is complimentary, we encourage contributions during the collection at the end of each performance…
Wasdale
We will gather to honour the longest night and welcome the rebirth of the sun.
Join in a ritualistic sacred circle on the shores of Wastwater to welcome the return of the sun. Led by Karen Whybrow Coaching, you'll connect with the flow of the…
Ambleside
Join us on Monday 22nd December for an exciting morning at Wainwrights' Inn at Chapel Stile. Start your day with a hearty full English breakfast with unlimited tea, coffee and juice. Then head out to meet the big guy himself, Father Christmas! …
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY & MEDITATION RETREAT
Celebrate Christmas in a different way
This Christmas, give yourself the most meaningful gift: a peaceful and loving heart.
In the beautiful and relaxing environment of the Kadampa Temple for World Peace,…
Newby Bridge
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy the cosy festive atmosphere as Rob fills the room with his unique blend of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, and the…
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?
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