The arts and culture scene in The Lake District, Cumbria is thriving, with many events taking place throughout the county year-round. Whether you want to enjoy a play, dance to live music, discover an art exhibition or visit a museum, there’s so much to experience in this vibrant part of the country.
If you’re a theatre enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria, with performances in some truly spectacular venues. How about catching a show next to a lake, or in a coastal town?
We often welcome touring productions including theatre and opera; while our independent cinemas also show live streams of performances taking place in world-class venues like the National Theatre.
If you’re a film buff, there are lots of fantastic cinemas showing the latest releases as well as art house classics. Did you know? The Lake District, Cumbria has featured in a number of films and TV shows like Star Wars and The Witcher!
Put on your dancing shoes and head out for an evening of live music – whether it’s a concert, a festival or an evening at the pub, there’s something to suit all tastes.
For a real celebration of our local culture, why not head for one of our vibrant festivals? The Winter Droving festival in Penrith is a colourful display held every October, complete with torchlit parade and a festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, museums hold regular events and exhibitions highlighting everything from art and film to our local history.
Search and view what's taking place below and let us introduce you to a world of theatre, music and the arts here in Cumbria.
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
As winter gives way to spring, this exhibition celebrates renewal and transformation through the…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight A place for deep writing in…
Step into the radiant world of Carlisle Cathedral's stained glass with our brand‑new tour, Sacred…
With Lost Dog's blend of dance, theatre and comedy, this Juliet and Romeo reveals the real story…
Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up…
This temporary exhibition celebrates the work of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 45
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Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This exhibition of paintings and photography celebrates the people, stories and heritage of Windermere — from boatbuilders and our conservation team to community…
Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere
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
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
As winter gives way to spring, this exhibition celebrates renewal and transformation through the eyes of Green Door Artists. Featuring nearly 100 artists from the South Lakes, Winter into Spring presents a diverse collection of paintings, abstracts,…
Whitehaven
This temporary exhibition celebrates the work of local artist and civic leader John Dalzell Kenworthy (1858–1954). Kenworthy's portraits bring to life the people of West Cumbria during the Edwardian period. Through faces and stories, visitors can…
Ravenglass
A Pelumbra retreat for reflection, creativity and critical insight
A place for deep writing in foolish times.
Join us for four days of writing and quiet inspiration in the remarkable setting of Muncaster Castle — an ancient stronghold on the…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Millom
With Lost Dog's blend of dance, theatre and comedy, this Juliet and Romeo reveals the real story behind Shakespeare's famous lovers.
It turns out they didn't die in a tragic misunderstanding, they grew up and lived happily ever after.
Well, they…
Carlisle
Step into the radiant world of Carlisle Cathedral's stained glass with our brand‑new tour, Sacred Light: The Stained Glass of Carlisle Cathedral.
Launched in celebration of our East Window being voted the nation's favourite cathedral window by the…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Bowness-on-Windermere
Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up spoof!
It's Dr Ann Fleming's first day at St David's, where her unfortunately-named mentor Dr Death, is determined to show her who's boss. As medical…
122A Highgate, Kendal
'The Animals' follows student-teacher Sam, who arrives at Redhill Youth Custody Secure Unit, hoping to enrich the lives of the troubled residents by introducing them to the subject of Philosophy. The wary class resist engaging in this alien, ancient…
Moresby, Whitehaven
The Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society return to Rosehill with another highly charged stage adaptation.
This year sees the Society take on the 1818 gothic novel, Frankenstein originally written by Mary Shelley and adapted to the stage…
The Abbey, Carlisle
We are delighted to welcome back Joost van Beek on Wednesday 25 March as our next Organ Recital organised as part of the Free Live Music Series at Carlisle Cathedral.
While entry to our concerts is complimentary, we encourage contributions during…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Lake Rd, Keswick
This is a memory. It's also a story. The story of a girl called Laura.
Surrounded by golden fields and tinkling brooks, time trickles in the hamlet of Lark Rise. A home for Laura and her loving family, in their snug, thatched cottage. But, with…
St Bees
The West Cumberland Choral Society presents Handel's Messiah Parts II & III and Zadok the Priest. Conducted by Margie Simper, accompanied by Frank Bowler and String Ensemble. Refreshments served after the concert.
122A Highgate, Kendal
Verbalise is one of Brewery Arts' most beloved community events, where emerging voices meet world-renowned artists on a shared stage. Sign up and take part, or sit back and enjoy!
We are celebrating King of Salford poetry and UK Slam Champion Kieren…
Lake Rd, Keswick
A brand new show for 7-10 year olds and their grown-ups.
Welcome to our interactive science demo – with a twist! We need YOU to to take on some big challenges and help us save the day.
How can we make things more fair? And what could go wrong if…
Lake Rd, Keswick
'Hay!' is the only word in our show – 'Hay!' like the stuffing in Geenie's scarecrow, 'Hay!' like the sound he makes when he comes to life and 'Hay!' his first word when he sees all the wonders of the natural world for the first time.
A show about…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
New Year. . . same problems!
It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has been reset for our post Covid times. Bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, Salty, Gail and Hobby use their B.Tech Performance…
122A Highgate, Kendal
From the new Story Time series of family musicals by the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly.
For Jack and his little sister Molly, an egg is much more than a simple shell – it's a tiny world full of secrets. A miracle waiting to…
Keswick
A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is the mystery of the Pirate Lagoon? Join the crew of The Prospero on an adventure to find out. Will we find the treasure? Can we escape from the evil…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller's classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge).
One family, the…
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