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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: 524
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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
Nr Kendal
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in Holeslack barn, on Sizergh's estate.
Sizergh, Kendal
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…
Nr Kendal
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists, inspired by soil.
Sizergh, Kendal
Grasmere
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of modern printmaking. Women in Print draws inspiration from the life and legacy of Gwyneth Alban Davis, whose values of community, resilience, and…
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Keswick
Inside just got interesting.
Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is reimagined. Sound, story and digital exploration blend into a hands-on experience that's full of life, built for curious minds and restless feet of all ages…
Carlisle
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo off cathedral spires. This self-guided audio tour turns your walk through Caldewgate into a vivid adventure, unwrapping secrets and scandals most…
Cartmel
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children. At All About Alpacas, we aim to get kids comfortable with caring for and being around animals in a safe and interactive environment. Join us for a…
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Shortlisted works from Farfield Mill's Textile Competition, chosen by judges Jan Beadle, Cas Holmes, and Marie Walin. Each piece interprets the theme "Metamorphosis," expressing transformation through textile form, colour, and process. Displayed in…
W Strand, Whitehaven
Join us for a trip back in time and discover over 200 iconic objects and artworks that bring the Nineties to vivid life. This exhibition has been curated by collector and cultural commentator Matt Fox.
Revisit the days of Britpop and Cool…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Newby Bridge
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026
Try something new and have a splashing time!
We've again partnered with Paddleboard the Lakes to provide a super fun experience for you, your family and friends.
Whether it's taking up a new skill or perfecting…
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of Pennington's Spirits, an award-winning Lake District distillery based on the outskirts of Kendal.
This behind-the-scenes distillery experience offers…
Pennington's Spirits, Kendal
Inspiration
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.45pm | 16+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 4.15-5.45pm | 11-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney…
Wed 22 Apr- 1 Jul (10 wks) | 4.30-6pm | 11+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
Tue 21 Apr-30 June (10 wks) | 1-3pm | 18+ yrs This course is an open theatre group aimed at those…
Tue 21 Apr- 16 Jun (8 wks) | 6.30-8.30pm | 18+ yrs An introduction to four different styles of…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 11.30am-12.30pm | 18+ yrs Mature Movers is an open dance class for…
Andersons Feel-Good Friday Raceday JOIN US FOR A GREAT AFTERNOON OF RACING!! A fun-filled…
Thu 23 Apr- 18 Jun (8 wks) | 7-9pm | 16+ yrs Enhance your drawing skills in a welcoming, relaxed…
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
The Rosehill Players return with the ever heart warming tale of Calendar Girls. After the death of…
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Vibrant woven sails and textiles inspired by nineteenth-century Welsh shipwrecks and coastal…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
The Montane Ullswater Way Trail Ultra, 20 & 10 starts and finishes at Jenkins Field in Glenridding.…
Enjoy May half-term evenings aboard our special evening sailings this 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 28th…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
The Black Moss Potter takes a ramble up the wonderful Langstrath Valley, right at the heart of…
Seven artists explore shared landscapes, material connections, and personal perspectives on land,…


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