Whatever time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music and film to food, beer and a dash of marmalade; Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals all year round.
Popular music and arts festivals include Kendal Calling, Lake District Summer Music Festival and Cockermouth Live.
If you fancy trying something a little different, the Dalemain Marmalade Awards and Festival takes place annually at the impressive Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens and is a celebration of all things (you guessed it!) marmalade. There are tastings, activities, and the world-famous Marmalade Awards. Later in the year, Holker Fest features a popular chilli eating festival as well as artisan stalls selling local food and drink.
Celebrate the wonder of the night sky at a Dark Skies Festival; which takes place every October/November and makes full use of the tremendous opportunities to experience the truly magical dark skies here in Cumbria - we would argue one of the best places in the UK to do so. And raise a glass and grab a sausage for Oktoberfest Cumbria - the fabulous festival imported from the home of The Schuhplattler, dirndl and lederhosen!
There are also annual events like the Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Carlisle City of Lights festival which are experiences not to miss.
Whatever time of year, there is something happening here in the Lake District, Cumbria. Check out some of the festivals taking place below.
Festivals throughout the year
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 24
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Brewery Ln, Cockermouth
Independently brewed beers from around Cumbria
Friday 17th & Saturday 18th April 2026
⏰ 4-10pm Friday & 12-9pm Saturday
Jennings Brewery
Street food vendors all weekend @aupastreetfood @yonderstreetfood
Celebrating Indie beer week…
Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth
Penrith
Celebrating the magic of Marmalade, the festival has become a highlight of the Cumbrian Spring calendar.
Thousands of jars of marmalade entered into the competition by Artisans and Home Makers will be judged and on display throughout the Mansion.…
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Penrith
Ulverston
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring.
Enjoy two days of movement, connection, sunshine & spritz with likeminded women.
With day tickets and full weekend passes available, you can move, breathe,…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Holker's SpringFest, a vibrant weekend of seasonal inspiration set in the stunning gardens and grounds. Discover artisan stalls, enjoy live entertainment and guest speakers, including James Alexander-Sinclair.…
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands
Kirkby Lonsdale
WE ARE BACK!!
After the amazing success of last year we are back bringing you South Lakes Live 26!
A micro festival in the beautiful setting of Kirkby Lonsdale and surrounding countryside in the south of the Lake District.
We are a family friendly…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Penrith
10.00am to 4.30pm
£85 inc tasty home made lunch, fresh coffee and cream tea
Material Charges: £5 to cover soil testing kits etc to Shelagh on the day
Design and Planting Tips for a Small Garden with Cumbrian Based lecturer, garden designer &…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Rosehill are delighted to announce its return of The Whitehaven Flower Club for their upcoming Summer Gala demonstration Colours of a Rainbow with special guest arranger Sara Barrow.
Whether you're an experienced arranger or completely new to the…
Carlisle
Carnival Parade through the city centre and finishing at Bitts park for The Big Lunch
Keswick
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…
Kendal
Summer Sundays are making a triumphant return!
Join us for the ultimate experience as undeniably sensational bands take the stage in our vibrant garden this summer! Delicious food and refreshing drinks will be available to purchase at each Summer…
Kendal
Summer Sundays are making a triumphant return!
Join us for the ultimate experience as undeniably sensational bands take the stage in our vibrant garden this summer! Delicious food and refreshing drinks will be available to purchase at each Summer…
Kendal
Summer Sundays are making a triumphant return!
Join us for the ultimate experience as undeniably sensational bands take the stage in our vibrant garden this summer! Delicious food and refreshing drinks will be available to purchase at each Summer…
Kendal
Summer Sundays are making a triumphant return!
Join us for the ultimate experience as undeniably sensational bands take the stage in our vibrant garden this summer! Delicious food and refreshing drinks will be available to purchase at each Summer…
Carlisle
A family fun music festival with a wonderful mix of local acts with renowned UK Tribute acts.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's most eagerly-anticipated seasonal events! Set within the stunning grounds of Holker Hall & Gardens, this magical three-day market celebrates the very…
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands
St John's St, Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.
Keswick
Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria's premier cinematic event, bringing the best in international and independent cinema from across the world. We are also proud to call ourselves the friendly film festival, run by a team of volunteers dedicated to…
Kendal
The Flower Show is a competetive exhibtion of some 150 classes of flowering plants, and this is combined with a Plant Fair where visitors can purchase from different specialist nurseries from all over the UK.
The event is organised for the Alpine…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL