Whatever the time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music to film and food to beer, Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals.
When it comes to music, we’ve got you covered with popular festivals welcoming international and local talent. Artists including the Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, and Tom Jones have all performed in the county – and every year, there’s more to discover.
Why not try something a little different with a quirky food festival? The Dalemain Marmalade 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; experience the great outdoors at a celebration of our mountains and outdoor activities; or get cultural at a film festival. There are also annual events like the Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Carlisle City of Lights festival.
For comic art lovers, the Lakeland Comic Arts Festival is a must. Held in Bowness-on-Windermere, it highlights the best comic artists, writers and creators over a weekend in October.
Take a look at our list and find what celebration works for you.
Major Annual Festivals
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 23
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Langdale Live – The Ultimate Family Festival!
Wainwrights Inn | Friday, 19th July
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, music, and magic in the heart of the Langdale Valley! Langdale Live is back and bigger than ever – a vibrant…
Carlisle
Gadabout Festival is a small, independent, grassroots music festival set in the Eden Valley, Cumbria.
On the 25th and 26th of July, we're welcoming some of the best up-and-coming bands to the festival, including Rachel Croft, Dutch Criminal Record…
Brockhole, Windermere
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice.
Available in two colours Blue £35 & Copper £100
Each hand crafted metalwork flower purchased will be publicly displayed at Brockhole on Windermere, Lancaster Castle and our own…
The Abbey, Carlisle
The Fratry Hall at Carlisle Cathedral will become home to hundreds of pieces of fantastic local artwork from 2 - 17 August, for the Carlisle and Cumbria Artists' 56th Exhibition.
Please call in to see the fantastic display, created by talented,…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Ravenglass
Krankenhaus; an annual micro festival. A celebration of music, complementing activities such as poetry recitals, film screenings and book readings.
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Crooklands
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 37,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs,…
Whitehaven
A family friendly fun event. We will have entertainment, local artisan makers and Rum Butter baking competitions amongst much more activities.
20-34 Warwick Rd, Carlisle
Join us for an exclusive whisky experience like no other.
As one of the UK's premier online whisky retailers, House of Malt is proud to present Northern Whisky Festival – a celebration of world-class whisky, distiller excellence, and Northern…
Grasmere
A traditional Procession through Grasmere Village commencing from Grasmere School at 3pm.
There will be a brass band and all participating children recieve a medal.
All Welcome - Please arrive early.
Whitehaven
HARBOUR FEST RETURNS ON AUGUST 30th WITH A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY
Prepare for a unique blend of fun, creativity, and community spirit as Harbour Fest, a one-of-a-kind event, returns to Whitehaven Harbour on Saturday 30th August!…
Cockermouth
Cockermouth Live! brings joyful West African vibe to the Kirkgate!
Energetic young master musician and Glastonbury emerging talent winner, N'famady Kouyaté will headline Cockermouth Live! this year. This rising star, originally from Guinea in West…
Askam in Furness
Askambury is a small music festival where our local community can come together to enjoy a day of music and merriment!
Carlisle
We are delighted to announce that the UK Proms Weekend will be coming to the stunning Carlisle Castle in 2025 as part of a UK wide tour of eight iconic historic locations including Whitby Abbey, Pendennis Castle and Kenilworth Castle.
Bringing the…
Cockermouth
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and for all ages!
Click HERE for more information!
Ulverston
A day OUT in Ulverston. Come as you are and be celebrated
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
Milnthorpe
Get ready for an unforgettable time at the upcoming 80s, 90s, and 00s Music Festival! With a mix of nostalgic tunes from three incredible decades, this event is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Whether you want to groove with your friends,…
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 1 - 10 August 2024.
For 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like no other in this…
Carlisle
We are delighted to announce that the UK Proms Weekend will coming to the stunning Carlisle Castle in 2025 as part of a UK wide tour of eight iconic historic locations including Whitby Abbey,Pendennis Castle and Kenilworth Castle.
Featuring the…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
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