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: 36
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
Summer Sizzler on the Farm is a one-off summer evening event at Walby Farm Park, especially for the grown-ups, combining the best of the farm with a relaxed outdoor festival atmosphere.
Explore the Flower Fields and Maize Maze, board the tractor &…
Walby Farm Park, Carlisle
Keswick
Join us for a lively summer afternoon of country music, Texan barbecue and outdoor entertainment at the beautiful Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa in the Lake District.
Set on the stunning terraces overlooking Derwentwater and award-winning gardens, our…
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…
Ravenglass
Established micro festival at Muncaster Castle celebrating great music, poetry, art and beautiful landscape, wildlife and nature.
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Ambleside
Join us for a day of live music, family fun and festival vibes in the heart of the Langdale Valley.
Returning on Saturday 29th August 2026, the Langdale Live Family Festival brings together fantastic live music, great food and drink, children's…
Whitehaven
A brand-new festival comes to Whitehaven Harbourside
Whitehaven Weekender is a new two-day celebration of music, creativity and community, created through a partnership between the teams behind Harbour Fest and Pride by the Harbourside. Taking place…
Wigton
Come along to Party in the Park for an afternoon of live entertainment, family fun and great community spirit. Enjoy live music, children's activities, fair rides, food and drink, local stalls and plenty more throughout the day. With something for…
Whitehaven
Tickets are now available for the main arena on the Sunday of Whitehaven Weekender, a vibrant new festival brought to you in partnership by Rosehill, Northern Equality and Diversity CIC and Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, bringing music,…
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…
Penrith
Fifty four artists will open their studios or create a pop-up exhibition as part of this free event which combines the opportunity to visit artists' studios, buy their work, and experience breath-taking scenery around Cumbria along the way.
Carlisle
A family fun music festival with a wonderful mix of local acts with renowned UK Tribute acts.
Ambleside
We're celebrating our 80th anniversary with a big party - and you're invited!
Join us at Brathay Hall, on 26th September 2026, for a family-friendly celebration of have-a-go activities, live music, food trucks and bar with special edition Jennings…
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.
Ravenglass
Join us for a very special edition of Muncaster's monthly Open Mic Night, with some invited guests along with the same open invitation for performers of all stripes to take to the stage! Plus there will be full video recording available for all…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Keswick
Thirlmere's 76th show! Everyone is welcome to join the cut and thrust of the competitions or come and share the buzz when the doors open at 2.30pm on Saturday 1 August. The WI teas are second to none and this year we also have music from the North…
Kendal
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Showtimes: 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Join Concerteenies for the musical story of The Duck With No Luck.
'When Dizzy the duck oversleeps and misses the flight South, he knows that he must, somehow, catch…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Kendal
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Playful, witty and inventive, 'the world's first genetically modified string quartet' will take you on a whistle-stop journey through the history of music. Using electric instruments, String Fever's…
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…
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