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: 8
Kendal
An exhibition of spring-flowering plants combined with a plant fair featuring 8 nurseries from across the UK.
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…
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
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…
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
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!
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…
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