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: 37
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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…
Kendal
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor Op.27, No.2 'Moonlight'
Ravel Gaspard de la nuit
Dobrinka Tabakova Nocturne
Dobrinka Tabakova Halo
Beethoven Piano Sonata No.21 in C Op.53…
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
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
Kirsty McClean - Santuzza | Jay Broadhurst - Turiddu | Anna Elizabeth Cooper - Lola | Jemima Gray - Lucia | Alex Riddell - Alfio | Lilly-May Woodward - Violin | Northern Chamber Orchestra | Lake…
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
Krankenhaus Festival is brought to you by Sea Power, Muncaster Castle and friends. This utterly exhilarating weekend is is where wildly thrilling contemporary music rubs up against another world of fell walks, raptor displays, nature talks, steam…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
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.
The Racecourse, Cartmel
The Lake District Book Festival is an annual celebration of the written and the spoken word. It takes place at Cartmel Racecourse in Cumbria during the second weekend of June, the first festival taking place 12th-14th June 2026.
The Lake District…
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
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…
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…
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!
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