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Whatever time of year you want to visit the Lake District, Cumbria, we have something planned to keep you entertained, engaged, and energised. From country fairs and garden parties to beer festivals and agricultural shows, this is very much #ThePlaceToBe – at all times of the year. Whether you are looking for what's on in the Lake District, or what's on in Cumbria, we have you covered with the best list of events taking place.
We Cumbrians love to celebrate things – food, music, literature, culture, the great outdoors – and nothing delights us more than sharing the wealth of our heritage and landscape with visitors from all over the world.
The county comes alive to the sound of music – and we mean all kinds of music, from classical to alt rock. We’ve got festivals aplenty, from folk weekends centred on a brewery to a music festival that also includes outdoor activities – hardly surprising given that the Lake District, Cumbria is known for its natural beauty. Walking festivals, fell runs, competitive bike races, orienteering and challenge events… whatever way you like to tackle or enjoy nature, we’ve got something for you.
When you’re done exerting yourself, you’ll be looking for something to eat - and in Cumbria, we know how to celebrate our remarkable food heritage! There are markets and foodie events all over the county spread throughout the year, from a celebration of marmalade to a chili eating competition. Taste Cumbria hosts a series of great festivals between April and October with lots of food stalls and cooking demos.
And don’t forget beer. We’re big fans of it in Cumbria – we like to brew it, drink it and celebrate its very existence with over a dozen brilliant festivals throughout the year. Discover big events spread over a couple of days that draw in crowds from all over England, and smaller events in cosy pubs deep in the heart of rural Cumbria.
Christmas markets, Easter fairs and seasonal celebrations are huge in the county, too. From agricultural shows to festive fun, we’ve got you covered. How about stepping back in time at the Ulverston Dickensian Festival? Check out our Lake District, Cumbria blog for bags of inspiring articles on places to visit and things to see.
We’re having a party. Come and join us.
Number of results: 523
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Pooley Bridge
Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy race. You're welcome to bring a picnic, and our onboard licensed bar will be open, so you can toast the celebrations in style. The…
Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding
High Nibthwaite,
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical lifesaving skills. With a nice balance of practice and theory, this will be a fun and educational experience for all involved. Our lake-side venue,…
Brewery Lane, Cockermouth
Originally from Cumbria and now known by many on the Merseyside music scene, Sam Millne is making a name for himself with Sam Millne & the Virants
With catchy riffs and memorable melodies, the band bring something for everyone to their shows where…
Workington
Cumberland Flower Farm is rarely open to the public, but this year we're hosting a few small, special events where you can take a look around our sustainable flower farm, see how we grow, and enjoy good food and good company. You'll have the chance…
Hutton-in-the-Forest
130th Anniversary Skelton Show will be a great family day out in a picturesque location.
The show has a large horticultural and industrial marquee and classes of cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, vintage vehicles and Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling.…
122A Highgate, Kendal
12.30-2pm | Open to Families – Children aged 5+ with a responsible adult
Turn a special (or silly!) family memory into art in this story-focused drawing workshop with children's book illustrator, Sarah Jane Docker.
What will the workshop cover and…
122A Highgate, Kendal
12-4pm | 18+ yrs
During this workshop, students will learn how to cut glass into summery shapes, wrap the edges with adhesive copper foil and solder the pieces together to make attractive sun catchers.
What will the class cover and how will it be…
Grasmere
Play the traditional games croquet, quoits & skittles on Allan Bank's front lawn with glorious lake views, or try sports day games available from the activity box on the west lawn play area. Loose parts play & wooden noughts and crosses games can be…
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Penrith
Fundraisers of Alzheimer's Society will take on on an incredible 13 or 26 mile trek.
The 26 mile route will start and finish at our event hub at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, CA11 0HB.
The 13 mile route starts at Patterdale Cricket Club,…
Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, Penrith
Cockermouth
One of Cockermouth Live! 2026 headline acts this year is Scottish folktronica band Yoko Pwno, mixing the party atmosphere of dance music with the wild energy of a folk session!
Adults £28 (concs £21)
CARLISLE
Run, jog or walk a 3k, 5k or 10k Race for Life event.
Or if you fancy taking on a bit of mud, sign up for either a Pretty Muddy kids or Pretty Muddy adults event which are 5k and include 11 obstacles from climbing frames to mud pits.
Bitts Park, Cumbria
Moresby, Whitehaven
Screening. BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton's celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one…
Inspiration
Join us on Monday 18 May 2026 at Carlisle Racecourse for afternoon flat racing. Our first fixture…
21 Apr – 30 Jun (10wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-16yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Tue 21 Apr- 16 Jun (8 wks) | 6.30-8.30pm | 18+ yrs An introduction to four different styles of…
hu 23 Apr- 2 July (10wks) | 11.30am-12.30pm Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns May 23 – 25, 2026. The Arc'teryx Climb Academy…
Seven perspectives, bound by a mutual reverence for natural form, fragility, and transformation. As…
Stories in the Dust by Anna Harriott and Iona Fleur Sheppard The sun beats down on two travellers,…
The Dock Museum are proud to bring you the latest exhibition from John Duffin, "Look North" The…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 1-2.30pm | 7+ yrs Art Explorers is a creative and sociable mixed…
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
We, the bell ringers of Carlisle Cathedral are delighted to have been given the opportunity by the…
10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest
Join our volunteer ranger and bird enthusiast on a gentle stroll through the forest. Suitable for…
Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo and Ivy: successful careers, a loving marriage,…
Join our brand new Poetry Club featuring David Viney! A multiple poetry slam winner, workshop…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10 wks) | 4-4.45pm | 4-6 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Cine-Social is a once-a-month evening for film-lovers to get together. Each month, three films are…
Our popular series of free Afternoon Recitals continues — we're delighted to welcome Chiara Lordi…
11am-3pm | 18+ yrs Brewery Arts Print Room Membership allows experienced printmakers the…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 7-9pm | 16+ yrs Explore the creative possibilities of watercolour…
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
young farmers competition/ rally day


We’re having a party - come and join us.
Running an event?
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL