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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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Kirkland, Kendal
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and humanity to figures who have been overlooked or marginalised by history, while Joshua Donkor collaboratively embeds the personal histories and cultural…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Barrow-in-Furness
The Dock Museum are proud to bring you the latest exhibition from John Duffin, "Look North" The exhibition will be full of new and unseen paintings. The exhibition is accessible to all and is free to enter.
The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness
Kirkland, Kendal
The Paper Quilt Project is a living exhibition in which a community art piece is created while on display in the gallery. This project has been designed in response to the two adjoining exhibitions; Bellwethers and Joshua Donkor & Lela Harris. Both…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Seven artists explore shared landscapes, material connections, and personal perspectives on land, memory, and transformation.
Common Land: Septenary Perspectives brings together seven artists united by a shared reverence for natural form,…
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Seven perspectives, bound by a mutual reverence for natural form, fragility, and transformation.
As artists, we see Common Land not only as a reflection on the physical terrain, but as an exploration of the emotional and ancestral ground we all, in…
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026)
Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics exploring the transience of human achievement. Working with hand-built stoneware crank clay and a low-firing copper glaze, Sue draws inspiration from…
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Vibrant woven sails and textiles inspired by nineteenth-century Welsh shipwrecks and coastal histories.
Untangling Colour is an exhibition of bold, expressive rugs and wall hangings by artist weaver Vicky Ellis, inspired by shipwrecks along the…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Tue 21 Apr-30 June (10 wks) | 1-3pm | 18+ yrs
This course is an open theatre group aimed at those over 60 to develop new skills, stretch their creativity, build their confidence and have lots of fun.
The group works towards independent projects…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 1-2.30pm | 7+ yrs
Art Explorers is a creative and sociable mixed media arts class for young people in the home education community. Classes are tutor led but creative interpretation is encouraged in a relaxed and…
122A Highgate, Kendal
21 Apr – 30 Jun (10wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-16yrs
Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start date has passed, bookings may still be available, please contact the box office at 01539 725133. Join our mailing list for updates on future courses…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 4.15-5.45pm | 11-14 yrs
Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start date has passed, bookings may still be available, please contact the box office at 01539 725133. Join our mailing list for updates on future…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 6-7.30pm
Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start date has passed, bookings may still be available, please contact the box office at 01539 725133. Join our mailing list for updates on future courses.
This…
Inspiration
Step into the radiant world of Carlisle Cathedral's stained glass with our brand‑new tour, Sacred…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 7-9pm | 16+ yrs Explore the creative possibilities of watercolour…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.45pm | 16+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If…
The Buttermere Swim Hike takes an exciting approach to wild swimming by combining one of our…
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 4-5.30pm | 7-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the start…
Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…
Join us in the Learning Centre this May half term for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Looking for something creative to do with the kids this May half term? Join us at Blackwell – the…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 11.30am-12.30pm | 18+ yrs Mature Movers is an open dance class for…
Tue 21 April-30 Jun (10 wks) | 1.30-4.30pm or 6-9pm | 18+ yrs A great way to relax, learn a new…
Tue 21 Apr- 16 Jun (8 wks) | 6.30-8.30pm | 18+ yrs An introduction to four different styles of…
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists,…
Join us on Monday 18 May 2026 at Carlisle Racecourse for afternoon flat racing. Our first fixture…
Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near…
Celebrate spring at Abbot Hall with creative, family-friendly activities running throughout the…
'Music in the Park' Summer Concerts Various bands will perform in the Bandstand in Park Road…
Acorn Bank can be found at Temple Sowerby, just a few miles east of Penrith and situated between…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 1-2.30pm | 7+ yrs Art Explorers is a creative and sociable mixed…
The Arc'teryx Climb Academy Lake District returns May 23 – 25, 2026. The Arc'teryx Climb Academy…
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…
Join Becks Skinner at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 19 May for a fascinating talk. Inspired by a…
Join us for a powerful multi-media exhibition exploring stories of fragility and survival, told…


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