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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: 471
, currently showing 1 to 12.
Ambleside
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming. Rydal Water has a fascinating history and is the ideal location for wild swimming. Join us on this gem of a swim-hike, swim the islands of Rydal Water,…
Rydal Water, Ambleside
W Strand, Whitehaven
Discover the creatures that came before the T.REX.
Step back to the Carboniferous period, 100 million years before the dinosaurs. Visit tropical forests and swamps teeming with bizarre and ferocious ancient monsters, some of which had larger teeth…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Ambleside
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of the Wray team.
Starting on the Castle terrace, you'll stop at key points around the perimeter to hear how the Dawson family created the estate,…
Wray, Ambleside
North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston
Hosted by Shed One's owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe. Enjoy a welcome tipple followed by a tour of the distillery and the story behind our gins and vodkas. Then relax in our visitor bar for a guided tasting of at least five of our spirits, with…
The Promenade, Maryport
Every Wednesday, 11am - 2pm: Finds handling
Get hands-on with history. Visitors can get hands-on with real and replica objects, lead by one of our team of volunteers. Included in museum admission.
Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter.
Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own piece of art. With various materials provided, this is their chance to try out new mediums and methods.
Suitable for children aged…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Ravenglass
Be among the first to experience an exciting new musical theatre production inspired by the remarkable story of the Herschel family.
This special event offers a workshop performance featuring puppetry, music and storytelling, giving audiences an…
The Abbey, Carlisle
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome Adam Heron to the Cathedral. Organised as part of the free recital series.
Take some time out of your day and unwind with a free afternoon recital . Whether you're a…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
The Promenade, Maryport
Meet a Roman Potter
While you are visiting us, take the opportunity to meet Graham Taylor from Potted History (potted-history.co.uk) and get your hands dirty with some replica Roman pottery. Included in the price of your visit, no booking necessary…
Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport
Kirkland, Kendal
Join local artist Lela Harris this summer for a weekly drawing workshop series designed especially for young artists aged 8 – 14.
Taking inspiration from Harris' work in Familial Traces, these relaxed, hands-on sessions will help participants build…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Ambleside
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and towel and we'll do the rest!
Wetsuit and equipment hire is included and we have the perfect venue for beginners to outdoor swimming.
Rydal Water or…
Rydal Water, Ambleside
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Make the most of the final weeks of the summer holidays with a fantastic family day out at Carlisle Racecourse. Enjoy the excitement of live racing alongside plenty of family-friendly entertainment in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere – and yes, even…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Inspiration
Meet a Roman Potter While you are visiting us, take the opportunity to meet Graham Taylor from…
This Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production, directed by Chen Shi-Zheng, is known for its lavish…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Join Jordan, your local Wild Food UK foraging instructor and immerse yourselves in Nature's…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Join local artist Lela Harris this summer for a weekly drawing workshop series designed especially…
Shipping Brow Contemporary 2026 brings together ten young, emerging and/ or contemporary artists…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Now one of the most popular traditional events in the English Lake District, participants compete…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
Meet the Ancient Britons During your visit to the museum you will have the opportunity to meet…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
We are very pleased to bring you a new exhibition to the Dock Museum, "What the sea decides to give…
A diverse exhibition celebrating printmaking techniques, creativity, and artistic exploration by…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Try wild swimming in the Lake District. All you need to do is book, bring your swimming costume and…
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…
11am-3pm | 18+ yrs Brewery Arts Print Room Membership allows experienced printmakers the…
Experience the magic of cinema beneath the stars in the beautiful grounds of Ambleside Manor.…
Join us and some of the Ermine Street Guard at the Roman Army Museum to practice your archery…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Join us for a powerful multi-media exhibition exploring stories of fragility and survival, told…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…


We’re having a party - come and join us.
Running an event?
Are you organising an event and would like to advertise it on the What's On section of Visit Lake District? Let us know! We welcome any new event submissions throughout the year.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL