You are here: Home > What's On
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: 203
, currently showing 97 to 108.
Church St, Ambleside
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Written by William Shakespeare & Directed by Robert Hastie
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Rosehill's Comedy Club brings you some of the country's best touring comics.
Don't miss your chance to see our latest hand-picked selection of multiple stand-ups from the national circuit. Their names may not seem familiar but many are successful…
Ambleside
The focus of the retreat is the contemplation of creation. We will practice bringing loving-attention to all our daily activities – while sitting, while walking or eating, while looking at a beautiful tree or simply enjoying a glass of water. We…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Screenings
At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the…
Barrow-in-Furness
Follow the Money is a musical comedy based on the memories of women who were the frontline workforce of Barrow's banks.
The ladies who stamped the cheques, counted the cash and kept the wheels of industry turning from the 1960s to the 1990s…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Join us on the last Friday of each month at the Cathedral Cafe and Bar for our monthly quiz night!
Starts at 7.30pm
With fiendish trivia questions on all sorts of subjects, picture round, music round and more this is the toughest quiz in town - to…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Snow Moon in Leo illuminates our path to self-expression, confidence, and creative power. Leo, the radiant fire sign ruled by the Sun, invites us to step into our full glory and celebrate our individuality. Traditionally known as the Snow…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Ambleside
The Montane Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The route is 'undulating' but great trails and views of Coniston and surrounding areas. The event always fills in advance and…
Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes…
Moresby, Whitehaven
What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without men gallantly draping capes over them - so are fellas of any use at all?
Award winning MAN Marcus…
Church St, Ambleside
Virginia Woolf defied literary conventions to depict rich inner worlds – her heightened, startling and poignant reality. Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor leads a luminous artistic team to evoke Woolf's signature stream of consciousness writing…
Inspiration
Saturday 13th December 11am Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Meet Ted, a cautious old soul living all alone in a busy, bustling town. He likes it that way. It's…
Come one, come all, to The Swan Hotel's lair, The Grinch himself will be waiting there! This…
Friday 12th December 2025 Get ready for a night of fantastic food, fun, and funky beats at our…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Come and make beautiful Christmas themed mosaic decorations and items for indoor display, using…
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing…
Step into the magic of Christmas at Carlisle Cathedral for an unforgettable evening of music,…
Tapestry of the North: Our Textile Heritage is an open, non-juried exhibition, hosted by the…
11 December | Starts 7pm | Tickets £16.50 | Conc. £14.50 | Brewery Arts Members 2 for 1* | Malt…
Get ready for a relaxing and sensory morning with a festive candle making workshop led by the team…
Soul Survivors are Cumbria's leading Soul and Motown band, playing all the classics from Wilson…
On 21 November 2025 14:00-15:30 £15 Join this very special event to mark 175 years since…
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey Step aboard our magical…
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child! (Adults go free!) Step into the magic of…
This autumn, Abbot Hall presents Boat Works, a solo exhibition by Turner Prize-winner Simon…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
he Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones! Every weekend from…
The magician Herr Drosselmeyer needs to save his nephew. Hans-Peter has been transformed into a…
Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus Director: Kristian Bezuidenhout Soprano: Rachel…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Peter Wright's The Nutcracker has enchanted audiences since its 1984 premiere by the Company.…
Popular annual candlelit Festival of Christmas Music with guest pupils from Keswick School


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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL