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: 475
, 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
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
Ulverston
Come and enjoy our botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea! Zoe’s created the sweet treats using some of the botanicals we use to make our gins & vodkas. A welcome tipple awaits you, followed by a distillery tour by the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe.…
Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings, Ulverston
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…
122A Highgate, Kendal
A German emigrant living in a trailer in Kansas is the victim of a botched sex-change operation. Adapted from the critically acclaimed off-Broadway rock theater hit, "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" tells the story of the "internationally ignored" rock…
W Strand, Whitehaven
A walk through the Social History of Whitehaven Town.
Join us for a series of fascinating walks and talks uncovering the hidden stories and remarkable characters of Whitehaven's past.
Tuesday 23 June – Caribbean and Virginia Trade…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Durdar Rd, Carlisle
Be part of history at Carlisle Racecourse this summer as we host one of the most iconic fixtures in the racing calendar – The Carlisle Bell, the world's oldest sporting trophy, first contested in 1599.
This historic race is the centrepiece of a…
Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle
Keswick
Back by popular demand – and with even more flavour – Chef Bobby invites you to a night of authentic Spanish hospitality, inspired by his 20 years living and cooking across Spain, with a special love for the bold, rustic dishes of Catalonia.
Expect…
Ulverston
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite, through some lovely woodland to our secluded swimming spot. Swim the Lakes regulars will enjoy the change of scene here, it is a little local spot and…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Standard Theatre Seated
Brewery Arts Youth Theatre present their Summer Show – Love and Hope.
Have you ever wondered how you can make a tiny tortoise grow, exactly what happens when the Monopoly man enters the game or what happens when you find…
122A Highgate, Kendal
Among the glittering salons of the super-rich, patriarchy equals power, reputation is everything – and for women, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil, master in the art of survival, wields her influence with intelligence and control.…
Church St, Ambleside
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 misstep can mean…
Inspiration
Cumbria Tourism Best Experience Winner: 2022 & 2025 Create your own distilled gin or vodka in…
Join us for a summer evening of great music beneath our starlight ceiling, featuring the Boy and…
Wed 22 Apr- 24 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.45pm | 16+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 4.15-5.45pm | 11-14 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live…
Join us for a powerful multi-media exhibition exploring stories of fragility and survival, told…
Annual charity cycle event comprising four routes of either 13, 25, 50, or 71 miles. The event…
Thu 24 Apr-2 Jul (10 wks) | 6-8pm | 16+ yrs Design and make your own pieces, learning all the…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
Wed 22 Apr- 1 Jul (10 wks) | 4.30-6pm | 11+ yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
A walk through the Social History of Whitehaven Town. Join us for a series of fascinating walks…
A series of three fun and creative art workshops using driftwood from the Solway Coast and found…
Among the glittering salons of the super-rich, patriarchy equals power, reputation is everything –…
Tue 21 Apr-30 June (10 wks) | 1-3pm | 18+ yrs This course is an open theatre group aimed at those…
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
Thu 23 Apr-2 Jul (10wks) | 4.30-5.30pm | 7-11 yrs Open for sign-ups throughout the term. If the…
Acclaimed pianist Ida Pelliccioli returns to the Cathedral's Fratry Hall in 2026 presenting a new…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Tue 21 April-30 Jun (10 wks) | 1.30-4.30pm or 6-9pm | 18+ yrs A great way to relax, learn a new…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…


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