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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: 482
, 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
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
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
Braithwaite, Keswick
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest!
Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays at Whinlatter with the return of Wild Things Adventure Club. The club offers lots of brilliant forest activities that is sure to keep you're little…
Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
Moresby, Whitehaven
The People's Gallery + Art Lab | Take Part
This summer, we're transforming our top floor into Art Lab: a playful creative space for experimenting, making, and having fun.
You and your family can drop in and explore a wide range of arts and crafts…
Carlisle
Our series of Afternoon Recitals continues. For today's recital we are delighted to welcome Anna Morley to the Fratry Hall.
Entry is free; a collection will be taken at the end of the concert. Please pay what you can to support the artist and the…
Keswick
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy.
So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
Ice cream
Water fights
Staying up past your bedtime and being…
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
Ravenglass
3pm. The Playground Lawn, Muncaster.
Suitable for ages 5+
Firebird is a collection of famously untold Eastern European Stories. Unpublished and rarely translated into English, Firebird is a Babushka doll of nested narratives, each exploring class,…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Ambleside
More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake District. We draw on our extensive knowledge of hidden wild swimming locations to bring you more of what you love: Relaxed and enjoyable swimming in…
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
Inspiration
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Walk in Poe and Tilly's Footsteps... and follow the mark. Explore the locations that inspired M.W.…
More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake…
Summer Sizzler on the Farm is a one-off summer evening event at Walby Farm Park, especially for the…
Solar Eclipse on 12th August On the evening of 12 August 2026, skywatchers across the UK will be…
Every Sunday at 2pm Museum visitors can explore the earthworks of the Roman fort, led by the…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Join us for a powerful multi-media exhibition exploring stories of fragility and survival, told…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
3pm. The Playground Lawn, Muncaster. Suitable for ages 5+ Firebird is a collection of famously…
A diverse exhibition celebrating printmaking techniques, creativity, and artistic exploration by…
Photography exhibition about the Morecambe Bay fishing community by Tessa Bunney
Calling Pokémon fans new and old from 23 May, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game…
MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026 We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN…
Our series of Afternoon Recitals continues. For today's recital we are delighted to welcome Anna…
Emma Rydal returns to Rosehill with a Special Preview of Soaked before taking it to the Edinburgh…
We are excited to be working with Barrow AFC and Bluebird Supporters club to bring you the Barrow…


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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