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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: 468
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County Square, Ulverston
A magical, fun-filled, fast-paced, and wickedly funny telling of the famous story of the princess sent to sleep for a hundred years after pricking herself on a spinning wheel. Suitable for all the family.
Bampton, Penrith
If you don't quite fancy being an early bird for Dawn Chorus Day, then experience the magic of nature's music festival on this exclusive event, at a slightly more manageable hour of the morning, and be immersed in the birdsong here at Wild…
Wild Haweswater, Penrith
Buttermere
The Buttermere Swimble – The Buttermere Valley is surely one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. Buttermere itself is a stunning place to swim and the water is crystal clear, with that typical slate blue tint we know and love. The walking…
Buttermere Lake, Buttermere
The Abbey, Carlisle
With his trademark reverence and revelry, The Revd. Fergus Butler-Gallie travels through time and place to get to the heart of the religion he is so passionate about. Join us for this one-off evening with the author of 'Touching Cloth', 'The Field…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
122A Highgate, Kendal
As in ripe for the taking.
As in a heart swelled to twice its size.
As in soft. As in delicious. As in ready.
World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker brings his characteristic warmth, wit and wonder to new parenthood. From introducing his baby to a…
Moresby, Whitehaven
Fresh from a sell-out residency at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the new and acclaimed show embarks on its 2026 tour.
Award nominated stand-up and improviser Jon Hipkiss brings together the ultimate celebration of comedy and fandom. Based solely…
Newbiggin
Join Rainbow Trust's Adventure Triple Challenge!
A transformative day of cycling, paddling and trekking through the Lake District all to help Rainbow Trust deliver emotional and practical support to families caring for a seriously ill child.
This…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 8th May for an evening of live music.
Reuben Tighe fingerpicks his way through an eclectic mix of blues, foot stomping folk and original music, delivering a euphonious delight to…
122A Highgate, Kendal
An intimate evening of songs and stories with one of the legends of soul music.
Since she became London's First Lady of Soul back in the 60's, P.P. Arnold is a real Soul Survivor, still going strong. The term "well-established" might be appropriate…
Bowness - On - Windermere
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out shows!
Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe-storming, prime time TV-smashing, rib-splitting, side-tickling, extremely funny acts.
Andy Askins
As…
122A Highgate, Kendal
One of the UK's most acclaimed and treasured songwriters, Badly Drawn Boy, aka Damon Gough, joins us for an intimate 'Live & In Conversation' evening. This show will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music's Chris Hawkins. He will guide an evening of…
Inspiration
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
Join us on the first Saturday of every month for our monthly morning meet at the Lakeland Motor…
Soft Machine is one of the greatest UK avant/jazz-rock bands of all time. Their work, from their…
Art Exhibition by local artists with items available to be bought
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Discover the remarkable 172-year-old history of Grasmere Gingerbread® in a deliciously unique…
As featured in The Sunday Times, "Seven Best Affordable Afternoon Teas". Enjoy a botanical-inspired…
The 25/26 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd April for an evening of live…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…
Join us for a family-friendly Easter trail with fun activities for you to do along the way.…
Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Hop into Easter with a smile and a giggle. Follow the trail through the woods and parkland with…
Looking for the ultimate Easter family day out in Cumbria? Join us at Walby Farm Park for a…
Looking for something creative to do with the family this Easter? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts &…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Come and enjoy Swarthmoor at Easter! Complete the trail around our gardens to find the 12 letters…
Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…
Celebrate Easter Weekend at Holker Hall & Gardens with a fun-filled programme for the whole family!…
Hutton-in-the-Forest is a beautiful historic house and garden, situated on the northern edge of the…
Cumbria Local Arts Annual Exhibition. Over 500 pieces of work by 115 artist,all living within the…


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