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: 471
, currently showing 433 to 444.
Barrow-in-Furness
Following their sold out performance in January 2026, Bootleg Blondie returns to Barrow Town Hall!
Barrow-in-Furness
Heaven Can Wait returns with a spectacular, high-octane production celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bat Out of Hell — the album that redefined rock theatre forever. This is not a tribute band. This is a full-scale rock concert experience.
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Nr Kendal
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in Holeslack barn, on Sizergh's estate.
Sizergh, Kendal
Nr Kendal
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists, inspired by soil.
Sizergh, Kendal
Keswick
Inside just got interesting.
Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is reimagined. Sound, story and digital exploration blend into a hands-on experience that's full of life, built for curious minds and restless feet of all ages…
Carlisle
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo off cathedral spires. This self-guided audio tour turns your walk through Caldewgate into a vivid adventure, unwrapping secrets and scandals most…
Cartmel
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children. At All About Alpacas, we aim to get kids comfortable with caring for and being around animals in a safe and interactive environment. Join us for a…
Newby Bridge
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026
Try something new and have a splashing time!
We've again partnered with Paddleboard the Lakes to provide a super fun experience for you, your family and friends.
Whether it's taking up a new skill or perfecting…
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of Pennington's Spirits, an award-winning Lake District distillery based on the outskirts of Kendal.
This behind-the-scenes distillery experience offers…
Pennington's Spirits, Kendal
Kirkland, Kendal
Join us for a powerful multi-media exhibition exploring stories of fragility and survival, told through the voices of people in Barrow and Kendal.
Step into an unseen world through immersive sound and film, artwork, poetry, and images created by…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Kirkland, Kendal
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and humanity to figures who have been overlooked or marginalised by history, while Joshua Donkor collaboratively embeds the personal histories and cultural…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Inspiration
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Crystal bowl sound bath infused with angelic reiki and guided meditation. An intimate space for a…
Cine-Social is a once-a-month evening for film-lovers to get together. Each month, three films are…
Discover 200 years of Rock Climbing history, from the earliest scrambles to the modern sport we…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The Wheels Up North Weekender 2026 is our flagship show of the year, set in the beautiful Lake…
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim provides the perfect adventure swimming day out. Swimming in the…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
Make a bowl or wall hanging in this glass fusing class with Roxanne Denny of RD Glass. Have fun…
Travel back and discover the secrets of prehistoric cave art. Learn how our ancestors used natural…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The Flower Club at Cumberland Flower Farm is back! After a long break, we're relaunching our…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
You've read the novels, You've listened to the audio books, You've got all of the special…


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