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: 482
, currently showing 469 to 480.
Barrow-in-Furness
We are excited to be working with Barrow AFC and Bluebird Supporters club to bring you the Barrow 125 Exhibition. This year, our football club is 125 years and this exhibition takes you on a journey through the history of the club. The Museum is…
The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness
Kendal
Conceived by the British painter Daniel Sturgis, On the Thick and Thin of Painting explores the materiality of the medium, its physical and ethereal boundaries, and the enduring subculture of abstraction.
The exhibition is framed as a visual…
Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle
Looking for the ultimate family day out in Cumbria this summer?
Get ready for Summer of Fun on the Farm at Walby Farm Park – back for 2026 with weeks of adventure, fresh air and memory-making moments for the whole family.
Running throughout the…
Walby Farm Park, Carlisle
Ambleside
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray.
Designed for families and children of all ages, Wray's outdoor spaces will become a hive of activity.
Let your imagination run wild with natural play at Wray this summer.…
Wray, Ambleside
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a delightful musical spectacular! With beautiful puppets and enchanting songs, this theatrical treat is perfect for the whole family.
️ Thanks to the…
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
Brampton
Weekly on a Tuesday from 23.07 - 27.08. Aim for the high score as you test out your ancient archery skills at the Roman Army Museum! Can you be as accurate as the cohort of Hamian archers stationed at Magna Fort 2,000 years ago?
Roman Army Museum, Brampton
Ambleside
You may have walked the narrow pavements of Ambleside, exploring the various cafes, gift outlets and outdoor shops, but did you know that behind the main streets, you can find a fascinating history of the older town? Covering the story of…
The Armitt Museum, Ambleside
Ravenglass
Explore the musical, interactive, piano sculptures of local artist Joshua Payne, exhibited across the Muncaster Estate.
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Keswick
When tragedy strikes, courage blossoms.
The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do something extraordinary: create a nude calendar to raise money for charity.
News spreads fast…
122A Highgate, Kendal
10-14 August 2026 | 7-14yrs | 9.30-3.30pm | Mon – Fri
Arts Unleashed is a hands-on week of Visual Art and Craft activities for young people. A chance to express yourself, go wild and make new friends!
The programme will be run by local artists…
Inspiration
"Our personal encounters within Morecambe Bay." This exhibition brings together the creative voices…
Beneath the ancient skyline of Carlisle, hidden stories linger in every red-brick shadow and echo…
A traditional Lakeland show, now in its 141st year, in a beautiful valley in the South Lakes. Fell…
Discover the creatures that came before the T.REX. Step back to the Carboniferous period, 100…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
The People's Gallery + Art Lab | Take Part Capture the beauty of a West Cumbrian sunset as you…
An evening yoga practice on the beautiful lawns at Lowther Castle. These sessions are accessible;…
Photography exhibition about the Morecambe Bay fishing community by Tessa Bunney
Join Adamas Voces for a summer evening of inspiring choral music as part of the 150th Anniversary…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
Meet a Roman Potter While you are visiting us, take the opportunity to meet Graham Taylor from…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The Knotted Project invites you to join them for the first public sharing of ADAPT, a bold new…
We are excited to be working with Barrow AFC and Bluebird Supporters club to bring you the Barrow…
Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, but not via the 'tourist trail' from Wasdale. The route…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
Connie Flynn's Text & Textile! explores everyday sayings rooted in the textile trade. Using…
10-14 August 2026 | 7-14yrs | 9.30-3.30pm | Mon – Fri Arts Unleashed is a hands-on week of Visual…
Summer Sizzler on the Farm is a one-off summer evening event at Walby Farm Park, especially for the…


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