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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: 494
, 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…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and deep relaxation in one of the Lake District's most peaceful valleys.
Coniston
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
Pooley Bridge
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical entertainment. The ticket price includes a two-hour evening cruise departing from Pooley Bridge pier and a fish and chip supper (veggie/gluten-free…
Ullswater Steamers, Glenridding
Grasmere
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Beginning with the reimagined bedroom of Mary Shelley, step into a spellbinding world of moonlit woods, haunting seas and waking…
Wordsworth Grasmere, Grasmere
122A Highgate, Kendal
11.30am-4pm | 18+ yrs
Rag Rugging is a traditional craft, in this case, creating beautiful rugs out of pure wool blanket yarn. The yarn we use in our workshop is a waste product from the mills and has been sourced by the tutors from various mills…
Seascale
Summer picnic if weather cooperated, inside the old school if not. Donations to old school fund
W Strand, Whitehaven
Uncover the fascinating story of Mildred Warner Washington Gale, grandmother of George Washington, as we explore the early beginnings of the Warner and Washington families in America. From the family's roots in colonial Virginia to Mildred's…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
The Abbey, Carlisle
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome Dominic Downs, Pianist, Composer and Conductor back to perform for us.
While entry to our concerts is complimentary, we encourage contributions during the collection at…
Inspiration
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
The Paper Quilt Project is a living exhibition in which a community art piece is created while on…
This exhibition brings together two emerging portrait painters. Lela Harris gives depth and…
A check-up from the neck up about autism. How we interpret the world means everything to us. Our…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Our galleries take on a unique atmosphere as the world slows down. Whether you're looking to…
Our series of free Afternoon Recitals continues, we are delighted to welcome Dominic Downs,…
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in…
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape. Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer?…
Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…
We are very pleased to bring you a new exhibition to the Dock Museum, "What the sea decides to give…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Discover the art of craft distilling in the Gateway to the Lake District, with a guided tour of…
Venture into the fateful night that inspired one of the world's greatest gothic tales: Mary…
Hosted by Shed One's owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe. Enjoy a welcome tipple followed by a tour…
One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The…
11.30am-5pm | 18+ yrs Join Helen Clues, Mosaic artist, to create beautiful mosaic pieces using…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
11.30am-4pm | 18+ yrs Rag Rugging is a traditional craft, in this case, creating beautiful rugs…
A firm favourite, it's the return of our fish and chip supper evening cruise, featuring musical…
Vibrant woven sails and textiles inspired by nineteenth-century Welsh shipwrecks and coastal…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…


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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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL