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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: 266
, currently showing 1 to 12.
Cockermouth
We kick off the new year with a special programme to light up a dark winter evening. Laurence Perkins and friends will present an evening of classical Viennese music by candlelight on Weds 15 Jan, 8pm. Tickets £18 or £32 for 2; includes a glass of…
The Abbey, Carlisle
We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 15th January, at his next Organ Recital organised as part of the Free Live Music Series at Carlisle Cathedral.
This event is free to enter; there will be a retiring collection at the end of the…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
B5289, Keswick
Celebrate the life of bard Robbie Burns with us at the Borrowdale Hotel on Friday 17th January 2025. We are hosting a special Burns Night Supper to mark the occasion.
Evening includes:
welcome canapes
4-course Scottish inspired meal - see website…
Market St, Egremont
Producers market showcasing local and Fairtrade foods and crafts from west Cumbria.
Music from local musicians, homemade refreshments served by local charities and groups. Transport available by muncaster microbus from villages north of Bootle.…
Grasmere
Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the universe. Explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Our astronomy experts will take you on a whistle stop tour of the universe on the big screen. You will learn some fun facts about stars,…
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Kendal
Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre
This is a special project where six artists come together to celebrate the music of John Martyn. Each brings their own story and connection to John's music which adds to the fabric of the overall experience of…
Grasmere
Explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Our astronomy experts will take you on a whistle stop tour of the universe on the big screen. You'll learn about stars, planets and galaxies and our place in the universe.
Then, weather permitting, we…
Allan Bank, Grasmere
W Strand, Whitehaven
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST WELL-LOVED AND DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS, SHOWCASING THE POWERFUL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE AREAS LOCAL INDUSTRIAL PAST.
The Beacon Museums collection includes over…
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Grange-over-Sands
Filmed live at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Ola Ince's contemporary-dress production is set within a hostile modern police force. Othello is reborn as a 21st-century detective chief inspector with Iago is his sergeant, spurred into a hateful…
Kendal
Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre
Old friends join forces to present an evening of acoustic roots music.
Multi Grammy winner Tim O'Brien has traveled the world for the past 50 years with his own mix of American folk, bluegrass, blues, and…
Brampton
Tree planting in Gilsland, Brampton, on Saturday 18th January 2025.
Come and help plant trees in a community tree planting day in Gilsland, Brampton. The hosts, Natural World Fund, continue their mission to restore local nature by planting 2,000…
Carlisle
We look forward to Welcoming the Coventina Piano Trio to the Fratry Hall on Wednesday 22nd January, organised as part of the Free Live Music Series at Carlisle Cathedral.
While entry to our concerts is complimentary, we encourage contributions…
Inspiration
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the…
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST…
A busy weekly Market each Thursday from Mid February to end December.. A wide range of food, fresh…
Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre This is a special project where six artists come together to…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
We look forward to hearing Edward Taylor on Wednesday 15th January, at his next Organ Recital…
Weekly Saturday Market. A good range of fresh produce, cakes, gifts and household essentials.
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Filmed live at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Ola Ince's contemporary-dress production is set within…
Weekly Friday Market. Good range of Local fresh produce and cakes. Also gifts and household…
This is a practical course aimed at beginners, although more experienced students are welcome. Over…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
We kick off the new year with a special programme to light up a dark winter evening. Laurence…
Join us for a family-friendly evening learning about the universe. Explore the wonders of the…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
Weekly Market each Wednesday. Good range of fresh produce, gifts and household essentials.
Celebrate the life of bard Robbie Burns with us at the Borrowdale Hotel on Friday 17th January 2025…
Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre Old friends join forces to present an evening of acoustic…
Explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Our astronomy experts will take you on a whistle stop…
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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