Whatever the time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music to film and food to beer, Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals.
When it comes to music, we’ve got you covered with popular festivals welcoming international and local talent. Artists including the Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, and Tom Jones have all performed in the county – and every year, there’s more to discover.
Why not try something a little different with a quirky food festival? The Dalemain Marmalade Festival takes place annually at the impressive Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens and is a celebration of all things (you guessed it!) marmalade. There are tastings, activities, and the world-famous Marmalade Awards. Later in the year, Holker Fest features a popular chilli eating festival as well as artisan stalls selling local food and drink.
Celebrate the wonder of the night sky at a Dark Skies Festival; experience the great outdoors at a celebration of our mountains and outdoor activities; or get cultural at a film festival. There are also annual events like the Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Carlisle City of Lights festival.
For comic art lovers, the Lakeland Comic Arts Festival is a must. Held in Bowness-on-Windermere, it highlights the best comic artists, writers and creators over a weekend in October.
Take a look at our list and find what celebration works for you.
Major Annual Festivals
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 13
Kirkby Lonsdale
Illuminate: Festival of Ideas is coming to Kirkby Lonsdale from 8-23 February 2025.
Enjoy dozens of events in venues across town over an unforgettable fortnight of performances, debates, experiences, films and workshops.
We're welcoming authors…
Penrith
Tickets on sale from 31st August
Presented by Speakers from the Edge
Sean Conway set out to achieve something no-one else on the planet had ever managed; ultra-endurance records for first, longest, fastest AND most. 105 Iron Man competitions in…
St. Johns Street, Keswick
The 25th Anniversary of the Keswick Film Festival takes place at the Alhambra Cinema, Theatre by the Lake and Rheged.
Over 30 of the best independent and world cinema films, programmes of short films plus the 50th Anniversary screening of Tommy.
Penrith
Presented by Speakers from the Edge
From injured veteran to the world's first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest; Hari shares his inspiring journey from being born in a cowshed, going to school barefoot, growing up in civil war,…
Ulverston
Join us to buy pottery and ceramics from talented makers. Have-a-go yourself, watch demonstrations and discover unique, handmade pieces that you won't find anywhere else.
Ulverston
Retro Rendezvous is the retro and vintage festival of the Lake District. Clothes, cars, market, music, motorbikes, scooters and most of all, lots of fun!
Ulverston
Velo Retro is heading into its 11th year. Called 'the friendly festival' Velo Retro is a feast of classic bicycles, cars, music, great rides and fantastic food.
Now the biggest retro cycling event in the UK, it's a brilliant weekend, both for riders…
Crooklands
Now in its 17th year Country Fest will again be held at the Westmorland County Showground, Crooklands on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June 2025.
We are looking forward to again celebrating rural life and returning with all the elements of…
Buttermere
Base Camp Festival is the small and friendly festival for outdoor lovers aged 18 and over. Based in an idyllic location on the banks of Buttermere, the festival offers loads of activities and attractions on-site, plus the opportunity to explore the…
Milnthorpe
Get ready for an unforgettable time at the upcoming 80s, 90s, and 00s Music Festival! With a mix of nostalgic tunes from three incredible decades, this event is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Whether you want to groove with your friends,…
Brockhole, Windermere
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice.
Available in two colours Blue £35 & Copper £100
Each hand crafted metalwork flower purchased will be publicly displayed at Brockhole on Windermere, Lancaster Castle and our own…
Crooklands
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted as one of the UK’s favourite Shows and enjoyed by over 37,000 visitors every year. A major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs,…
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 26th July to 4th August 2024.
For almost 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like…
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