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: 37
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Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Workington
Cumberlandia is a new grass roots folk weekend in west Cumbria from 16th – 18th August 2024, with international performers and a host of homegrown talent.
Whitehaven
Whitehaven Harbour
Saturday 31 August 11-5 pm
The festival will once again feature live promenade performances, music, arts and crafts, and lots more, which will illuminate the unique harbour of Whitehaven and celebrate the local community. The…
Armathwaite, Carlisle
Eden Valley is a beautiful glamping site, situated in the stunning Cumbrian countryside. Located near Carlisle, Eden Valley Glamping has forests, meadows and pasture-land, hedgerows and ponds, which make it perfect for foraging! High Stand Woods is…
Cockermouth
It’s a date fixed in every food lover’s calendar – the flagship Taste Cumbria festival is back in Cockermouth on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September 2024.
Penrith
Why not indulge in a bit of winter magic and take part in the Winter Droving Festival. Held annually, this quirky event will return on Saturday 26th October 2024
Ravenglass
After a sizzling 2023 event, Sausage Festival is back for 2024. Join us for a family friendly festival to celebrate all things sausage!
Enjoy a fun day out with the whole family with local sausage maker stalls, food & drinks, kids activities,…
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Cockermouth
Get in to the festive spirit with Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December 2024.
Aynam Rd, Kendal
Get ready for three days of fantastic music and unforgettable moments from May 3rd to May 5th. Prepare to be wowed by an incredible lineup, including Big Trouble, The Ride, Rocket Queen, Naomi and the Nerds, and many more amazing bands.
Kendal
Forge Festival 2024 is an ambitious young person-led festival with young creatives and early career artists from across Cumbria all performing exciting pieces of original live performance in response to the theme 'Our Human Connection to the Natural…
Abbot Hall, Kendal
Ulverston
Nicholas Daniel OBE has long been acknowledged as one of the world's great oboists and is one of Britain's best-known musicians. Here he joined by frequent collaborator Huw Watkins, notable too for his renown as a pianist and composer. Performing a…
Coniston
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from 3-5 May in Coniston. Whether you're planning a single night away, or want to head off for several months (or years), you'll find a warm welcome.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, author, presenter, comedian and storyteller. She's a materials generalist, equally fascinated by metals, plastics, ceramics, glasses and substances from the natural world. Her work centres…
Barrow-in-Furness
SOME OF THE BEST BAND IN THE UK ALL FOR 1 NIGHT AND ALL AT A GREAT PRICE
Grange-over-Sands
Our annual Spring Fair returns on May 11th and 12th with the always popular 'Fun Dog Show' running both days. We'll also have live entertainment & music, great food & drinks and fabulous shopping. Admission to the Hall & Gardens is included in the…
Holker Hall and Gardens, Grange-over-Sands
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Enjoy a STEAM-filled weekend brimming with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and events for everyone!
Get involved in conversations with Award winning material scientist Anna Ploszajski, The Institute of Physics, The Royal Society of Chemistry,…
Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere
Penrith
The Women's Adventure Film Tour is coming soon with its highly anticipated 8th season. It features an exhilarating selection of short films that showcase the inspiring journeys of remarkable women who fearlessly pursue adventure in various fields.
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
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