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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.
This November, check out the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival 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: 234
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Nr. Hutton-in-the -Forest, Penrith
We will hold you spellbound as we tell you a tale based on one of the 101 Arabian Night Stories, told by Scheherazade to her husband, the Sultan. Meet the Genie of the Lamp, watch Aladdin fly his magic carpet and see if Aladdin finally wins the hand…
Keswick
Christmas Day Lunch at the Salutation Inn from 12-3pm. £60 per person for 3 courses
Christmas Day Evening Buffet from 6-8pm £35 per person
New Years Eve Celebrations with music and a casino! Booking essential - special dinner menu from 5-8pm
B5289, Keswick
26th December 12pm-2.30pm
£35 for 3-courses
Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with our Boxing Day roast at the Borrowdale Hotel, where every succulent bite promises warmth and festive flavours.
To book, please call 017687 77224
Backbarrow, Newby Bridge
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the museum.
Lakeland Motor Museum, Ulverston
The Abbey, Carlisle
Come and experience Carlisle Cathedral's first ever Christmas Tree Festival, with 30 trees on display across the Cathedral and Undercroft.
Take time out of the hustle and bustle of the season to explore the trees, which will be decorated to…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Bowness on Windermere
Packed with magic, puppetry & escapology ✨
Legendary magician the Great Baldini tells the story of his (and Baldwin the magical dog's) life from his first trick to the height of their careers – attempting Houdini's greatest escape. The show is…
Penrith
Last year's ticket prices available until End of April 2024
Panto makes a splash with a fabulous new version of The Little Mermaid
The Rheged Centre, Penrith
The Abbey, Carlisle
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will be performing at Carlisle Cathedral. Enjoy an exceptional musical evening in the week after Christmas with a performance of Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons along with Rachmaninov's ever-popular Second…
Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Power of Wishing Correctly
December 31
Turning Your Life in the Direction of Happiness
When the new year comes around we all wish for a happy year. Join us for an uplifting talk and meditation in the Kadampa Temple…
Keswick
Bring in the New Year with us. Menu served 5-8pm. Booking essential.
Newby Bridge
Dress Code: Glamorous attire is strongly encouraged!
Event Highlights:
- Enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal prepared by our top chefs
- Savour delightful canapés that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Kick off the evening with a sparkling welcome…
B5289, Keswick
1st January 2025 12pm-4pm
£42 for 3-courses
Start the new year with a sumptuous feast in the Borrowdale Hotel's elegant restaurant as we host a decadent New Year's Day roast. Tuck into a selection of succulent roasts with all the trimmings served…
Inspiration
We will hold you spellbound as we tell you a tale based on one of the 101 Arabian Night Stories,…
Weekly Saturday Market. A good range of fresh produce, cakes, gifts and household essentials.
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
Abbot Hall presents Legacy, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Charmaine Watkiss. Discover a…
A busy weekly Market each Thursday from Mid February to end December.. A wide range of food, fresh…
Dress Code: Glamorous attire is strongly encouraged! Event Highlights: - Enjoy a sumptuous…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
Come and experience Carlisle Cathedral's first ever Christmas Tree Festival, with 30 trees on…
Step back in time with Regency Christmas at Dove Cottage. The mantlepieces are garlanded with holly…
The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will be performing at Carlisle Cathedral. Enjoy an exceptional musical…
Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape,…
26th December 12pm-2.30pm £35 for 3-courses Indulge in the ultimate post-Christmas tradition with…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Enjoy a selection of festive treats including scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, a…
Christmas Day Lunch at the Salutation Inn from 12-3pm. £60 per person for 3 courses Christmas Day…
Weekly Friday Market. Good range of Local fresh produce and cakes. Also gifts and household…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Weekly Market each Wednesday. Good range of fresh produce, gifts and household essentials.
Join lots of proud classic vehicle owners as they bring their private vehicles to display at the…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's…
New Year's Eve Celebration The Power of Wishing Correctly December 31 Turning Your Life in the…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Christmas Course - The Gift of Peace and Relaxation During this Christmas Course in the beautiful…
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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