What’s on in the Lake District?
Events and Things to do
A Lakeland Retreat isn’t just about comfy beds and pretty views; it’s about making your holiday unforgettable! It’s about exploring and experiencing the local area, it’s the communities, and the special moments that make it unique.
For more, check out our Guide to visiting the Lake District
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What’s on – Lake District events
Green Door Studios- Small is Beautiful: Art at affordable prices
23rd May 2025 for 2 days
Members of Green Door, the region’s leading artists’ collective, are returning to Staveley Roundhouse for another weekend
Meet Peter Rabbit this half term
24th May 2025
More dates available
Have you ever wanted to give Peter Rabbit a hug? Now is your chance! Head to The World of Beatrix Potter this half term!
Kendal Classics: Royal Northern Sinfonia: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
24th May 2025
Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto is 30 minutes of the most intense music you’ll ever experience. Tense and attention-grabbing from the start!
Blue Space - An imaginative playground inspired by water
24th May 2025
More dates available
Let your imagination run wild. Enjoy an interactive play space inspired by life by the water, where there’s endless possibilities to create
Alfred Wainwright Exhibition, at The Armitt Museum, Ambleside
24th May 2025
More dates available
Find out more about legendary Alfred Wainwright, at the Armitt Museum in Ambleside. Beginning February 12th and running throughout the year
Ghosts Tour of Keswick from Lakeland Hauntings
24th May 2025
More dates available
Keswick has a history of murder, intrigue and tortured souls. This is an area steeped in legend and mystery. Follow “The Lady”… if you dare
Cartmel Races
24th May 2025
More dates available
Experience the thrill of national hunt racing against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District at Cartmel Racecourse
Parkrun - Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
24th May 2025
More dates available
Fresh air, fitness and it’s free – what’s not to love? Run, jog or walk in the weekly 5k Whinlatter Forest parkrun.
Parkrun - Rothay Park, Ambleside
24th May 2025
More dates available
Fresh air, fitness and it’s free – what’s not to love? Run, jog or walk in the weekly 5k Rothay Park Parkrun
Parkrun - Railway Path Keswick
24th May 2025
More dates available
Fresh air, fitness and it’s free – what’s not to love? Run, jog or walk in the weekly 5k Keswick parkrun.
Hawkshead Chocolate Factory
24th May 2025
More dates available
Hawkshead Chocolate Factory. Fun, chocolate-making workshops for the whole family! You get to take your goodies home afterwards
Whinlatter Half Marathon & 10KM Trail Events, Keswick
25th May 2025
With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won’t disappoint those who love the Lakes.
Parkrun - Keswick junior parkrun
25th May 2025
More dates available
Fresh air, fitness and it’s free – what’s not to love? Run, jog or walk in the weekly 5k Keswick parkrun.
Tallow Tales - Hawkshead Ghost Tour
25th May 2025
More dates available
Hawkshead Ghost Tour. Join as The Director guides you through shadowy squares, sinister churchyards, and tales of terror
Peter Rabbit Biscuit Decorating
26th May 2025
Head to The World of Beatrix Potter on Monday 26th May to decorate Peter Rabbit shaped biscuits! Sounds delicious!
The Swings at the 100 year anniversary of Crow Park
26th May 2025
More dates available
With aerialist performances by The Swings - get involved with the interactive swing installations, experiencing the thrill for yourself.
Storytelling by the lake
28th May 2025
Head down to Windermere Jetty Museum on Wednesday 28th May at 10:30am for an exciting session filled with tales about the lake!
BounceFest in Kirkby Lonsdale
29th May 2025
More dates available
Have a wonderful day out at BounceFest! Bounce your way through the course, conquering obstacles and testing agility.
North Lakes Brass at Threlkeld Village Hall
31st May 2025
Well-known marches, popular music and classics, with quality soloists performing; all compered by their charismatic conductor Gareth Sykes.
Grasmere Gallop - running festival: Details and accommodation
31st May 2025 for 2 days
Events to whet the appetite of 1st time and seasoned vets alike. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself, or enjoy a fun run out!
Country Fest at Westmorland County Showground
31st May 2025
More dates available
We're looking forward to celebrating rural life and returning with all the elements of a family event giving a real taste of the countryside.
Keswick Beer Festival @ Davidson Park
6th June 2025
More dates available
Great Beer Festival atmosphere both inside our huge marquee and outside on the wonderful green, green grass of Davidson Park
The Cumberland Show 2025
7th June 2025
The 185th Cumberland Show, one of Cumbria's leading Agricultural Shows will be held on Saturday 7th June 2025!
Folk in the Forest - An enchanting evenings of music in Whinlatter Forest
7th June 2025
More dates available
Set in the glorious surroundings of the Whinlatter forest, showcasing local artists, with opportunities to join in yourself
Keswick Museum Summer Fair
7th June 2025
Storytelling, Face painting, Craft activities, historical interpretation from Hardheads Heritage, 3 bears photo point, and on-site Café
Lakeland Historic car club
7th June 2025
More dates available
The Lakeland Historic Car Club meet on the first Saturday of every month at the museum and Cafe Ambio. Everyone is welcome!
Evening buffet cruises 2025
7th June 2025
More dates available
Enjoy a 2½ hour cruise with live music, a delicious buffet, licenced bar and breathtaking views as you sail the full length of Windermere
Lake District Ultra Challenge - The Ambleside 10K
7th June 2025 for 2 days
The fabulous route explores Rydal Water’s edge and includes stunning views of ‘5 Lakes’ – with Grasmere Lake and Loughrigg Tarn as well
South Lakes Bike Fest & The Staveley 3 Valley Challenge
13th June 2025 for 3 days
Riding bikes and listening to live music in a beautiful part of the Lake District. An annual mountain biking event in the Kentmere Valley
Kendal Pride - events over Friday, Saturday and Sunday
13th June 2025 for 3 days
Kendal’s pride celebration Kendal Pride has lots of events over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whether you’re in to films, outdoor activities, arts or just trying…
Great North Swim - Accommodation and Event Details
13th June 2025
More dates available
Fancy making a splash in England’s largest natural lake and taking part in the UK’s biggest open water swimming event?
Lakes Classic Vehicle Show
15th June 2025
The Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show is an annual event for the whole family where you will see hundreds of Classic Vehicles.
The Haley Sisters at Threlkeld Village Hall
20th June 2025
A stylish delivery of Americana, with well-crafted, tasteful arrangements and the ability to bounce ideas around the stage.
Light the Lakes charity walk
20th June 2025 for 2 days
Teams of police officers, staff, retired officers and police friends light up the famous Wainwright fells of Cumbria in memory of colleagues
Chillswim Coniston - End to End Swim
21st June 2025
Long distance swimming is about the journey. Travelling the length of a lake from one end to the other gives the swim meaning
Bench Making at Footprint building, Windermere
22nd June 2025
More dates available
Make a rustic greenwood bench or stool using hand tools. Your creation will be ready to take home and will look fantastic indoors or out
Caravanouche & Frejya Evelyn play traditional Gypsy Jazz with a contemporary edge
28th June 2025
Guitarists Dan Bolam and Erin Stephens and double bassist Geoff Higginson, Caravanouche are the hottest of the Hot Clubs in the Lake District
Windermere Triathlons & Duathlons
5th July 2025
On the shores of Lake Windermere for a weekend of spectacular Triathlon and Duathlon Events based at the beautiful Cockshott Point
The Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy - “The Glastonbury of Sailing”
5th July 2025 for 2 days
Ranked 8th in Yachts and Yachting’s top 50 'must do' sailing events. Contested over 2 all-class handicap races around the length of the lake.
Ambleside Rushbearing
5th July 2025
A popular event in the Lake District, they attract visitors from all over the world as a celebration of community and tradition
Rose Room at Threlkeld Village Hall
11th July 2025
Voted ‘Best Band’ twice at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Rose Room are Scotland’s leading ensemble influenced by the Gypsy Jazz genre.
Keswick Convention - Details and Accommodation
12th July 2025 for 20 days
Join the Keswick Convention 2025 - There will be a packed programme to encourage you in your walk with God
Lakeland Trails Ultra 100k
12th July 2025
Fully waymarked and marshalled. The Ultra 100k is a heavily invested in safety, with advanced medics, radio communications and marshals
Lakeland Trails in Ambleside 14k
12th July 2025
Takes in a scenic climb out of Ambleside with stunning views before splitting from the 23k course at Rydal Water and finishing over Loughrigg
Lakeland Trails in Ambleside 23k
12th July 2025
Are you ready for your ultimate (but totally achievable) challenge? Then why not see just what you can do on an ultra marathon course?
Chillswim Ullswater - Details and Accommodation
12th July 2025
Chill swim - Ullswater 2025 will be held on Saturday 12th of July at Parkfoot Holiday Park on the outskirts of Pooley Bridge.
Wheels up North Weekender 2025
19th July 2025 for 2 days
Set in the beautiful Lake District, their aim is to bring the best of the season together and celebrate all things automotive.
Helvellyn Sky Ultra 2025
19th July 2025
The Helvellyn Sky Ultra™ is one of the most demanding races in the Lake District with wonderful terrain demanding superb mountain skills
The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 - Details and Accommodation
25th July 2025
The Lakeland 100 ‘Ultra Tour of the Lake District’ is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK
Cumbria Steam Gathering
26th July 2025
A weekend celebrating our rich and diverse industrial and agricultural heritage by displaying all forms of preserved vehicles and machinery
Kendal Calling At Lowther Deer Park
31st July 2025 for 3 days
Kendal calling was born from a group of music lovers who felt the fabulous fields of the lake district could be put to better use.…
Ambleside Sports - The Traditional Lakeland Sports
31st July 2025
Ambleside Sports date back to the 17th century. This year there'll be Track Races, Hound Trails, Fell Races, Wrestling, & Children’s Races.
Lake District Summer Music Festival
1st August 2025 for 10 days
Join Liz Fost for a journey across the sky, from the earth and beyond with live accompaniment and songs. Then make your own alien puppet!
Cartmel Agricultural Show
6th August 2025
Cartmel show offers a brilliant range of family friendly activities, including local food, drink, livestock and horse classes, crafts & more.
Rodney Brannigan "The Two Guitar Man"
8th August 2025
The Texas-born troubadour who learned to play in Austin, perform in Los Angeles, craft songs in Nashville, and put it all together in London
The Tempestuous: A Shrew’d New Comedy by Will Shakespeare & Penny Ashton
14th August 2025
Princess Rosa must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches
Rydal Sheepdog Trials & Hound Show
14th August 2025
Held in the beautiful Rydal Park, just outside Ambleside. The show is steeped in tradition, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Hawkshead Show - A Traditional Agricultural Show
19th August 2025
Hawkshead Show is back this Summer with plenty of attractions for people to see all day including animal classes, home produce, arts & crafts.
Cartmel Cup Day - Details and accommodation
23rd August 2025
Cartmel Cup Day is an exciting summer jump racing fixture for thoroughbred horses and is held at Cartmel Racecourse in Cumbria, uk.
Grasmere Sports
24th August 2025
Traditional Cumberland wrestling, hound trails, dog shows, fell races, strolling musicians, children’s events and activities… it can only mean one thing: the annual Grasmere Sports extravaganza – one of the most popular events in the Lake District sporting calendar.
Keswick Agricultural Show
25th August 2025
Keswick Show is back this Summer with a full day’s entertainment for all the family including Horses, Sheep and Dog Classes.
See the Waterbird take flight from Windermere
5th September 2025 for 2 days
Your chance to see a historic flights of Waterbird, an award-winning replica seaplane taking to the air over Windermere
Aquasphere Chillswim - Windermere
6th September 2025
Chillswim Windermere 2025 will take place on Saturday 6th Saturday. Swim the full 11 mile length in safe hands of the Chillswim management team
Westmorland County Show 2025
10th September 2025
More dates available
Enjoyed by over 37,000 visitors every year, the County Show is a major livestock Show with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and more!
ShakeItUp Shakespeare at The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness
12th September 2025
Come watch ShakeItUp create a brand-new Shakespeare play live on stage, complete with live music, songs, and plenty of laughs.
Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute at The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness
13th September 2025
The official, original and one of the most successful ABBA tributes of all time, is back by public demand and touring once again!
Spatula Carving - Learn Axes, drawknives, and knife work
20th September 2025
Get to grips with the drawknife and shave horse and experiment with different techniques and knife grasps.
Little LICAF - Kid Friendly Lakes International Comic Art Festival
26th September 2025 for 2 days
Get ready for a weekend of creative workshops, drawing challenges, badge-making, competitions and so much more for under 12’s
Lakes International Comic Art Festival
26th September 2025 for 2 days
Live drawing events, interviews, book launches, international exhibitors, and a chance to meet comic book legends from all over the world
Kendal Torchlight Procession
27th September 2025
Torchlight is one of the biggest events in the Kendal calendar, with its daytime festival and evening procession through the streets.
Halloween Family Festival at Muncaster Castle
25th October 2025
More dates available
Muncaster Halloween Family Festival has evolved and expanded over the years, and in 2024, it returns, bigger and better than ever before!
The Winter Droving @ Penrith
26th October 2025
It's a magical event celebrating rural life, food, fun, masquerade, and fire. The Winter Droving is returning on the 28th of October 2023!
Spoon Carving at Footprint building, Windermere
1st November 2025
Carve your own spoon using traditional greenwood techniques. Learn the form and function of a good spoon and how to make the most of the wood
Bonfire & Fireworks @ Hawkshead
1st November 2025
Hawkshead Bonfire on Saturday 2nd November 2024 @ The Recreation Ground - Burgers, Hotdogs, Mulled wine, Beer, Hot and cold drinks
Fireworks Night and Late-night Shopping @ Hayes Garden Centre
1st November 2025
A cracking evening of Fireworks with some tasty food to warm you up, with late-night shopping, and 10% off Christmas items on the night.
Bonfire & Fireworks Night @ Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC
5th November 2025
Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC annual Bonfire & Firework Night. Bar open from 3pm. Fireworks at 6pm. Under 14s: free, Adults: £5, Parking: £25
Fireworks & Music @ Windermere RUFC
7th November 2025
Family Fireworks Display to Music at Windermere RUFC - With Fire Eater, Street Food, Bars, including Mulled Wine, Live Bands
Keswick Christmas Lights Switch On
14th November 2025
More dates available
Keswick Christmas Lights 15th November 2024. Market from 10am, entertainment from 4.45 pm onwards, lights switched on at 7pm.
Santa's Secret Grotto at Ho-Ho-Honister
15th November 2025
More dates available
Santa's secret grotto at ho-ho-honister. A magical journey to discover Santa’s secret grotto, an exclusive underground wonderland!
Barrow Christmas Lights
15th November 2025
If you’re staying in the West of the Lakes, the lights will be switched on in Barrow. All the festive fun is outside The Forum Theatre
Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-On
15th November 2025
More dates available
Ambleside Christmas Lights Switch-on with Street Entertainment and Market and a wonderful Firework Display. Great for the whole family!
Kendal Mountain Festival
20th November 2025 for 4 days
Kendal Mountain Festival! Breathtaking outdoor adventure films, inspirational talks, and the opportunity to meet with extreme athletes.
Christmas in Cartmel
24th November 2025
Explore the Christmas markets with handmade crafts, delicious food and beautiful gifts before enjoying live music while you wait for Santa!
Ulverston Dickensian Festival
29th November 2025 for 2 days
The Christmas festival will be going ahead in the full traditional Ulverston Dickensian Festival style.
Workington Christmas Lights
29th November 2025
Expect food and craft stalls, live music and other entertainment before the lights are switched on at 5 pm
Rydal Christmas Fair @ Rydal Mount & Rydal Hall
5th December 2025 for 2 days
Come Christmas shopping with the best of local arts and crafts across the two sites, along with seasonal food, music and much more
Beetham Nurseries Christmas Market
5th December 2025 for 4 days
Christmas is around the corner and Beetham Nurseries are running their Christmas Markets for a four-day weekend, starting 5th December.
Taste Cumbria's Christmas Markets
6th December 2025 for 2 days
Taste Cumbria's Christmas Markets are on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2025, come along for lots of festive foods and fun!
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
6th December 2025 for 2 days
Hawkshead Christmas Fair is on the 6th and 7th December 2025. It will be jam packed with fabulous stalls, lots of festive food & drinks!