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
Event Filters
What’s on – Lake District events
Alfred Wainwright Exhibition, at The Armitt Museum, Ambleside
13th February 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
Seasonal Wildlife Trail
13th February 2025
More dates available
Head to Windermere Jetty Museum this Winter for a seasonal adventure exploring the natural world, from the comfort of the great indoors!
Ghosts Tour of Keswick from Lakeland Hauntings
14th February 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
The Magic of Lambing at Walby Farm Park
15th February 2025
More dates available
Experience the wonder of new life on the farm as lambing season begins at Walby. Join the excitement as they care for the new-born lambs
Learn Nautical Knotts at Windermere Jetty Museum
15th February 2025
More dates available
Learn the skills of a real skipper, with all the materials and instructions you need at the Windermere Jetty Museum from February 15-23rd
Trains at Twilight
15th February 2025
This February Half-Term for 1 night only Millerbeck Light Railway will have a magical Twilight Illuminations Event!
Decorate a Bird
15th February 2025
More dates available
Looking for something creative to do this Half-Term? Decorate a bird at Abbot Hall to take home or add to the Ecology Gallery!
Build a Boat with Makedo
15th February 2025 for 2 days
Head to Windermere Jetty Museum and flex your creative muscles, building cardboard creations using child-safe saws, screws and screwdrivers!
BounceFest in Keswick
15th February 2025
More dates available
Have a wonderful day out at BounceFest! Bounce your way through the course, conquering obstacles and testing agility.
Parkrun - Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
15th February 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
15th February 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
15th February 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
15th February 2025
More dates available
Hawkshead Chocolate Factory. Fun, chocolate-making workshops for the whole family! You get to take your goodies home afterwards
Peter Rabbit Biscuit Decorating
16th February 2025
More dates available
Head to The Old Laundry Theatre on Sunday 16th and Saturday 22nd February to decorate Peter Rabbit shaped biscuits!
Parkrun - Keswick junior parkrun
16th February 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
16th February 2025
More dates available
Hawkshead Ghost Tour. Join as The Director guides you through shadowy squares, sinister churchyards, and tales of terror
Family Orienteering Workshop
17th February 2025
Sign up for family fun orienteering with Lakeland Orienteering Club, these 2 hour workshops are fun for all ages, no experience needed!
Peter Rabbit & Jemima Sculpture Painting
17th February 2025
More dates available
Head to The World of Beatrix Potter this Half-Term to paint your own Peter Rabbit or Jemima Puddle Duck sculpture!
Botanical Folk Tales at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts house
18th February 2025
More dates available
Listen to Botanical Folk Tales about the significance of some of Blackwell’s most iconic botanical designs through Cumbrian folk stories
Meet Peter Rabbit
18th February 2025
More dates available
Calling all Peter Rabbit fans... come and meet the world’s most famous bunny, give him a high five and get a brilliant selfie!
Family Orienteering Workshop
19th February 2025
Sign up for family fun orienteering with Lakeland Orienteering Club, these 2 hour workshops are fun for all ages, no experience needed!
Buffy Revamped - Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike.
19th February 2025
The entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike
Creative Writing workshop
20th February 2025
Join this free creative writing session all about climate change! What is it? What can we do to become climate champions and encourage others?
BounceFest in Kirkby Lonsdale
20th February 2025
More dates available
Have a wonderful day out at BounceFest! Bounce your way through the course, conquering obstacles and testing agility.
The Dectective Dog
21st February 2025
More dates available
Tiny & Tall Productions brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog on stage!
A Big Egg at Theatre by the Lake Keswick - Perfect for ages 2-102!
22nd February 2025
For Jack and his little sister Molly there’s nothing more astonishing and magical than an egg. But how big can an egg get?
Black Is the Color of My Voice - Inspired by the life of Nina Simone
25th February 2025
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live. Winner of the Best Theatre Award
Bench Making at Footprint building, Windermere
27th February 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
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025 at Theatre by the Lake
28th February 2025
More dates available
Join the world’s top outdoor filmmakers and adventurers as they climb, ski, paddle, run and ride through the wildest corners of the planet!
The Lake District Wedding Show
2nd March 2025
The biggest wedding show in the Lakes! Sunday 2nd March with over 60 exhibitors, live music, creative areas, fresh food, and mobile bars.
Juan Martín, guitarist and composer at Theatre by the Lake
5th March 2025
Voted in the top 3 flamenco guitarists in the world, Juan Martín has toured the world from Shanghai to the Montreux Jazz Festival
25th Keswick Film Festival
6th March 2025
More dates available
The Keswick Film Festival is back for its 25th year with some of the best films from Keswick over the last 20 or so years!
Words by the Water Festival
12th March 2025 for 5 days
What can be better than 5 days with some of the best thinkers in the country in one of the most beautifully-situated theatres?
Will Finn & Rosie Calvert @ The Pavillion, Staveley
14th March 2025
Spellbinding harmonies, accompanied by piano, ukulele and steel pans, Will and Rosie play traditional and contemporary folk
Spatula Carving - Learn Axes, drawknives, and knife work
15th March 2025
More dates available
Get to grips with the drawknife and shave horse and experiment with different techniques and knife grasps.
Peatbog Faeries at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
21st March 2025
These legendary Scottish trailblazers have created a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves embraced worldwide
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: in time 30th anniversary tour
23rd March 2025
A thrilling theatrical experience, with dynamic choreography and heart-pounding rhythms contrasting with atmospheric soundscapes
Spitfire Girls - Inspired by remarkable true events
25th March 2025
More dates available
Inspired by the true stories of the women pilots of WWII. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss
Community Dark Skies Night, Grasmere - Free event
28th March 2025
The grounds of Allan Bank will be open after dark to enjoy this unique date in the year where you can enjoy a true dark skies experience
Lake District Duathlons - Grasmere
29th March 2025
Running around Grasmere Village and Water before riding towards Elterwater on the Sprint (Short) and Hawkshead & Coniston on the Standard
Grasmere 5k & 10k trail runs
29th March 2025
This fabulous course is loved by runners each year with many describing it as one of the most beautiful 10km trail runs in the UK!
Easter fun at the Ravenglass Railway
29th March 2025
More dates available
Include a “High Speed Easter Egg Hunt” competition to complete on the train journey and the museum plays host to free children’s activities
Dark Skies Festival @ Whinlatter Forest, Keswick
29th March 2025
Dark Skies Festival 2023. Join Jo from JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night! The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles.
Hiking for Beginners Skills Session at Fell Foot Grasmere
30th March 2025
What do I need? How do I plan? Develop your skills so you can feel more confident on your next adventure in the outdoors.
Easter Egg Hunt at Allan Bank
6th April 2025
More dates available
Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth's children, John, Dora, Thomas, Catherine and William on an Easter trail around Allan Bank
Lakeland Loop – Cycle Sportive: Langdale
6th April 2025
One of the oldest events and a classic. If you’re thinking of the Fred Whitton, this will serve as an ideal training ride!
Whinlatter Tails Canicross Race
6th April 2025
More dates available
Whinlatter Tails Canicross Race. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
King Arthur - A comedy for the whole family
8th April 2025
More dates available
Camelot is in trouble. But when three hapless squires approach King Arthur about changing that legacy… a legend is born.
Of Mice and Men - A gripping tale of friendship and hope.
16th April 2025
More dates available
Don’t miss this evocative story laced with tragedy… a must-see production for anyone who has ever tried to pursue a long-held dream
Plant a seed in Beatrix Potter's garedn
18th April 2025
More dates available
Join the gardeners for a fun seed-planting activity where you get to take your growing memory of Hill Top home in a little pot!
Easter Egg hunt at Sizergh
18th April 2025 for 4 days
This spring bring the whole family along to a world of adventure at Sizergh on an Easter trail, 18th-21st April 2025 from 10am to 4pm.
Spoon Carving at Footprint building, Windermere
26th April 2025
More dates available
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
150th anniversary steam gala weekend
3rd May 2025 for 3 days
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration as we mark 150 years of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with a spectacular steam gala weekend
Music & Beer Festival at Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC
3rd May 2025
A Free Beer & Music festival to showcase local talent: camping tickets available to buy now, with or without electric hook up.
Windermere Science Festival
10th May 2025 for 2 days
Windermere Science Festival is returning to Windermere Jetty Museum! A weekend that is perfect for families and people of all ages.
The Fred Whitton Challenge: Details and accommodation
11th May 2025
One of the UK’s most revered and gruelling cycling sportives. Known as “The Daddy of them all” by Cycling Weekly
Keswick Mountain Festival
16th May 2025
More dates available
Expect speakers and films, and a packed sports and local live music lineup the attracts thousands to the iconic fells and lakes of Cumbria
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
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
Hawkshead Christmas Fair
5th December 2025 for 2 days
Hawkshead Christmas Fair is on 7th & 8th December 2024. It’s going to be jam packed with fabulous stalls, lots of festive food & drinks!