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: 23
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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…
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
Grange-over-Sands
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running aficionado? Look no further than Wild Goat Festival (31st May-2nd June), a weekend of running the trails and gravel cycling set in the heart of the…
Ulverston
Based in the centre of the brilliant old market town of Ulverston, Retro Rendezvous is a full weekend of fabulous retro fun. Music, food, dance, clothes, markets, vintage cars, scooters, motorcycles, and the famous Velo Retro old school cycling…
Penrith
Skelton Show has become one of the major agricultural, country shows in Cumbria. Located in the picturesque parkland at Hutton-in-the Forest, it attracts over 10,000 visitors each year.
Ulverston
A day "OUT" in Ulverston. Come as you are and be Celebrated. with Live entertainment and Family activities
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…
Walney
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
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…
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
Barrow-in-Furness
Mini family-friendly festival of theatre, craft, music and fun! Free for all.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL