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: 26
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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
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
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
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
Ulverston
The Music Festival opens with a Celebrity Recital by violinist Jennifer Pike, who at the age of twelve became the youngest ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year. She is joined by Martin Roscoe in a beautifully balanced programme including…
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…
Whitehaven
The summer Whitehaven Flower Club Gala returns with even more beautiful arrangements and top advice and tips to make your bouquets glow.
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.
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