Lake District Events

Discover what’s on with our Lake District events guide

Find the most popular, unique and fascinating things to do with our guide to Lake District events.

The Lake District isn’t all mountains and hiking! Throughout the year, there is a plethora of thrilling and engaging events to appease all tastes. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Lake District and want to know what’s going on, keep reading for information on the major Lake District events in 2023.

Take part in an Easter egg hunt at a National Trust property or visit a traditional Cumbrian agricultural show. You can even get in the Christmas spirit at any number of seasonal Lakeland celebrations.

Enjoy UK music festivals like Kendal Calling, active events like the Grasmere Lakeland Sports Show or cultural offerings including Keswick Film Festival. Countless other events and festivals take place in the Lake District.

Additionally, there is a tonne of festivals that honour the great outdoors and Cumbria’s incredible scenery. Whether you want to appreciate nature through walking festivals, fell runs, competitive bike races, orienteering activities, or other means, you’ll find something for you.

Our handy travel guide will give you inspiration regarding what’s on in the Lake District.

Check out these fantastic Lake District events below…

Ambleside Sports

Rydal Park
Rydal Road
Ambleside
LA22 9PN

015394 33058

Ambleside Sports is a traditional Lakeland sporting event that can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The first officially organised Sports in Ambleside event took place in the year of Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee and eventually became a regular event, with children’s events introduced in the 2000s.
view more information
Boot Beer Festival

Boot
Holmrook
Cumbria
England
CA19 1TG

01946723288

Starting as a way to get visitors to the valley during the foot and mouth outbreak, The Boot Beer Festival has continued for many years. Nowadays the festival spans four days and is held across three pubs in Boot. It incorporates music, a curry night and around 100 real ales!
view more information
Cockermouth LIVE!

Various Locations
Cockermouth
Cumbria
CA13

Cockermouth Live is a festival of music, inspiration, and family fun that takes place in Cockermouth every summer. The festival combines headline acts with local performers at a range of venues in the Cumbrian town.
view more information
Cockermouth Show

Cockermouth
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
CA13 0HH

Cockermouth Show is an agricultural show with sheep dog demonstrations, sheep clipping demonstrations, Cumberland and West Morland wrestling, and much more. Go along for a fun day out in the countryside.
view more information
Coniston Country Fair

Coniston Campsite
Coniston
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom

Set on the shores of Coniston Water, Coniston Country Fair is a traditional Lakeland show offering visitors a fascinating insight into Cumbrian life. Watch traditional Cumbrian sports such as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and fell racing as well as dry stone walling. There are also crafts and food for sale.
view more information
Image Credits: Barry Lewis – CC BY 2.0

Cumbria Steam Gathering

Cark Airfield
Flookburgh
Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria
LA11 7LS

07825 369601

The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place every year over the last weekend of July. Started over 40 years ago by a group of steam engine enthusiasts, the event now attracts more than 20,000 visitors over two days. At Cumbria Steam Gathering you’ll find a range of vintage and custom locomotives, cars, and agricultural machinery.
view more information
Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show

The Grasmere Lakeland Sports Show is a grand tradition in the Lakeland village, and has taken place annually since 1868. Visitors can expect to see a variety of sporting events, including Fell Running and Cumberland Wrestling.
Visit Website
Kendal Calling

This independent music festival takes place in the heart of the Lake District, at Lowther Deer Park. From humble beginnings, it has grown from a 900 to 25,000 capacity event and takes place over four days, offering a fantastic range of live music acts amongst a beautiful Cumbrian setting.
Visit Website
Keswick Film Festival

Originating in 2000, the Keswick Film Festival is the perfect cinematic experience, offering a great balance between highly anticipated and under the radar titles, well known and brand new faces and a range of genres, with awards handed out to the best pictures.
Visit Website
Keswick Mountain Festival

This high octane festival takes place in the heart of the Lakes every June, and is one for those who love the outdoors and adventure. Take part in hiking, biking, canoeing, climbing, navigation training and much more.
Visit Website