What’s On in the Lake District & Cumbria in 2025

What’s on in the Lake District and Cumbria in 2025, your ultimate guide to events and activities in this stunning region! What’s on today, this week, this weekend, or the months ahead, we’ve got all the details you need. 

From Lake District festivals and cultural events, theatre, live music and creative workshops to outdoor adventures and family-friendly fun, there’s always something exciting coming up. Planning for 2025? Explore what’s on in the Lake District and Cumbria in the coming year and make unforgettable memories in this breathtaking destination.  Dive into our exciting lineup of events and see what’s on in the Lake District and Cumbria for an unforgettable year of activities and experiences.     

To add your event to the What’s On in the Lake District calendar free of charge please CLICK HERE. Our new simplified system means you can add your 2025 Lake District events easily and quickly.

Browse all Lake District events below or use the Advanced Search below to filter by event type, date or location.

The image at the head of the page is courtesy of Keswick Mountain Festival and shows the main stage on the shores of Derwentwater.

Annual events in the Lake District and Cumbria, 2025 dates

January 2025

• Groups such as the Cumbria Wildlife Trust host guided nature walks and hands-on conservation activities, giving participants the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Lake District while actively supporting efforts to protect its environment.

February 2025

• Events coming later

March 2025

• Keswick Film Festival
  An annual cinematic event showcasing a diverse selection of films, including independent, international, and classic movies, held in the bustling tourist town of Keswick. Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th March 2025

April 2025

• Taste Cumbria Food Festival in Keswick
  Scheduled over the Easter weekend, this popular event highlights the best of Cumbria’s culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy an array of food and drink stalls, cooking demonstrations, and fun-filled activities for all ages in the heart of Keswick. The food festival traditionally coincides with the Easter weekend. In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20th so the festival is expected to take place around that time.

• Dalemain Marmalade Festival
  A delightful celebration of marmalade in all its forms, this unique festival at Dalemain Mansion brings together enthusiasts to enjoy tastings, workshops, and an impressive showcase of creative homemade preserves. Saturday, April 26th, 2025

May 2025

• Keswick Mountain Festival

Combining outdoor adventures, sports competitions, and live music, this festival offers activities like trail running, cycling, and open-water swimming against the stunning backdrop of Derwentwater. Friday 16th May to Sunday 18th May 2025.

• Cartmel Races

Experience the thrill of horse racing at one of the UK’s most picturesque racecourses, with events held during the summer months.Races are scheduled on various dates from May to August.

June 2025

• Cumberland Show

A family-friendly agricultural event combining traditional competitions with modern attractions, including livestock judging, crafts, food stalls, and entertainment. Saturday, 7th June 2025

• Keswick Beer Festival

This popular event brings together beer and cider lovers for a weekend of great brews, lively music, and a fantastic atmosphere, showcasing selections from local and global breweries in the heart of Keswick. Friday, June 6th, and Saturday, June 7th, 2025

• Great North Swim

The UK’s largest open-water swimming event, attracting thousands to Windermere for various distance challenges, set amidst the stunning scenery of the Lake District.  Friday,13th June to Sunday, 15th June 2025

• Windermere Rally – Steam Boat Association

Showcasing a variety of boats and watercraft, this event provides opportunities for enthusiasts to view and experience vessels on England’s largest lake, along with watersport demonstrations and exhibits. Sunday 22nd June until Friday 27th June 2025

July 2025

• Kendal Calling

A renowned music festival held annually in the picturesque Lowther Deer Park, featuring a diverse lineup of artists across multiple stages, along with art installations and family-friendly activities. Thursday, 31st July to Sunday, 3rd August 2025

August 2025

• Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show

A traditional sports event featuring Cumberland wrestling, fell running, and hound trails, celebrating local athletic traditions in the scenic village of Grasmere. Sunday, 24th August 2025

• Solfest
  Solfest is a family-friendly music and arts festival known for its diverse lineup, vibrant atmosphere, and creative activities for all ages. A highlight of Cumbria’s summer, it’s an unmissable event for music lovers and festival-goers alike. Held at at North Lakes Country Park in Silloth.  August 21st to 24th, 2025

• Cartmel Races
  Continued summer races during August at this picturesque racecourse.

September 2025

• Westmorland County Show

One of the UK’s oldest agricultural shows, highlighting rural life with livestock displays, local produce, crafts, and traditional entertainment. Wednesday, 10th to Thursday, 11th September 2025

• Taste Cumbria Food Festival

A culinary celebration in Cockermouth, bringing together local producers, chefs, and food lovers for a weekend of markets, demonstrations, and tastings of Cumbrian delicacies. Main festival usually in late September.

• Loweswater Show

This traditional agricultural show in the heart of Cumbria celebrates rural life with livestock competitions, horse classes, dog trials, and displays of local crafts and produce. A family-friendly event, it offers a fantastic day out with something for everyone to enjoy. Sunday, September 7, 2025

October 2025

• Penrith Winter Droving

This annual festival transforms Penrith into a vibrant celebration of rural traditions, featuring a torchlit procession, live music, street performances, and bustling markets. Attendees don masks and costumes, embracing the spirit of the season in a unique and immersive experience. Saturday, October 25th, 2025.

November 2025

• Keswick Victorian Fayre

Held in early November, this delightful event brings the charm of a Victorian-themed market to Keswick. Visitors can enjoy a variety of charity stalls, seasonal treats, and entertaining performances in a warm and festive atmosphere.  Friday, 14th November 2025

• Kendal Mountain Festival

An internationally acclaimed gathering for outdoor enthusiasts, offering film screenings, lectures, and exhibitions focused on mountain culture, adventure, and exploration. Thursday, 20th to Sunday, 23rd of November, 2025

• Ulverston Dickensian Festival

Taking place in late November or early December, this enchanting festival turns Ulverston into a Victorian-inspired haven. With costumed performers, bustling markets, and lively street acts, it’s a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit with a touch of nostalgia. Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th November, 2025

December 2025

• Carlisle Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival

Marvel at a stunning display of decorated Christmas trees within the historic cathedral, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. December 2025 dates yet to be announced

 

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