The Lake District isn’t just about jaw-dropping landscapes and outdoor adventures—it’s packed with incredible festivals celebrating music, food, arts, sports, and age-old rural traditions. Whether you’re after live music, adrenaline-fuelled challenges, or the best of Cumbrian food and culture, there’s something for everyone.
So, here’s your 2025 guide to the best events and festivals in the Lake District!
Music & Performing Arts Festivals
– Kendal Calling
August 2025
Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith
One of the UK’s favourite festivals, Kendal Calling delivers an epic mix of indie, rock, pop, and electronic music, alongside comedy, arts, and family-friendly fun.
– Solfest Music Festival
August 2025
North Cumbria
A chilled-out, independent festival in the countryside, featuring everything from folk to electronic music, all with a laid-back, community vibe.
Learn more – Solfest Music Festival
– Wannasee Festival
Summer 2025
Penrith
Love classic rock? This festival is packed with top-tier tribute bands, bringing the sounds of Queen, The Rolling Stones, ABBA, and more to life.
– Ulverston International Music Festival
June 2025
Ulverston
A treat for classical music fans, featuring world-class orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists in a charming market town setting.
– Lake District Folk Weekend
July 2025
Staveley
Expect traditional folk performances, lively ceilidhs, and captivating storytelling in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Film, Arts & Cultural Festivals
– Keswick Film Festival
February 2025
Keswick
A must for film buffs, featuring independent films, international cinema, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors.
Learn more – Keswick Film Festival
– Lakes International Comic Arts Festival
October 2025
Bowness-on-Windermere
A celebration of storytelling through graphic novels and comics, with exhibitions, artist panels, and workshops.
– Retro Rendezvous Festival
Summer 2025
Ulverston
Step back in time with vintage cars, swing dancing, retro fashion, and live music from the 1940s to the ‘60s.
– MUDFest – South Cumbria Ceramics Festival
October 2025
South Cumbria
A paradise for pottery lovers, featuring exhibitions, interactive workshops, and top ceramic artists.
️ Outdoor & Adventure Festivals
– Keswick Mountain Festival
May 2025
Keswick
An adventure-packed weekend with trail running, open-water swimming, cycling, and live music by the lake.
– Base Camp Festival
September 2025
Lake District (TBA)
Think wild camping, hiking, kayaking, survival workshops, and campfire storytelling under the stars.
– Great North Swim
June 2025
Lake Windermere
Swim your way through the UK’s biggest open-water event, with distances from 250m to 10k.
– Keswick Ghost Walk (Seasonal 2025)
Selected evenings late October–November 2025 | Keswick (starts at Moot Hall)
Guided ghost walks run on specific dates around Halloween and into November . Advance booking required. Walks last ~90 minutes and start/finish at Moot Hall.
– Honister Slate Mine Ghost Tour (NEW for 2025)
Descend underground for a lantern-lit storytelling experience in a real working mine. Pre-booking essential.
Recommended arrival: 11:00am | Tour begins: 11:30am. Dates align with October half-term
Lake District Fell Races
For those who love pushing their limits, the Lake District’s fell races are a true test of endurance and navigation across some of the UK’s toughest terrain.
– Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
5th July 2025
Honister Slate Mine
This one-of-a-kind race kicks off with a steep climb, before leading runners through 1km of old mine tunnels! From there, it’s up to Fleetwith Pike (648m), across Grey Knotts (697m), and a rapid descent back to Honister.
learn more – Bowels of Fleetwith Fell Race
– Grasmere Sports & Rushbearing Fell Race
August 2025
Grasmere
Part of the Grasmere Sports Festival, this short but intense race is all about a tough climb and a thrilling downhill dash.
– Ambleside Sports Fell Race
July 2025
Ambleside
A classic fell race that demands speed, skill, and endurance over the fells around Ambleside.
– Borrowdale Fell Race
August 2025
Keswick
One of the hardest races out there—17 miles with over 6,500 feet of ascent, covering Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Dale Head.
– Wasdale Horseshoe Fell Race
July 2025
Wasdale
Dubbed one of the UK’s toughest fell races, covering 21 miles and a brutal 9,000 feet of ascent!
Dark Skies & Seasonal Events
– Dark Skies Festival
February & October 2025
Various locations
Experience the magic of the night sky with stargazing events, astrophotography workshops, and guided night walks.
Learn more – Dark skies festival
– Penrith Winter Droving
October 2025
Penrith
A magical torchlit procession with live music, street performances, and a traditional masquerade celebrating Cumbrian heritage.
Lake District Summer Festival
July 2025 | Various Locations
A family-friendly celebration of local food, music, and culture across several Lake District towns — perfect for visitors exploring the region in peak summer.
– Ambleside Rushbearing
July 2025
Ambleside
An ancient tradition where locals carry rushes to church, accompanied by lively parades and music.
️ Food, Drink & Rural Festivals
– Dalemain Marmalade Festival
March 2025
Dalemain Mansion
A must for marmalade lovers, with tastings, workshops, and competitions celebrating homemade and artisan marmalades.
– Appleby Horse Fair
June 2025
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Europe’s largest traditional Gypsy and Traveller horse fair, full of history and culture.
– Crooklands Country Fest
June 2025
Crooklands, near Kendal
Expect sheepdog trials, equestrian displays, food stalls, and rural crafts in this family-friendly festival.
– Lakeland Country Fair
August 2025
Torver, near Coniston
A true country fair with sheep-shearing, fell running, rural crafts, and local Cumbrian food.
– Cumberland Show
June 2025
Carlisle
A celebration of farming and countryside traditions, with livestock competitions, food stalls, and craft exhibitions.
– Lowick Show
September 2025
Lowick, South Cumbria
A proper agricultural show with livestock judging, produce competitions, and family-friendly entertainment.
Agricultural Shows Across Cumbria
Throughout the summer, villages and towns across Cumbria host their own agricultural shows, offering a glimpse of rural life with livestock displays, local food, and community fun. Popular ones include Cartmel Show, Grasmere Sports, Hawkshead Show, and Keswick Show.
Wildlife & Nature Events
Cumbria Wildlife Trust Events 2025
Join guided walks, nature workshops, and conservation days organised by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. From red squirrel spotting to wildflower walks, these events are perfect for families and nature lovers wanting to experience local wildlife up close.
Learn more – Cumbria Wildlife Trust Events.
Events by Location
– Keswick Events 2025 – Keswick Mountain Festival, Ghost Walks, Film Festival, Borrowdale Fell Race
– Windermere Events 2025 – Great North Swim, Comic Arts Festival
– Ambleside Events 2025 – Rushbearing Festival, Ambleside Sports
– Penrith Events 2025 – Kendal Calling, Penrith Winter Droving
– Cumbria Events 2025 – Solfest, Cumberland Show, Crooklands Country Fest, and more
❓ FAQs about Lake District Events 2025
1. What are the market days in Keswick?
Keswick Market takes place every Thursday and Saturday in the Market Square. You’ll find local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. The market is open year-round and is a great way to experience the local community.
2. When is the best time to visit the Lake District for festivals?
The main festival season runs from May to September, but there are exciting events year-round — from winter drovings and dark sky festivals to spring marmalade fairs.
3. Are Lake District festivals family-friendly?
Yes! Most festivals offer family areas, kids’ activities, and food stalls. Events like Keswick Mountain Festival and Lakeland Country Fair are especially family-oriented.
4. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For large events like Kendal Calling, Keswick Mountain Festival, and Great North Swim, early booking is strongly recommended as tickets and nearby accommodation sell out quickly.
Plan Your 2025 Visit to the Lake District!
Book early! Festivals and accommodations fill up fast.
Check the weather. The Lake District is beautiful, but unpredictable.
Explore beyond the festival. Make time for lakes, historic villages, and scenic trails.
With a packed calendar of events, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year in the Lake District. Whether you’re into music, adventure, or great food, there’s a festival here waiting for you!
For more inspiration on exploring the stunning landscapes and attractions of the Lake District, check out our Things to Do & See in Lake District guide.
