What's on in Cumbria
Agricultural shows, fell races, festivals and markets. We only list dates the organiser has confirmed, and each one links to the source.
October 2026
23 to 25 October 2026
Autumn Potfest in the Pens
Skirsgill Auction Mart, Penrith
Potters set out their work in the livestock pens of Penrith's auction mart, which gives this ceramics fair a refreshingly unpolished, hands-on feel. The autumn edition brings a different line-up of makers from the summer show and lands just as thoughts turn to Christmas presents.
23 October to 20 November 2026
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
Venues across Cumbria
A month of stargazing evenings, talks, night walks and family events spread across the county, run by Lake District National Park partners including Forestry England and Friends of the Lake District. Long nights and some of England's darkest skies make this the best time of year to look up; check individual events for booking.
Sat, 24 October 2026
Carlisle Carnivale
Carlisle city centre, Carlisle
Eden Arts, the team behind Penrith's Winter Droving, takes its autumn street festival to Carlisle this year. Expect live music, circus and street performers from midday, with markets and a funfair, building to a twilight procession through the city centre. Free to attend, and a good reason to stay in town after dark.
24 October to 1 November 2026
Muncaster Halloween Family Festival
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Muncaster leans into its reputation as one of England's most haunted castles for the October half term. Spooky garden trails, parades, a costume competition and a torchlit march fill the days, with the haunted castle open to explore. Aimed squarely at families rather than thrill seekers.
29 to 31 October 2026
Scarecaster at Muncaster
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
The grown-up side of Muncaster's Halloween: an after-dark scare trail through the castle grounds where actors are paid to make you jump. It is strictly 16 and over, and under 18s need an adult with them. Book ahead, as nights are limited.
30 to 31 October 2026
Halloween at Holker
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel
Two days of gentle Halloween fun at Holker: pumpkin carving, a ghostly trail through the gardens and monster crafts. Storyteller Taffy Thomas runs ticketed sessions in the library, which are worth booking for. Child tickets are bought alongside an adult gardens entry.
Sat, 31 October 2026
Carlisle Fireshow
Bitts Park, Carlisle
Carlisle's big council fireworks night returns to Bitts Park, with the display starting at 6.30pm and food and family entertainment in the Castle car park beforehand. This year's theme nods to the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Cumberland in 2027. Entry is free.
November 2026
Sun, 1 November 2026
Cockermouth Annual Fireworks Display
Memorial Gardens, Cockermouth
Cockermouth's own fireworks night, held in the Memorial Gardens between 5pm and 7pm. A compact, community-run evening that suits families who would rather avoid the bigger city crowds.
6 to 8 November 2026
Holker Winter Market
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel
Holker's three-day market has become the traditional opener of the northern Christmas market season. Traders sell crafts, gifts and food, with street food, outdoor bars and live music, and your ticket also gets you into the hall and gardens. Under 12s go free but still need booking online with an adult.
13 November to 3 January 2027
A Christmas Carol at Theatre by the Lake
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake's festive show for 2026 is a new adaptation of Dickens, made with Goblin, the company behind the theatre's earlier hit The Lost Spells. It runs for seven weeks with evening performances and matinees, and previews from 13 November. A proper night out in Keswick when the evenings draw in.
14 November to 23 December 2026
Santa's Secret Grotto at Honister
Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale
Probably the only Santa's grotto in Cumbria reached through a working slate mine. Guides lead families through the tunnels to a lit cavern where Father Christmas is waiting, and each child gets a gift. It sells out every year, so book early.
Sat, 14 November 2026
Coniston Festive Fayre
Coniston Institute, Coniston
A one-day artisan fair at the Coniston Institute, with over twenty stalls inside and a few more outside, plus festive afternoon teas. Santa's grotto runs by booked time slot. Handy for early Christmas shopping away from the bigger markets.
14 November to 30 December 2026
Lights of Lowther
Lowther Castle and Gardens, Penrith
Lowther's winter light trail threads through the gardens and the shell of the castle, with music along the way. It runs on selected evenings, mostly Fridays to Sundays, plus extra nights before Christmas and between Christmas and New Year (closed 24 to 26 December). Entry is by pre-booked timed slot from 4pm.
Wed, 18 November 2026
Keswick Christmas Lights Switch-On
Keswick town centre, Keswick
Keswick Town Council has deliberately moved this year's switch-on to a Wednesday and scaled it back after crowding concerns in 2025. Expect a simpler, safer evening with local school choirs rather than the old funfair and market stalls. Check the council's poster for timings nearer the day.
19 to 22 November 2026
Kendal Mountain Festival
Various venues across Kendal, Kendal
The biggest date in the British outdoor calendar, four days of adventure films, speaker sessions, book talks and gatherings that fill Kendal with climbers, runners and walkers. Book the headline sessions early, as the larger evening shows sell out well before the weekend.
21 November to 24 December 2026
Santa Express on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass
Father Christmas rides the narrow gauge line up Eskdale on selected days from late November, then every day from 19 to 24 December. Quieter Santa's Little Helper trains run on 4 and 11 December. Book through the railway; festive food can be pre-ordered.
Sat, 21 November 2026
Penrith Sparkle
Penrith town centre, Penrith
Penrith's own Christmas launch, run by the town's Business Improvement District to get people shopping locally through the festive weeks. Past editions have built up to an evening lights switch-on after an afternoon of activity in town; check Penrith BID nearer the day for this year's timings.
Sun, 22 November 2026
Cockermouth Christmas Light Switch-On
Main Street, Cockermouth
Cockermouth closes Main Street for an afternoon of festivities from 1.30pm, ending with the lights going on. A friendly, town-sized event that brings out most of the community.
Fri, 27 November 2026
Kendal Christmas Lights Switch-On
Kendal town centre, Kendal
Kendal's lights go on with late night shopping and a farmers' market in town. It is the start of the festive season for the auld grey town and a good excuse to browse the independents after dark.
Fri, 27 November 2026
Winter Art and Craft Fair at Swarthmoor Hall
Swarthmoor Hall, Ulverston
An evening fair from 3.30pm to 7.30pm in the conference room and barn at Swarthmoor Hall, the historic Quaker house outside Ulverston. Local makers sell seasonal gifts, and it falls the night before the Dickensian Festival, so you can make a weekend of it.
28 to 29 November 2026
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
Ulverston town centre, Ulverston
The 27th edition of Ulverston's Victorian-themed weekend, when the old town fills with stalls, stages and costumed parades. Almost all the entertainment is free, and many locals and visitors dress for the occasion. One of the most characterful Christmas events in the county.
Sat, 28 November 2026
Workington Christmas Light Switch-On and Christmas Market
Workington town centre, Ladies Walk car park and Hall Park, Workington
Workington runs a market with live music, food and drink from 11am to 5pm before the lights go on. The first night of Workington Lightworks follows at Hall Park from 5pm to 7pm.
December 2026
3 December to 3 January 2027
Skate by the Lake at Another Place
Another Place, The Lake, Pooley Bridge
An outdoor ice rink on the shore of Ullswater at the Another Place hotel, open to locals and visitors as well as guests. Non-residents cannot skate on 23 to 26 December, 30 and 31 December or 1 January. Book a session in advance.
4 to 6 December 2026
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair
Kirkby Lonsdale town centre, Kirkby Lonsdale
Three days of Christmas stalls and festivities spread through Kirkby Lonsdale's streets. The town's independent shops make it as much a browsing weekend as a market, so arrive early on the Saturday if you want to park.
5 to 6 December 2026
Taste Cumbria Christmas, Cockermouth
Cockermouth town centre, Cockermouth
The Christmas edition of the Taste Cumbria food festival takes over Cockermouth for a weekend of local producers, food and drink stalls. Nearly everything is free to enjoy, with only a handful of ticketed events.
5 to 22 December 2026
Christmas at Muncaster
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass
Muncaster's Christmas festival runs on 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 to 22 December. There is a Santa's grotto (separate ticket), a craft fair, lit festive gardens with a family trail, live music on some dates and the daily owl display. Every visitor needs an entry ticket.
5 to 6 December 2026
Winter Tales with Taffy Thomas
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel
A weekend of winter storytelling at Holker with Taffy Thomas, the former Storyteller Laureate who lives in Grasmere. A calm, old-fashioned alternative to the busier Christmas markets.
Sun, 6 December 2026
Kendal Christmas Celebration
Kendal town centre, Kendal
Kendal BID's one-day festive celebration in the town centre, a week or so after the lights go on. Check Visit Kendal nearer the time for the programme.
12 to 21 December 2026
Father Christmas at Holker Hall
Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel
Father Christmas takes up residence at Holker on 12 and 13 December and 19 to 21 December. Every child must come with a parent or guardian, and tickets are limited and must be booked ahead.
Sat, 12 December 2026
Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k
Langdale
A festive road 10k through Great Langdale from the Lakeland Trails team, where fancy dress is as much a part of the day as the running. It is a gentle way to end the racing year with the Langdale Pikes for company.
March 2027
10 to 14 March 2027
Words by the Water
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Keswick's festival of words and ideas fills Theatre by the Lake with authors, thinkers and broadcasters for five days. The programme is announced closer to the time, but the format of talks and conversations beside Derwentwater makes it one of the best reasons to visit the town out of season.
18 to 21 March 2027
Keswick Film Festival
Keswick
A volunteer-run film festival that has been bringing world cinema, documentaries and guest speakers to Keswick for years, with the Osprey Short Film Awards as a highlight. Screenings are shared between the town's small venues, so it feels personal rather than corporate.
April 2027
Sat, 24 April 2027
Dalemain Marmalade Awards and Festival
Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens, Pooley Bridge
The world's original marmalade awards end with a festival day at Dalemain, the historic house between Penrith and Ullswater. Entries from home cooks and professionals around the world are judged, and visitors can taste, shop and see the house. Entry forms open on 1 December and close on 1 February.
May 2027
Sat, 1 May 2027
Coniston Fell Race
Coniston
A medium-length fell race on the Coniston fells, listed on the Fell Runners Association calendar. Expect steep climbing, rough descents and a field of club runners who know the ground well.
Sun, 9 May 2027
Fred Whitton Challenge
Grasmere
Britain's best-known cycle sportive: 112 miles through the heart of the Lake District, taking in the steepest of the big passes. Roadside spectators gather on the hardest climbs, and the route is worth avoiding by car on the day.
21 to 23 May 2027
Keswick Mountain Festival
Crow Park and the Lakeside, Keswick
Three days of trail runs, lake swims, triathlons, sportives and a Skiddaw mountain run, with talks, live music and a gear village on the Derwentwater shore. Even if you are not racing, the Lakeside site and the evening programme make it a lively weekend to be in town; book accommodation early.
29 May to 2 June 2027
Cartmel Races: May meeting
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
The jump season at Cartmel opens with three race days: Saturday 29 May, Bank Holiday Monday 31 May and Whit Wednesday 2 June. The course loops around the edge of the village, so a day here is as much about the picnic on the infield and a pint in Cartmel afterwards as the racing itself.
June 2027
3 to 9 June 2027
Appleby Horse Fair
Appleby-in-Westmorland and Fair Hill, Appleby-in-Westmorland
A centuries-old gathering of Gypsy and Traveller communities, best known for horses being washed in the River Eden and run down the road through town. The main days run from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 June, with little to see after the Sunday. It is not a ticketed or organised attraction: a multi-agency group led by Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police coordinates safety, so plan for road changes and visit respectfully.
5 to 6 June 2027
Country Fest
Westmorland County Showground, Westmorland County Showground, Crooklands
A two-day celebration of rural life at the Westmorland County Showground, now in its nineteenth year and drawing thousands of visitors. Proceeds help the Westmorland County Agricultural Society, so it is a good-natured day out with a genuine farming community behind it.
Sat, 5 June 2027
Ennerdale Horseshoe Fell Race
Ennerdale
One of the Lakeland Classics: a long, high circuit of the fells around Ennerdale with over 2,000 metres of climbing. It is a serious mountain race for experienced fell runners, and a fine spectacle from the valley.
Sun, 6 June 2027
Lakeland Trails Marathon, Coniston
Coniston
The Lakeland Trails team's flagship Coniston day offers a trail marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k on the paths and tracks around Coniston Water and Grizedale. It is one of the friendlier ways into trail racing, with a festival feel at the finish.
11 to 13 June 2027
Great North Swim
Brockhole, Windermere
Thousands of open water swimmers take to Windermere from Brockhole over three days, with distances from 250 metres for children up to 10k. Spectators can watch from the lawns at Brockhole, which turn into a busy event village for the weekend.
11 to 14 June 2027
Kick The Dust Up
Gillcumber Glamping, Kirkby Stephen
A small country, bluegrass and Americana festival on a glamping site in the upper Eden Valley. Day tickets, weekend passes and camping are offered, so you can treat it as an evening out or a full long weekend.
Sun, 20 June 2027
Lakesman Triathlon
Keswick
Keswick's long-distance triathlon returns with both full and half distances, plus relay and split options, starting with a swim in Derwentwater. Roads around the northern Lakes are busy with cyclists for much of the day, so plan journeys accordingly.
25 to 27 June 2027
Cartmel Races: June meeting
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
Two race days, Friday 25 and Sunday 27 June, with the Friday billed as an evening of racing followed by a live set from Madness. The Sunday is the gentler of the pair and a good one for families.
July 2027
Fri, 2 July 2027
Tour de France: Stage One finish in Carlisle
Carlisle
The opening stage of the 2027 men's Tour de France runs from Edinburgh through the Scottish Borders to a finish in Carlisle. Watching from the roadside is free, but expect road closures across the city and arrive early for a spot near the line.
Sat, 3 July 2027
Skelton Show
Old Park, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith
One of the bigger one-day shows in the north of the county, held in parkland at Hutton in the Forest a few miles from M6 junction 41. Expect cattle, sheep, horses and dogs in the rings, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, vintage vehicles and a large produce marquee. A good choice if you want a proper farming show without the scale of the county events.
Sat, 3 July 2027
Tour de France: Stage Two start in Keswick
Keswick
Stage two of the 2027 men's Tour de France sets off from Keswick and crosses the Lake District and Lancashire before finishing on The Strand in Liverpool. Expect road closures and huge crowds along the route; the race itself is free to watch.
Sat, 10 July 2027
Lakeland Trails Ultra
Ambleside
Ultra distances of 100k and 55k from Ambleside on the Lakeland Trails network, with shorter 23k and 14k races the same day. It is a long day out on good trails rather than a fell race, and Ambleside makes a lively base.
Sat, 10 July 2027
Wasdale Fell Race
Wasdale
One of the Lakeland Classics, the Wasdale race links the high fells around Wasdale Head over a long and very demanding course. It is for seasoned mountain runners only, but the valley is a grand place to watch the finish.
17 to 19 July 2027
Cartmel Races: July meeting
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
Racing on Saturday 17 and Monday 19 July, in the middle of the Cartmel season when the village is at its busiest. Arrive early: the lanes into Cartmel are narrow and the car parks fill well before the first race.
Sat, 24 July 2027
Penrith Show
Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith
The Penrith Agricultural Society has run a show since 1834, and today it sits on farmland at Brougham, just south of the town. Livestock judging is the core of the day, with trade stands and family attractions around it. It is close enough to Penrith that walking or a short taxi from the station is realistic.
29 July to 1 August 2027
Kendal Calling
Lowther Deer Park, Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith
Cumbria's biggest music festival, set in the deer park on the Lowther estate, mixes big-name headliners with indie, dance and comedy across four days. Camping is the norm and tickets sell well ahead, so book early.
August 2027
Wed, 4 August 2027
Cartmel Show
Cartmel Park, Cartmel
Running since 1872 and held in Cartmel Park since 1897, the show locals call the Royal Cartmel brings cattle, sheep, light and heavy horses and rabbits to the racecourse village. Beyond the livestock there is a food hall with chef demonstrations, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and busy craft and horticulture marquees. Combine it with lunch in the village, which is at its liveliest on show day.
Thu, 12 August 2027
Appleby Agricultural Show
Hanging Shaw Fields, Appleby-in-Westmorland
A weekday farming show on the edge of Appleby, with classes for sheep, cattle, poultry, a wide spread of equestrian sections and produce and handicraft tents. The listing notes free entry for children under 10, free parking and a free taxi from the town centre. It feels firmly local, which is the appeal.
Thu, 26 August 2027
Crosby Ravensworth Agricultural Show
Low Bottom, near Barnskew Farm, Maulds Meaburn, near Appleby-in-Westmorland
The 155th edition of a small upland show in the Lyvennet valley, with sheep, vintage horses and ponies, poultry, eggs, rabbits and guinea pigs alongside industrial and horticultural classes. Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling adds a bit of theatre. It is the kind of show where most people know each other, and visitors are made welcome.
28 to 30 August 2027
Cartmel Races: August meeting
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel
The season closes with Cartmel Cup Day on Saturday 28 August and the finale on Bank Holiday Monday 30 August. These are the biggest crowds of the year, so book tickets and somewhere to stay well ahead.
Sat, 28 August 2027
Dufton Agricultural Show and Sheepdog Trials
Dufton village showfield, Appleby-in-Westmorland
Known as the Fellside Royal, Dufton's show dates from 1864 and sits under the Pennine escarpment near Appleby. The programme is broad for a village event: sheep and cattle, sheepdog trials, fell ponies, quoits, vintage vehicles, children's sports and a fell race. A good excuse to see one of the Eden Valley's prettiest villages on a busy day.
Sat, 28 August 2027
Patterdale Dog Day
Patterdale show field, Glenridding
Built around an open sheepdog trial, this 122nd show at the head of Ullswater also has hound and terrier classes, stick showing and fell races, with the Helvellyn fells as a backdrop. It remains a genuinely traditional dale gathering rather than a big commercial show. Arrive early on the bank holiday Saturday, as the valley road gets busy.
Sun, 29 August 2027
Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show
The Showfield, Stock Lane, Grasmere
The most famous of the Lakeland sports days, with guides races straight up the fellside, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound racing and a fun dog show on the field beside the village. Gates open at 9am. Watching the senior guides race from the field is one of the great Lake District spectacles, and worth planning a bank holiday around.
September 2027
Sat, 4 September 2027
Hesket Newmarket Show
Showfield between Hesket Newmarket and Newlands Mill, Caldbeck
A small agricultural show on the northern fringe of the national park, signposted from the village. Classes cover working dogs and pet dogs, horticultural and industrial entries and children's fancy dress, with trade stands and a craft tent.
8 to 9 September 2027
Westmorland County Show
Westmorland County Showfield, Kendal
Cumbria's largest agricultural show spreads over two days at Crooklands, south of Kendal, with livestock, horses, trade stands and plenty to eat. It is a working farmers' event first, which gives it real character. Book tickets ahead and allow plenty of time on the approach roads.
Sat, 25 September 2027
Eskdale Show
Eskdale Showfield, Eskdale
The self-styled home of the world champion Herdwick, Eskdale's show is one of the best places to see the Lake District's native sheep judged by the people who breed them. The show is a celebration of traditional fell farming, and a fell race runs from the field.
October 2027
Sat, 9 October 2027
Langdale Horseshoe Fell Race
Langdale
A Lakeland Classic around the head of Great Langdale, over rocky and largely pathless ground. Autumn weather often adds to the challenge, which is part of its reputation among fell runners.
Sat, 16 October 2027
Langdale Marathon and Half
Langdale
A hilly road marathon and half marathon through Great Langdale, listed on the Lakeland Trails calendar. The course is tough rather than fast, and the autumn colour in the valley is a fair reward.