The Best Lake District Festivals Every Year (Month By Month)
Not only are the Lakes abundant with stunning mountainous waters, mesmerising wildlife, and impressive peaks, but the Lake District festivals are also something you don’t want to miss!
From music to food and drink, summer, and even Victorian festivals, the Lake District has an excellent lineup. We’ve rounded up the best annual festivals in the Lake District from March through to November.
No matter what you're into, who you're with, or how old you are, there will be a festival for you.
Lake District Festivals March – November: An Overview
Here’s a brief rundown of what’s on, with more details further below:
| March | April | May |
| Keswick Film Festival Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival |
Taste Cumbria | Keswick Mountain Festival Penrith Mayday |
| June | July | August |
| The Great North Swim Keswick Beer Festival |
Kendal Calling | Lake District Summer Music Festival Lakeland Country Fair |
| September | October | November |
| Westmorland County Show Taste Cumbria |
Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) Penrith Winter Droving |
Ulverston Dickensian Victorian Fayre |
Note: Please be aware that dates are subject to change. Always confirm on the organisation's website.
When you come to booking your accommodation for your Lake District festival, we recommend considering none other than Newlands Farm Stables.
Situated in Kendal, home to a number of festivals, just a stone's throw from the Lake District National Park, we can offer you the luxury glamping experience of a lifetime.
Stay in one of our converted barns or stables for an authentic countryside experience that's both relaxing and comfortable, yet rustic.
Book your stay with us today, and have a sound night's sleep after your festival!
Lake District Festivals in March
March is still rather chilly, especially in the UK, but spring isn't far away. But festivals in the Lake District don’t shy away from the cold, and there's one festival that comes to mind during this transitional month…
Keswick Film Festival
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This event was founded in 2000 by Keswick Film Club in collaboration with Theatre by the Lake. Over 25 years of success should tell you something about the festival.
It showcases both global and local films, engaging diverse audiences with thought-provoking content for all ages and backgrounds.
The main venues for the festival are, of course, Theatre by the Lake, the Alhambra Cinema, and the Rheged Centre.
So, check the lineup and see what you might be interested in watching! From Oscar award-winners to local filmmakers, Keswick Film Festival celebrates a beautiful form of art.
Lake District Festivals in April
Along with the arrival of spring comes the first food festivals of the year, so you'd better get your taste buds ready for a ton of delicious delights.
Taste Cumbria
Credit: @western.lake.district on Instagram.com
The Taste Cumbria event in Wigton marks the first of the year, annually hosted by the Cumberland Council.
This food, drink, craft-lovers event is actually completely free to attend. Set in the heart of the quaint town of Wigton, Taste Cumbria aims to support local businesses and boost the local economy.
From handmade cheeses to artisan breads to craft gin, chutneys, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and vegan street food, this festival really has something for everyone.
Kids are kept entertained with rides, face painting, magic shows, and balloon modelling, all in a safe, friendly space.
There's even live music to keep the food party going all day long!
Dalemain World Marmalade Awards & Festival
Credit: @dalemainmansion on Instagram.com
This annual event takes place every April at Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens near Penrith in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park — a stunning Gradeβ―1 listed estate immersed in enchanting surroundings.
In 2025, it marked its 20th anniversary, drawing thousands of entries from around the world in one of the globe's most quirky culinary competitions.
At this charmingly eccentric festival, you'll experience world-class marmalade displays and tasting, expert demos, and community spirit.
This charity organisation does extremely well each year, raising funds for local hospices.
So, come, eat some marmalade, learn about marmalade production, and enjoy the community spirit of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival.
"The world's greatest festival." - Sophia Money-Coutts, Journalist
Lake District Festivals in May
The weather is getting much warmer during the month of May, and the festival season is about to get properly underway.
May is a glorious month to visit the Lake District. You don't quite get the business of the summer holidays, but the weather is pleasant and the scenes are like no other.
Not only that, but there are also fantastic festivals to experience. Here's what we recommend.
Keswick Mountain Festival
Credit: @keswickfestival on Instagram.com
Sport lovers, this one's for you. Keswick Mountain Festival is a lively outdoor celebration set against the dramatic backdrop of Derwentwater and the Lake District fells.
Launched in 2007, the Keswick Mountain Festival has become one of the UK’s most beloved outdoor sports and adventure festivals, designed to inspire all abilities to engage with the outdoors.
At the festival, you'll find trail running, swimming, triathlons, hikes, and more. But that's just the sport.
For those spectating family members or friends, fun family-friendly activities, live music, and community vibes are in abundance.
It's a day for all to enjoy, so even if you don't fancy doing a triathlon, you'll still have a memorable day.
Penrith Mayday
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A cherished springtime festival for the locals of Penrith, and now, you.
Think fun fair, live entertainment (including a circus, by the way), a village fair, various activities, and a colourful parade — that’s Penrith Mayday.
Organised by Penrith Town Council, this festival continues decades of tradition and is a heartfelt nod to community pride and continuity.
It's free to attend, packed with families, and a perfect way to spend a May bank holiday.
Lake District Festivals in June
The festival season is well underway this month, and at the start of summer, you can visit some of the best ones of the year.
Get your dancing feet on and beer belly ready, because June is full of local ales, beers, cider, and a whole lot of music.
The Great North Swim
Credit: @great_swim on Instagram.com
Get ready for a weekend-long celebration of open-water swimming. This unique event draws thousands to the Lake District to admire the beauty of the lakes while taking part in your first or 100th open-water swim!
Held annually on the iconic Lake Windermere, the Great North Swim is suited to all levels of swimmers. But if you don't fancy dipping a toe in, you can soak up the atmosphere of the weekend.
Infused with festival energy, scenic surroundings, local food, family-friendly activities, and cultural flair, you can soak in the buzz of camaraderie for the fabulous swimmers.
Keswick Beer Festival
Credit: @keswickbeerfestival on Instagram.com
Perhaps one of the most well-known festivals of the year, the Keswick Beer Festival draws crowds to enjoy this firm fixture in the Keswick summer calendar.
A massive selection of over 160 real ales and around 30 ciders provides an excellent lineup for those looking to spend a day partying on the pitch at Davidson Park.
But that's not all that's on offer. You can also soak up the atmosphere by listening to various live bands across the weekend.
The festival is organised by Keswick Rugby Club and Keswick Lions, and proceeds support grassroots rugby and local community initiatives. So get your tickets ASAP and support the local sporting community!
Be warned, tickets sell out, and there won't be any available on the day.
Lake District Festivals in July
One of the most popular Cumbrian festivals happens in July, and if you're looking to have a boogie and some proper family time, this is our recommendation.
Kendal Calling
Credit: @kendalcalling on Instagram.com
Kendal Calling is a wildly immersive music and arts festival set in the lush surroundings of Lowther Deer Park. We'd be surprised if you hadn't heard of this one.
Main stage at Kendal Calling. Photo courtesy Laura Marlarkey.
Originating in 2006 as a modest two-day event near Kendal Castle, it has since expanded into a four-day festival, attracting up to 40,000 attendees per day. Now that's a festival.
Read More: Top 10 Family Walks Near Kendal
As one of the most popular festivals of the year, you're probably wanting to know what actually goes on. So, here it is.
Kendal Calling is celebrated as the miniβGlastonbury of the North, transforming Lowther Deer Park into a lively, escapist wonderland with music, arts, immersive installations, and theatrical surprises.
With nine stages, you'll see sets from well-known artists like Courteeners, The Wombats, and The Prodigy, with the lineup changing each year, of course.
The festival offers a dedicated Kids Calling area, with crafting workshops, storytelling, percussion-making, silent discos, cinema zones, and themed family activities inside shaded teepees and bell tents.
You'll have to get tickets and see for yourself how good the Kendal-bound festival really is.
Lake District Festivals in August
August sees a slight shift away from music festivals (not totally) and toward county fairs, which display the true spirit and nature of the countryside and the way of life in Cumbria.
If you're interested in animals, agriculture, and community spirit, you should get down to the Lake District this month.
Lake District Summer Music Festival
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Enjoy performances ranging from string quartets and baroque ensembles to jazz and world music.
The Lake District Summer Music Festival features unique collaborations, such as musical storytelling with illustration, aimed at broadening classical music’s appeal.
The chill-out vibes of this festival are perfect for a mid-summer outing.
The event offers child-friendly activities like story-themed musical shows, artistic sessions, and interactive workshops. At the same time, it champions rising musicians through masterclasses and emerging artist showcases.
Concerts are held in various iconic settings across the Lake District, and the festival usually spans a week or more—ideal for those looking to dip in and out of sets.
Lakeland Country Fair
Taking place in the beautiful countryside near Coniston, the Lakeland Country Fair is a classic Cumbrian fair with a rich, warm community feel.
From heartfelt showcases of Cumbrian rural heritage, featuring Herdwick sheep displays, hand-clipping demos, and more, to traditional competitions and entertainment like wrestling, horn-blowing, and children’s sports challenges.
It's rustic, traditional, and the scenery is immaculate. Perfect for the whole family, you won't regret coming to this classic Cumbrian day.
Lake District Festivals in September
September boasts a return of Taste Cumbria, but in a slightly different location. You'll also find another agricultural event to sink your teeth into!
As the autumn months settle in, make the most of the last of the warm weather and get yourself to one of these exciting outdoor festivals!
Westmorland County Show
The Westmorland County Show, which takes place at Lane Farm on the edge of the Lake District, is a two-day event organised by the Westmorland County Agricultural Society. Established in 1799, this iconic event is hosted on its permanent show ground.
If you're going to any agricultural festival this year, let it be this one.
Celebrated as one of the UK’s favourite one-day agricultural shows, it draws over 37,000 visitors annually.
It features livestock competitions, show jumping, foxhound meets, and much, much more. You'll even find one of the North West’s largest local food halls, featuring artisanal cheeses, chocolates, pies, and gins. Scrumptious.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the show embodies the values of Westmorland’s farming and community life — alive, vibrant, and welcoming. Bring the whole family down and enjoy a day celebrating rural culture.
Taste Cumbria
Taste Cumbria was so nice, they had to do it twice! (Actually, 5 times.)
Set in Cockermouth this time, the event is back with a bang, usually for two dates this month.
This is the flagship Taste Cumbria, so you know this one's going to be good!
There isn't much difference from the other events they put on throughout the year. To learn more, head to the April section.
Lake District Festivals in October
October is an exciting month for the arts, community, and all things fire! (We'll explain below.)
Two of the most interesting festivals and events in the Lake District take place this month. If you're into comics and magical carnivalesque vibes, we recommend heading to the region.
LICAF (Lakes International Comic Art Festival)
Credit: @lakesinternationalcomics on Instagram.com
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival is the place to be for comic art lovers, creators, and families alike.
From manga and satire to documentary comics and fantasy worlds, there’s something for every storytelling taste and artistic mind.
Meet artists, join workshops, and experience live drawing in a scenic, welcoming environment. With Little LICAF and interactive programming, it’s ideal for visitors of all ages, perfect if you're attending with a small family member.
A treasured platform for talent, innovation, and conversations about the power of comics—a must-go event for those passionate about the medium.
Penrith Winter Droving
The Winter Droving Festival is a magical autumn event held annually in late October in Penrith, Cumbria.
Inspired by ancient seasonal traditions like Samhain, its motto, “turn your clocks back 400 years”, evokes an enchanting blend of heritage and theatricality.
The town transforms into a medieval-style market, featuring mulled wine, hot chestnuts, artisan stalls, street food, and local produce, all under a canopy of fire and light.
Expect masked carnivals, giant animal lanterns, street performers, drumming bands, and a theatrical fire and lantern parade through the evening streets.
Think folklore, creativity, and burning community spirit. For something a little unique, this is the place to be.
Lake District Festivals in November
Just on the edge of the Lake District is the last festival of the season, and, unsurprisingly, it's a Christmas one — filled with cold hands and hot chocolates!
Think independent food stalls, historical market town streets, and performances, all in the spirit of Dickensian style.
Ulverston Dickensian Victorian Fayre
This event is exactly how it sounds — like stepping into a Victorian Charles Dickens novel.
Victorian costumes, street performances, and festive cheer turn Ulverston into an enchanting winter wonderland that feels like you've travelled back in time to the 1800s.
Cobblestone streets bustle with roving street performers, period-dressed costume parades, and free family entertainment, including brass bands, magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, and fire-eaters.
That’s just a small glimpse into the event.
You'll also find Victorian-style market stalls, offering gifts, mulled wine, hot pies, and more. Nothing says festivity like a big market feast.
The traditional fairground, complete with a helter-skelter and a carousel, only adds to the nostalgic charm.
Oh, and did we mention, Ulverston Dickensian Victorian Fayre is totally free. So, round off your cosy trip to the Lake District by heading down to the community-loving Ulverston.
Final Words: Add the Lake District Festivals to Your Calendar Today!
And if all that wasn't enough to entice you to the Lake District and its beautiful surrounding areas, we don't know what will.
With enough entertainment for the whole family to last virtually the whole year, festivals in the Lake District are rich and diverse places everyone can enjoy.
And who knows, maybe you'll find something you had no idea you enjoy, bringing you back year after year!
The Lake District is a place for traditions to be made, so book your tickets, find your accommodation, and get your dates in the diary today!
If you're looking for accommodation for your trip to a Lake District Festival, check out Newlands Farm Stables.
We do luxury glamping like no other. And don't worry, no matter the time of year, you're guaranteed to have a comfortable, relaxing stay in one of our cosy converted barns or cabins.
With our on-site BBQs, a pizza oven, private terraces, and bathrooms, you can make your stay in the countryside a little more special.
Book your stay with us in Kendal today — just a stone's throw away from the Lake District National Park!