What's on in the Lake District

The Lake District hosts hundreds of world-famous cultural events and festivals. You can watch farmers show off their livestock, cooking and horticultural demonstrations, cyclists and runners racing up mountains, and live entertainment. These family-friendly events are a great way to experience the traditions that have shaped the Lake District’s history, landscape and economy.

Here’s a selection of what’s on in the Lake District in 2022 (please note that a number of events may not be taking place in 2022 due to Covid19 restrictions).

January 2022

• 2nd January 2022: The North Lakes New Year Half Marathon

February 2022

• No events yet confirmed

March 2022

• 24th - 27th March: Keswick Film Festival
• 14th - 20th March: Words by the Water, Keswick. A 10-day celebration of words and ideas

April 2022

• No events yet confirmed

May 2022

• 14th May: The Dalemain Marmalade Festival, near Penrith
• 20th - 22nd May: Keswick Mountain Festival - Jam-packed full of outdoor events, live music, sports events, food stalls, and speakers. The ultimate outdoors weekend!
• 28th - 29th May: The Grasmere Gallop - lots of exciting running events from children's races to routes for highly experienced runners.

Other events in May, dates TBC:

• Food and Drink Festival
• Muncaster CastleFestival of Fools, Muncaster Castle
• Keswick Jazz & Blues Festival

June 2022

• 3rd - 4th June: Keswick Beer Festival
• 9th - 12th June: Appleby Horse Fair
• 10th - 12th June: Great North Swim, Windermere
• 11th June: Cumberland County Show, Carlisle
• 17th - 18th June: Light the Lakes, various locations - lighting up the fells to raise money for the charity Care of Police Survivors
• 18th June: 10in10 Walking Challenge
• 19th June: The Lakesman Triathlon

25th - 26th June: Keswick Midsummer Festival - a weekend of free events including Midsummer Rock Concert, Prom in the Park and Scruffs Fun Dog Show

Other events in June, dates TBC:

• Boot Beer Festival, Eskdale
• Lakes Classic Vehicle Show, Grasmere
• Woolfest, Cockermouth

July 2022

•  2nd July: Skelton Show, Hutton-in-the-Forest
• 16th July: Penrith Agricultural Show
•  28th - 31st July: Kendal Calling music festival

29th - 31st July: Potfest in the Park, Hutton-in-the-Forest

Other events in July, dates TBC:

• King Pocky's Derwent Water Regatta
• Cumbrian Steam Gathering

August 2022

• 3rd August: Cartmel Agricultural Show
• 20th August: Gosforth Agricultural Show
• 21st August: Lakeland Country Fair
• 25th - 28th August: Solfest Music Festival
• 27th August: Patterdale Dog Day
• 27th August: Dufton Agricultural Show 
• 28th August: Ambleside Traditional Sports Day

29th August: The Keswick Show

Other events in August, dates TBC:

• Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show
• Hawkshead Show

September 2022

• 16th - 17th September: Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Champions

Other events in September, dates TBC:

• Loweswater Show
• Holker Chilli Fest
• Westmorland County Show
• Borrowdale Shepherds' Meet and Show
• Keswick Half Marathon
• Eskdale Show
• Kendal Torchlight Carnival

October 2022

• 14th - 16th October: Lakes International Comic Art Festival

Other events in October, dates TBC:

• Wasdale Head Show and Shepherd's Meet

November 2022

17th - 20th November: Kendal Mountain Festival

Other events in November, dates TBC:

• Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
• The World’s Biggest Liar, Santon Bridge Inn

December 2022

• Date(s) TBC: Taste Cumbria Christmas Festival

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in the Lake District

Before you set off on your event-filled holiday, take a look at our range of self-catering holiday cottages throughout the Lake District. Find the perfect holiday property to provide the right base, whether you love music, art, history, or adventure.

Find your perfect cottage for your perfect event using our cottage search.

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