Featured Image Cedits: Keswick Mountain Festival (PaulMitchel)
Looking for things to do in the Lake District in 2026? From festivals and music events to sporting challenges and country shows, there’s something happening for everyone throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a fun day out with the family, a weekend of adventure with friends, or simply want to soak up the local atmosphere, our guide to Lake District events will help you discover what’s on and plan your visits.
And if you’re looking for places to stay nearby, we’ve linked to our cottages close to each event. With comfortable accommodation just a short distance from all the action, you can make the most of your time in the Lakes and enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Festivals & Music Events
Keswick Film Festival | 19th – 22nd March
If you are a lover of rich world culture and salty popcorn, Keswick Film Festival is the place to be this coming March!
Taking place from the 19th to the 22nd of March, the beloved annual festival has been running since 2000 and has become increasingly more popular year by year.
This event takes place over three incredible locations: the Alhambra Cinema, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and Rheged in Penrith. Films from all over the world will be shown in these three sites over the weekend – from Grammy nominees to home-grown short films created right here in Cumbria. There’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Keep an eye out for the unveiling of the much-awaited 2026 programme in the coming months!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Keswick Mountain Festival | 15th – 17th May
The UK’s biggest outdoor sports participation festival returns 15–17 May 2026!
Photo credits: Paul Mitchell
Set on the shores of Derwentwater with the fells as a backdrop, KMF brings together 18 different sports events from trail runs and triathlons to open-water swims and adventure races — alongside live music, inspiring speakers, film, outdoor activities, a buzzing brand expo, and incredible food & drink.
With over 20,000 visitors and 4,500 sports participants every year, it’s the ultimate weekend for anyone who loves the outdoors.
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Eskfest | 9th July – 11th July
Nestled near the base of the iconic Scafell Pike, you will find EskFest – an independent, volunteer-run micro-festival that is (mostly) off-grid, hidden in the Eskdale Valley!
Escape the responsibilities of daily life, turn off your phone, and embrace the Lake District’s famously unpredictable weather. Three days filled with incredible music from home-grown UK-based artists, delicious food from carefully selected stalls, and a wide range of workshops, all culminating in a weekend of family fun. This hidden gem boasts four stages of entertainment for you to enjoy while you reconnect with nature against the picturesque backdrop of Eskdale.
And, if it couldn’t get any better, this year is EskFest’s 10-year anniversary. Running from July 9th to July 11th, you do not want to miss out on this weekend full of celebration and community. Grab a ticket while you still can!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Lake District Music Summer Festival | 31st July – 9th August
Do you love music? Do you enjoy exploring the remarkable landscape of the Lake District? The Lake District Summer Music Festival is a must-attend!
The highly coveted festival is held over 10 days, a celebration of jazz, classical, and world music. Events for this festival are held from the 31st of July to the 9th of August, with venues located throughout the Lake District, including Kendal, Ambleside, Coniston, and Windermere, to name a few.
Photo credits: Lake District Music Summer Festival
Explore the Lakes by car, train, or even the 555 buses, catching every show you can; this is a perfect family-friendly day out, with workshops and performances aimed specifically at your young ones, too!
Keep a lookout for more information in the coming New Year.
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Kendal Calling Festival | 31st July – 2nd August
Having started as a two-day party at Abbot Hall Park in (our hometown!) Kendal in 2006, this camping festival has grown in popularity exponentially over the years, and now Kendal Calling Festival is a household name!
Photo Credits: Paul Heaton – Abbie Jennings
This is by far one of the hottest events of 2026, with over 90% of tickets already sold out. Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, will bring unpredictable weather, an incredible yet-to-be-released line-up, and fun for the entire family.
If you have read our Top Lake District Events in 2025 blog post, you would have seen Kendal Calling there, too. 2025’s festival boasted of musical appearances from household names like Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy and even Kaiser Chiefs! 2026 is rumoured to be even better… so grab your tickets before they sell out!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Kendal Pride Festival | 12th June – 14th June
Grab your rainbow flag and join us in Kendal for the third annual Pride Festival! It runs from the 12th June to the 14th June and is a celebration of love and acceptance.
This year’s festival featured events like Run With Pride 5km & 10km and Plunge with Pride for the active among us, Radical Queer Craft and Queer Book Club for the more creative souls, and The Big Pride Party for those of us who enjoy fabulously high camp evening entertainment from our local drag kings and queens.
Photo credits: Sarah Hewitt
From Friday to Sunday, there will be non-stop pride events, talks and sporting events throughout Kendal town centre and the surrounding areas. Abbot Hall will be the host to the iconic Pride Village and Stage, where stalls, food and music will be set up and hosted by our local drag acts.
Keep an extra fabulous eye out for updates and the programme release over the coming months.
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Sporting & Challenge Events
Lake District Running Festival | 29th May – 31st May
The Lake District Running Festival is a jewel in the crown of our community, a weekend of beautiful running routes, great food and even better company. The 2026 event will be held on Friday 29th until Sunday 31st May.
The Grasmere Gallop and The Original Mountain Marathon join forces every year to bring the Lakes a fantastic festival for the outdoor lovers amongst us, with events including the 5km, 10km, 17km and 42km Grasmere Gallop trails, the OMM Trail Quests and the Nordic Walking Challenge. They even hold the Teddy Dash and the Kids Fun Run for the younger participants.
Their base camp in the gorgeous village of Grasmere will have everything you will need from home-cooked food, inspiring talks from big names in the community and views of the landscape for miles.
Entries for 2026 open very soon, so keep an eye out for any news!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Great North Swim Run | 12th June – 14th June
You’ve probably heard of the Great North Swim, but have you heard of the Great North SwimRun? These two events take place over the same weekend, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Lake Windermere.
The Great North Swim is held from Friday 12th June – Sunday 14th June and the Great North SwimRun is hosted on the Saturday 13th June. Sign up for either SwimRun Short or SwimRun Distance and push yourself to the max with a swim across the lake and run through the scenic countryside of the surrounding areas, taking in the sights of Ambleside, Newby Bridge and everything in between.
Photo credits: Great North Swim
With distances ranging from 250m to 10km, there’s something for every ability: from relaxed, scenic swims to serious endurance challenges. Alongside the swimming, the Great North SwimFest brings a festival atmosphere to the lakeshore with music, food, family-friendly activities, and plenty of support for swimmers and spectators alike. Have your friends and family cheer you on from the finish line.
You can sign up for 2026 events now!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Windermere Marathon | 14th June
Lace up those trainers and slap on those sweatbands because The Windermere Marathon is back for another year!
This 26.2-mile route will take you on a circuit of Windermere Lake, guiding you through the picturesque villages that hug its shores and the breathtaking sights of the untouched, iconic Lake District landscapes.
The scenic road marathon takes place on Sunday 14th June 2026 – whether you’re there to take part or cheer on, the event village at the finish line in Brockhole will have something for everyone to enjoy.
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Country & Agricultural Shows
Cartmel Races | July – August
If you love horse racing (or just a fun day out), Cartmel Races is a must-visit! The 2026 season runs across nine race days from May to August, including evening races in May and a mix of weekend dates through July and August.
In 2025, the fun included an Olly Murs performance, so you know there’s always more than a day at the track! Expect food, drinks, and plenty of space to relax while enjoying the pretty village setting.
Keep an eye out for ticket details closer to the dates, it’s one of the Lake District’s highlights that fills up fast!
View our Cartmel Properties here | Find out more info
Penrith Agricultural Show | 19th July
Get your wellies on for The 2026 Penrith Agricultural Show. Held on Saturday 19th July, a day of farming fun for the entire family. Gather together with your loved ones to watch events like the Show Jumping competition, take a seat in the tent where the Rabbit Judging takes place or have a wander around the Vintage Tractor Exhibition. You might even catch a Wrestling Competition!
There will be other entertainments, most yet to be announced – 2025 saw a bouncy castle, a climbing wall and street entertainers weaving through the crowd, showing off their weird and wonderful talents.
Expect to find a variety of local food vendors around the site, alongside a Catering Marquee where you can rest your feet and enjoy your home-grown refreshments.
New information about the 2026 show is being released all the time, so keep a lookout!
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Grasmere Sports | 30th August
The Grasmere Sports Show is a treasured tradition that has been held for over 150 years. It’s a well-loved day filled to the brim with various competitive sports and races for all ages. Next year it will be held on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th August.
Athletes and outdoorsy families flock to Grasmere to participate in competitions such as fell racing and wrestling for adults, as well as sack and three-legged races for the youngens, and even hound racing for the dog! Grasmere Sports is also host to a Dog Show, show off your beloved pooch in nine different categories and compete for Best In Show!
Expect excellent local food vendors, attractions for the kids, and headlining acts. 2025 saw Wonder Wheelers and Fat Cat Brass for the entertainment alongside Circus Avago workshop and Sam the Scam! 2026 promises to be even better, so keep an eye out for when tickets go on sale.
View properties nearby | Find out more info here
Whatever brings you to the Lake District in 2026, there’s plenty to see and do. From events and festivals to walks and local markets, there’s something for everyone. Staying in one of our cottages nearby makes it easy to enjoy everything without rushing, and gives you a comfortable base to relax in at the end of the day.
For more tips and ideas, you can also check out our other blogs to help plan your trip and discover even more of what the Lakes have to offer:
