The Lake District is not just for Summer… we still have a calendar packed full of exciting events for the year as 2024 gets closer. In addition to the traditional Christmas markets and celebrations – various carnivals, exhibitions, and agricultural shows are taking place in the Lakes.
I have hand-picked 11 great events that are taking place before the end of the year; there are plenty of activities to enjoy! So, if you’re looking for something to do in the Lake District this autumn and winter, check out the list of events below.
Bowness Bay Beer Festival – 8th to 10th September
Calling all beer lovers! Get ready for Bowness Bays Beer Fest, taking place over three days at The Venue, Castle Mills in Kendal. This event is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys great pints, live music, and delicious food. It’s an ideal way to spend a weekend!
The festival welcomes 36 guest lines this year across three bars; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But it’s not just about the drinks – Food from the Fells will be served, and live music from bands such as The Underdogs and Ricochet will play until 11 pm on Friday & Saturday and 7 pm on Sunday. They will also have the North West and Lancs Blood Bikers on site in uniform with their bikes!
View our nearby Properties here!
Westmorland County Show – 13th and 14th September
Building on the success of the show’s performance in 2022, this year’s show will again span over two days. The event is located at Crooklands, on the county showgrounds, and is a highlight for over 30,000 visitors annually.
The show offers a range of livestock exhibitions, including cattle, sheep, horses, and even rabbits! Enjoy activities like foxhound showcases, Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling. Indulge your taste buds in the North West’s largest local Food Hall with tasters such as artisan chocolate and a range of gins.
The Westmorland County Show celebrates rural life, presenting quality livestock, diverse entertainment, and a vibrant marketplace. Whether you’re interested in farming, local goods, or crafts, this year’s show has it all. Join us for a memorable experience!
View our nearby Properties here!
Kendal Torchlight Carnival – 22nd to 24th September
This iconic event, renowned for its town centre procession, is making its comeback after Covid-19. There’s excitement in the air, from the street festival during the day to the Torchlight Procession kicking off at 7 pm. The chosen theme, ‘Old and New,’ blends past traditions with future trends. It is a great event for the whole family to get involved in!
View our nearby Properties here!
Kendal Music Festival – 6th and 7th October
Get ready for the Kendal Music Festival’s second-year bash on October 6th and 7th! This two-day event is set to showcase top local talent! Stay tuned for more updates on the Visit Kendal Page; with 15 venues, dozens of acts, and hundreds of performances, we cannot wait to see who will be featured in the lineup!
The festival is free of charge; make sure to save the date for a weekend packed with fantastic music and fun in Kendal!
View our nearby Properties here!
The Brockhole Halloween Experience – 21st to 29th October
Get ready for a hair-raising Halloween at Brockhole! The 2023 Halloween Experience is back with new thrills, including Axe Throwing, a Haunted Forest, Tipi of Terror, and more.
Don’t miss out on over 20 spooky activities – get your Pumpkin Passport (£24) for a full day of scares and fun. This event sells out fast, so book early. From eerie encounters to chilling stories, there’s something for everyone. Remember, it’s not just the ghouls that are scary – the real fright is not being part of the action!
View our nearby Properties here!
Kendal Mountain Festival – 16th to 19th November
The Mountain Festival is the ultimate social event for all outdoor enthusiasts! Get inspired by renowned speakers, engaging workshops, and adventure films on the big screen. Explore the Basecamp Festival Village at Abbot Hall Park for brand encounters, talks, and socialising.
Book lovers can enjoy talks by authors and poets, with exciting sessions for young readers. With a range of venues around town and so many different things to do, we recommend you make a weekend out of it!
If you are looking for accommodation for the weekend, we have a webpage, especially for the Mountain Fest dates. With a handful of properties left, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
View our nearby Properties here!
Keswick Light Switch on – 17th November
The day will start with a delightful food and gift market at 10:00 am, followed by entertainment in Packhorse Court starting at 4:45 pm. As the evening unfolds, the main stage lights up with entertainment at 6:00 pm, culminating in the grand light switch-on at 7:00 pm by Andy, Mike, and Tim – the trio behind 3 Dads Walking, who are raising awareness about suicide.
While you’re welcome to bring your furry friends, dog owners are advised to consider the busy market square and loud music. This event, organised by the Keswick Town Council Events Committee and funded by Keswick Town Council, promises a heartwarming start to the holiday season.
View our nearby Properties here!
Ambleside Light Switch on – 18th November
This light switch-on is a beloved community event that takes place every year! Local volunteers organise this event, providing street performers and live music to entertain shoppers in the town centre from noon onwards. Don’t miss the Lantern Procession featuring Kookaburra Drummers from Staveley.
Charity stalls offer unique Christmas gifts, and you can savour mulled wine and mince pies while supporting a good cause. Get ready for a heartwarming celebration full of festive cheer!
View our nearby Properties here!
Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival – 25th and 26th November
With various performers and a traditional Dickensian parade, it sounds like this Christmas festival in Ulverston is going to be a great event! All entertainment is free of charge, including magicians, bands, singers, and a whole lot more.
In addition to the entertainment, there is a fairground for the more adventurous attendees. Ulverston also has a great selection of local shops, cafes, and thriving indoor & outdoor markets. Overall, the festival has a wonderful mix of old-world charm and entertainment, making it a must-visit event for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
View our nearby Properties here!
Kendal Whisky Festival – 1st and 2nd December
Experience the Whisky Festival at Kendal’s Town Hall! The festival spans three sessions, starting Friday evening and continuing through Saturday afternoon and evening. It’s a haven for whisky enthusiasts, offering a dive into the world of fine spirits. Don’t miss the chance to unravel the diverse flavours of whisky right in the heart of Kendal.
One of last year’s visitors said, ‘Exceptional event held in the heart of the Lake District supported by some of the best whisky producers from around the world.’ If you like Whisky, what better way to spend a weekend in the Lake District?
View our nearby Properties here!
Kendal Christmas Celebration – 9th and 10th December
The festive season is getting closer, and Kendal town will be set for a lively two-day Christmas Celebration with Christmas lights and activities everyone can enjoy. Last year, we had a wonderful Mountain and Sky Christmas Light Switch on in the Town Centre, along with carol singing and a Santa Dash!
Join us in Kendal this December for a Christmas Celebration that’s sure to add some magic to your holiday season!
View our nearby Properties here!
Don’t miss out on views like this!
