Must-Visit Lake District Festivals for 2025

The Lake District is wonderful to visit any time of year. It’s not only a place of outstanding natural beauty but there is a vibrant hub for festivals throughout the year.

Staying in a Lake District cottage offers the perfect base to explore these events, combining comfort with proximity to the action. Here are some of the festivals to look out for.

March 2025: Keswick Film Festival

From Thursday, 6th to Sunday, 9th March 2025, Keswick will host its annual film festival.

Renowned for showcasing independent films, this event attracts cinephiles from across the UK and even around the world. Set against the stunning backdrop of Derwentwater, it’s an ideal reason to plan a Lake District holiday in early spring.

April 2025: Taste Cumbria Food Festival and Dalemain Marmalade Festival

Scheduled over the Easter weekend, the Taste Cumbria Food Festival in Keswick is a delight for food enthusiasts and one of the most popular festivals in the calendar.

With local produce, live demonstrations, and artisan stalls, it’s a celebration of Cumbrian cuisine.

Later in the month, the Dalemain Marmalade Festival is a must for visitors who want to indulge in the region’s most famous spreads while enjoying the historic charm of Dalemain Mansion.

May 2025: Keswick Mountain Festival and Cartmel Races

Adventure lovers shouldn’t miss the Keswick Mountain Festival from Friday, 16th to Sunday, 18th May 2025. Offering outdoor activities, live music, and inspiring talks, it’s a true celebration of the great outdoors.

For something different, Cartmel Races runs on various dates from May to August, blending thrilling horse racing with the charm of a traditional Cumbrian village.

June 2025: Cumberland Show, Keswick Beer Festival, and Great North Swim

June is packed with events. First, there’s the Cumberland Show, an agricultural showcase featuring livestock displays, crafts, and local food.

On the same weekend, the Keswick Beer Festival takes place on Friday, 6th and Saturday, 7th June, with over 250 ales and ciders to sample.

Water enthusiasts will love the Great North Swim which kicks off on Friday, 13th to Sunday and is held on Lake Windermere.

July 2025: Kendal Calling

From Thursday, 31st July, Kendal Calling brings music fans together for a long weekend of live performances in the heart of the Lake District. With a diverse line-up and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the region’s most popular summer events.

August 2025: Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Solfest

Sunday, 24th August 2025, sees the return of the Grasmere Lakeland Sports, a traditional event featuring fell running, wrestling, and sheepdog trials.

From 21st August, Solfest offers a vibrant mix of music, arts, and workshops on Cumbria’s Solway Coast.

September 2025: Westmorland County Show and Taste Cumbria Food Festival

The Westmorland County Show starts on Wednesday, 10th and is a celebration of rural life with livestock competitions, equestrian displays, and crafts.

Later in the month, the Taste Cumbria Food Festival returns, highlighting the best of the region’s culinary offerings.

October 2025: Penrith Winter Droving

On Saturday, 25th October 2025, Penrith transforms for the Winter Droving, an enchanting festival featuring lantern parades, live music, and street performers. It’s a magical day out that captures the spirit of autumn in Cumbria.

November 2025: Keswick Victorian Fayre

The festive season begins with the Keswick Victorian Fayre on Friday, 14th November 2025. With its traditional market stalls, carol singers, and seasonal treats, it’s the perfect start to Christmas celebrations.

Staying in a Lake District cottage allows you to fully immerse yourself in these festivals at any time of year. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, the cottages offer comfort, convenience, and a sense of home while exploring the region’s amazing events.