Unmissable Lake District Events in 2024
Famed for its incredible natural tapestry of mist-covered fells and sparkling glacial lakes, the Lake District offers a year-round catalogue of things to see and do. Complemented by a wonderful line-up of events hosted by the National Park’s towns, villages and venues, there is always something to look forward to.
If you are planning your Lakeland getaway and can’t wait to find out what’s on, here are some of the unmissable Lake District events in 2024.
February: Valentine’s Day at The Ro
14th - 17th February 2024
February is a magical time of year in the Lake District, when the park’s stunning natural features set a beautiful backdrop to love-filled escapes. Making a February retreat even more appealing this year are our Valentine’s Day offers at The Ro. Promising one of the best Lake District events in 2024, our ‘Love is in the Air’ package promises endless romance for couples with bespoke flowers from our local florist, a chilled bottle of fizz and handmade chocolates. Find out more through our latest offers or get in touch today.
March: Bowness Bay Blues Weekend
15th – 17th March 2024
Just half a mile from The Ro Hotel is Bowness Bay, a beautiful bay on Windermere overlooking the lake’s Belle Isle and mountains beyond. On the edge of the bay, the Lake District Boat Club in Bowness is hosting the Bowness Bay Blues Weekend in March this year. Spread out across three days, this is one of our favourite unmissable Lake District events in 2024, set to take centre stage with live rock, rhythm and blues music. On the line-up this year are The Revolutionaries, Redish, Emma Wilson and Deep Six Blues. Book your tickets to avoid missing out.
April: Introduction to Skyrunning
20th April 2024
The Lake District is famous for its undulating fells which have been the working grounds and playing fields of shepherds, walkers and wanderers for centuries. Throughout the year, a number of fell races take place in the mountains of the Lake District, challenging fell runners of all ages and abilities and inspiring an unrivalled sense of freedom and adventure. If you would like to learn about this unique sport and take your first steps into fell racing, you can sign up to Mountain Run’s Introduction to Skyrunning single day course in April, led by seasoned instructors.
May: Keswick Mountain Festival
17th – 19th May 2024
One of the most widely anticipated Lake District events in 2024, Keswick Mountain Festival is dubbed the UK’s leading mountain festival. Held in the Lakeland market town of Keswick near the silvery expanse of Derwent Water and the famous Catbells mountain, this unmissable, multi-sport event proposes activities and entertainment galore. Perfect for visitors of all generations, 2024’s family-friendly programme includes sports events, speakers, music, demonstrations and more, including trail runs, open-water swimming, bike stunts and yoga.
June: Cumberland Show
8th June 2024
One of the longest-running festivals in the North, The Cumberland Show is returning once again this year. Atop our list of Lake District events in 2024, this annual celebration takes place just outside of the National Park in Warwick on Eden and has been promoting agriculture and rural life in Cumbria for nearly two centuries. Among the family-friendly line-up are falconry displays, agricultural shows, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling, equestrian competitions, and vintage vehicles. Meanwhile, keeping visitors fuelled is a full menu of delicious fare and cooking presentations from The Cumberland Kitchen.
July: Ambleside Sports
25th July 2024
Showcasing traditional Lakeland sports, Ambleside Sports is an annual Lake District event with origins dating as far as back as the 17th Century. Run by volunteers, it brings together locals and visitors alike and sets the arena for time-honoured activities. Head over this July and take part in the day’s festivities, seizing the chance to watch track races, hound trails, fell races, bike races, traditional wrestling and more. Ensuring all generations are involved, this family and dog-friendly event also includes children’s races and activities too.
August: Kendal Calling
1st – 4th August 2024
One of the biggest Lake District events in 2024, the popular Kendal Calling is a weekend-long festival tempting with incredible views, lots of live music and a whole array of things to see and do. Taking place in the scenic Lowther Deer Park, it beckons with various different music stages and outdoor spaces for fun and relaxation. Sample the brews at the ale festival, lose yourself in the Lost Eden arena, savour mouth-watering world food and dance to your favourite bands. This year’s headliners are soon to be announced, and we’re certain we’re in for a treat.
September: Grasmere Guzzler
Dates TBC
When it comes to enjoying the finest beverages in the Lake District, it’s hard to beat the Grasmere Guzzler. One of the most popular Lake District events, held in the village of Grasmere to the north of Windermere, this annual beer festival is hosted by Tweedies Bar on Red Bank Road and unites beer and ale fans from near and far. Venture over this year to soak up the atmosphere of the festival and peruse the offering of over 100 ales and ciders from both local and international brewers. With so many to choose from, you’re sure to find a new favourite, or two.
October: Halloween at Brockhole
Dates TBC
Brockhole House and Garden is home to a stunning Arts and Craft village set within private grounds. Set within an expansive estate on the shores of Windermere, it is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year, yet becomes even more enigmatic at Halloween when the site is transformed into a spooky wonderland. Following on from last year’s Halloween half term, we’re anticipating a thrilling haunted forest experience, owl meet and greets, ghost stories, magic shows, family-friendly workshops, graveyard golf and more. This is one of our favourite Lake District events, great for the whole family.
November: Kendal Mountain Festival
21st – 24th November 2024
Kendal Mountain Festival is often heralded as the UK’s biggest and best adventure festival. Undoubtedly one of the top unmissable Lake District events in 2024, Kendal Mountain Festival calls to nature-lovers and adventure-seekers from all over the world. Overseen by patrons and climbing legends Sir Chris Bonnington and Leo Houlding, the event covers all aspects of mountain and adventure sports and brings togethers leading athletes and sports icons, filmmakers, authors, presenters and more for a weekend of wilderness immersion.
December: Christmas at The Ro
December 2024
To round off the best Lake District events in 2024, we of course had to mention an unforgettable stay at The Ro. With all sorts of reasons to spend Christmas in the Lake District, a festive retreat at our Windermere hotel proposes untold magic this winter season. Book a leisurely week away or short break and enjoy the wonderful spirit of Christmas and the beauty of the Lake District for a gift unlike any other. We look forward to welcoming you.