Top 10 Events

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

The North East's largest annual food festival takes place in the grounds of the historic Auckland Castle every April, packed with stalls featuring food and drink, arts and crafts, plus demonstrations and entertainment.

Durham Regatta

Durham Regatta is the premier rowing event in the North East of England, held on the weekend of 9-10 June. Known as the Henley of the North, Durham Regatta was formed several years before its namesake in the south.

World-Class Cricket

Enjoy County Championship cricket as well as international fixtures at the picturesque setting of the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street. Don't miss the England v Australia One Day International on 7 July or the England v South Africa T20 International on 8 September.

Brass: Durham International Festival

International acts bring Durham to life summer with the sound of brass. Bands perform jazz, funk, classical, ska and traditional music during a packed programme of live entertainment running from 6-22 July.

Durham Miner’s Gala

The annual Durham Miners' Gala takes place on 14 July when colliery brass bands traditionally parade through the streets of Durham, with colourful celebrations including stalls, a funfair and marches.

Streets of... Summer Festival

The streets of Durham burst into life every August Bank Holiday when the city plays host to some of the best musicians and street performers from around the world. (Image shown: Streets of Dance 2010, photo by Gavin Duthie)

Durham Book Festival

This annual celebration of all things books takes place in October each year. A host of household names take over the city with book-based discussions and interactive events.

Marie Curie Cancer Care Etape Pennines – Closed Road Cycling Challenge

The Etape cycling series comes to Durham on 7 October with a 78 mile closed road cycling event that supports a worthy cause, Marie Curie Cancer Care, and takes in some of Durham’s most stunning scenery.

Durham Victorian Christmas Festival

This annual event takes place 30 November to 2 December - cobbled streets with entertainers, reindeer for the children, carols at Durham Cathedral, plus over 150 quality craft, gift and food stalls in a huge marquee on Palace Green.

Events at Durham Attractions

Attractions across Durham run their own programmes of exciting events, including the Great North Steam Fair at Beamish Museum, fun family events at The Bowes Museum and Crook Hall & Gardens, Vintage Vehicle Rallies at Raby Castle and special events at Durham Cathedral to name but a few.