Events in Durham
Discover more of Durham’s packed calendar of festivals and events.
The region’s biggest food event has plenty on the menu every April, with celebrity chefs and workshops, local producers and exciting street food.- The historic regatta returns to the River Wear in Durham City every June, with a spectacular weekend of racing and riverbank entertainment.
- The seaside foodie festival returns to the bustling town of Seaham every August with delicious street food, cookery classes, live music, TV chefs and tasty local produce.
- The annual 'Big Meeting' takes place on the second Saturday of July every year. The annual gathering has been held on the second Saturday of July since 1871.
- Durham’s loudest festival promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2026 as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region.
- The award-winning night-time spectacular outdoor show takes place in the grounds of Auckland Castle every summer, on select Saturdays from July to September.
- North East England’s biggest recognised fringe festival returns to Durham City every July-August, featuring the best in dance, drama, music, comedy and more.
- 29 Jul 20262 Aug 2026
- Celebrate farming life every September at England’s oldest and Durham’s biggest open-air agricultural show. A jam-packed weekend of family-friendly entertainment.
- Founded in 1990, Durham Book Festival is one of the country’s oldest literary festivals and takes place every October, with in-person and online events.
- Unlock the wonders of the night sky with 'out of this world' activities and events at the annual North Pennines Stargazing Festival during October half term.
- Soak up the atmosphere at Durham City’s annual festive festival on the first weekend of December, with fabulous Christmas shopping, carol services, and live music.
