Events in Durham

Bishop Auckland Food Festival - The region's biggest food event has plenty on the menu with exciting street food, tempting tipples and indulgent treats, alongside an amazing line up of celebrity chefs and workshops. 22 - 23 April 2023.

Durham Regatta – The 190th regatta returns to the River Wear from 10 - 11 June 2023, with a spectacular weekend of racing and riverbank entertainment. The second oldest regatta in the UK - Durham Regatta dates back to 1983, but its roots can be traced back even further to 1815!

Seaham Food Festival - The seaside foodie festival returns to the bustling town of Seaham every summer with delicious street food, cookery classes, live music, TV chefs and tasty local produce. 5 - 6 August 2023. 

Durham Miners' Gala – The annual 'Big Meeting' will take place on Saturday 8 July 2023. The annual gathering has been held on the second Saturday of July in Durham City since 1871 and this weekend as always promises to be another fantastic event.

Durham Brass Festival - Durham’s loudest festival will return in July 2023 with brilliant bands and outstanding musicians from across the globe descending on the county, for a ten-day celebration of all things brass. July 2023 dates TBC.

Kynren, An Epic Tale of England - The award-winning night-time outdoor show, returns to Bishop Auckland for another spectacular summer season, every Saturday evening from 29 July to 9 September 2023.

Wolsingham Show – Celebrate farming life at England’s oldest and Durham’s biggest open-air agricultural show, 2 - 3 September 2023. A jam-packed weekend of family-friendly entertainment.

Durham Book Festival – Founded in 1990, Durham Book Festival is one of the country’s oldest literary festivals and takes place every October, with an exciting programme of in-person and online events, talks and workshops. 2023 dates TBC.

North Pennines Stargazing Festival – As the clocks go back, and the night skies become darker, Durham’s dark skies come alive as dark sky season begins. Unlock the wonders of the night sky with 'out of this world' activities and events at the annual North Pennines Stargazing Festival. 20 October - 5 November 2023.

Lumiere Durham - The UK’s leading and most successful light festival, will return to Durham City in 2023 with a new programme of spectacular light artworks from 16 - 19 November 2023.

Durham Christmas Festival - Soak up the atmosphere at Durham City’s annual festive festival, with fabulous Christmas shopping, carol services, live music, street performers and more! Taking place on the first weekend in December, 1 - 3 December 2023. 

Discover more of Durham’s packed calendar of festivals and events.