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You are here > Home > What's On > Summer Highlights

Summer Highlights

From festivals and fetes to vintage vehicles and open air theatre, enjoy a packed summer of fun in Durham with events to enthral and excite the whole family.

Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of summer in Durham with our curated guide to seasonal highlights. Discover a plethora of events, from lively festivals and outdoor performances to family-friendly activities and cultural showcases. Immerse yourself in the richness of summer arts, enjoy open-air concerts, and savor culinary delights at seasonal workshops. Whether it's nature excursions or festive celebrations, Durham's summer highlights offer a diverse array of experiences for all. Stay connected with the latest happenings and make the most of your summer in Durham, where every moment becomes a highlight.

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  1. Durham Brass Festival logo on colourful backdrop of Durham.

    Durham Brass Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    BRASS is back in 2026 with a fantastic programme of brass-inspired events coming to Durham from 12 - 19 July. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026to19 July 2026
    More info for Durham Brass Festival 2026
  2. Illustration of a chapel in the countryside.

    Add Methodist Tapestry Collection - Chester le Street Methodist Church to your Itinerary

    Methodist Tapestry Collection - Chester le Street Methodist Church

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Chester le Street

    The Methodist Tapestries Collection will depict the history of Methodism and related local stories. Its core collection is based round the story of High House Chapel in Ireshopeburn, now part of the Weardale Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Feb 2026to21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Methodist Tapestry Collection - Chester le Street Methodist Church
  3. Crowds of people at Seaham Food Festival

    Add Seaham Food Festival 2026 to your Itinerary

    Seaham Food Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Seaham

    The festival welcomes thousands of visitors each year for two days of sun, sea, family fun and, of course, food. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026
    More info for Seaham Food Festival 2026
  4. Delia Fiordilino

    Add La Decima Musa, or The Tenth Muse: Music from the Golden Age of Venetian Opera, 1650-1660 to your Itinerary

    La Decima Musa, or The Tenth Muse: Music from the Golden Age of Venetian Opera, 1650-1660

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    Musica Antica Rotherhithe present cantatas and extracts from operas written for Venice's public theatres in the mid-seventeenth century, many of which have lain unperformed for over 350 years.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 20:30
    More info for La Decima Musa, or The Tenth Muse: Music from the Golden Age of Venetian Opera, 1650-1660
  5. Tibetan and crystal singing bowls

    Add Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Experience a profound and restorative Sound Bath & Meditation session under the expert guidance of Stephen, a highly qualified meditation instructor, set within the tranquil and historic surroundings of Raby Castle. This one-hour session offers an…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Feb 2026
    From:
    8 Mar 2026
    From:
    12 Apr 2026
    From:
    10 May 2026
    From:
    14 June 2026
    More info for Sound Bath & Meditation Session - Raby Castle
  6. Woman and man smiling next to vegetable stall of market. Woman holding vegetables.

    Add Bishop Auckland Market to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Bishop Auckland

    Stroll through the stalls, savour delicious local treats, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Every Thursday and Saturday 8:00-17:00

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Bishop Auckland Market
  7. stars in sky by High Force Hotel

    Add Stargazing Suppers - High Force Hotel and Waterfall to your Itinerary

    Stargazing Suppers - High Force Hotel and Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Dark Skies

    Forest-in-Teesdale

    Discover the magnificence of the night sky with an exciting stargazing experience at the breath-taking High Force Waterfall in County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2026to15 Feb 2026
    From:
    20 Feb 2026to21 Feb 2026
    From:
    27 Feb 2026to28 Feb 2026
    From:
    13 Mar 2026to14 Mar 2026
    From:
    19 Mar 2026to21 Mar 2026
    From:
    27 Mar 2026to28 Mar 2026
    More info for Stargazing Suppers - High Force Hotel and Waterfall
  8. Poster advertising the exhibition, dates, description, etc..

    Add Architecture & Design in the Age of Louis XIV at Ushaw to your Itinerary

    Architecture & Design in the Age of Louis XIV at Ushaw

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham

    Architecture & Design in the Age of Louis XIV: Treasures from Ushaw’s Library Collection, experience a visual tour of 17th-century France through the lens of the Cabinet du Roi, a magnificent suite of books created to broadcast the glory of Louis…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2026to12 Apr 2026
    More info for Architecture & Design in the Age of Louis XIV at Ushaw
  9. Chutney trader. Woman looking at stall and holding purse.

    Add Barnard Castle Market to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Barnard Castle

    Stroll through the stalls, savour delicious local treats, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Every Wednesday 8.00am to 16.30

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Barnard Castle Market
  10. Red lanterns decorations with Chinese characters hanging from the museum ceiling.

    Add Family Activities: Crowd Craft! - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Crowd Craft! - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Calling all young crafters! Help us make some decorations for the Oriental Museum's Year of the Horse celebration later this month.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Crowd Craft! - Durham University Oriental Museum
  11. Martin and Eliza Carthy

    Add Martin & Eliza Carthy to your Itinerary

    Martin & Eliza Carthy

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham City

    This powerhouse pair are still making music together, as they always have. Together, they perform an eclectic range of songs and tunes from their vast family repertoire.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Feb 2026Open 19:45 - 22:30
    More info for Martin & Eliza Carthy
  12. Gary Delaney

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gary Delaney - Work In Progress to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gary Delaney - Work In Progress

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Gary tries out material just ahead of his UK tour.

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Gary Delaney - Work In Progress
  13. Pete Firman throwing a pack of cards ito the air

    Add Pete Firman "Tricks & Giggles" - The Witham to your Itinerary

    Pete Firman "Tricks & Giggles" - The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK's top comic magician.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Apr 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Pete Firman "Tricks & Giggles" - The Witham
  14. May Day Celebrations 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North'

    Add May Day Celebrations 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North' to your Itinerary

    May Day Celebrations 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North'

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Beamish

    Did you know that, historically, May Day was one of the biggest celebrations of the year? Come along and find out why as we celebrate a traditional May Day in The Pit Village and at Pockerley Old Hall.

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to4 May 2026
    More info for May Day Celebrations 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North'
  15. Durham Miners' Gala. Crowds enjoying the Gala outside of the County Hotel. Colliery Banners can be seen as the Bands march through the streets.

    Durham Miners' Gala 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Durham City

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns on 11th July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
    More info for Durham Miners' Gala 2026
  16. Actor in a cap in front of a Union Jack flag. Beamish Museum Pantomime 2026.

    Add Beamish Pantomime 2026: Dick Whittington and his Cat to your Itinerary

    Beamish Pantomime 2026: Dick Whittington and his Cat

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Beamish

    Our Beamish Pantomime is back… oh yes it is! Join us in our 1950s welfare hall for a show like no other, full of music, mischief and a little touch of magic!

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2026to8 Feb 2026
    More info for Beamish Pantomime 2026: Dick Whittington and his Cat
  17. Three children pointing at a tractor in front of the lake at Raby Castle.

    Add Watch the Deer Feeding in the Park - Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Watch the Deer Feeding in the Park - Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Witness a Wildlife Spectacle at Raby Castle this Winter.

    Watch the feeding unfold as our Estate Ranger drives the tractor through the sweeping parkland. Raby’s magnificent Red and Fallow Deer will emerge from the trees and gather in anticipation of…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Jan 2026to31 Jan 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Watch the Deer Feeding in the Park - Raby Castle
  18. customers next to nick-nacks and jewellery market stall

    Add Stanley Market to your Itinerary

    Stanley Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Stanley

    Stroll through the stalls, savour delicious local treats, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Every Thursday and Saturday 8.00-16:00

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Stanley Market
  19. Stalls at Sedgefield Farmers Market on the village green

    Add Sedgefield Farmers Market to your Itinerary

    Sedgefield Farmers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Sedgefield

    The market is run by Sedgefield Development Trust - and is held every first Sunday of the Month, on the village green, from 8.30am to 12.30pm - and includes a free community stall, music tent & health bus.

    The free stall is available to clubs and…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Sedgefield Farmers Market
  20. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026 to your Itinerary

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bishop Auckland

    Step into Kynren, a live action outdoor theatre spectacular that immerses you in 2000 years of history on an epic scale.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026
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