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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. Teams of eight racing at Durham Regatta on a beautiful sunny day against the backdrop of Durham Cathedral and Castle.

    Add The 193rd Durham Regatta 2026 to your Itinerary

    The 193rd Durham Regatta 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Old Elvet, Durham City

    Join us for a spectacular weekend of racing and bank-side entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026to14 June 2026
    More info for The 193rd Durham Regatta 2026
  2. 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
  3. 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'
  4. Alasdair Beckett-King

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Alasdair Beckett-King - King of Crumbs to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Alasdair Beckett-King - King of Crumbs

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Come vagabonds, come mountebanks, come coney-catchers and cutpurses and meet the King of Crumbs! As seen on Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 

    Dates

    From:
    14 Mar 2026Open 20:30 - 22:00
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Alasdair Beckett-King - King of Crumbs
  5. Gordon Buchanan standing in front of a lake.

    Add Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Durham

    Due to phenomenal demand, award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road again in 2026, continuing the success of his biggest ever live tour - Lions and Tigers and Bears.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Feb 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan - Gala Durham
  6. The Pitman's Parliament room in Redhills Miners Hall

    Add Discover Redhills: Past, Present and Future Guided Tour to your Itinerary

    Discover Redhills: Past, Present and Future Guided Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage

    Durham City

    Whether you’re passionate about Durham’s coalfield heritage, curious about social change, or simply looking for a unique experience, a Redhills tour offers a rare insight into the power of community and solidarity.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2026Open 12:00 - 13:30
    From:
    4 Mar 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 12:00 - 13:30
    More info for Discover Redhills: Past, Present and Future Guided Tour
  7. The Girl on a Train - 28th June - 4th July 2026. Poster shows an illustration of Rachel Watson looking out the train window.

    Add The Girl on a Train Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel - The City Theatre to your Itinerary

    The Girl on a Train Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel - The City Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Back Silver Street, Durham

    Adapted from the book by Paula Hawkins. A thriller. Has Rachel Watson witnessed a murder or is she a suspect?

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:30 -
    From:
    29 June 2026to3 July 2026Open 19:30 -
    From:
    4 July 2026Open 14:30 -
    More info for The Girl on a Train Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel - The City Theatre
  8. A man playing a guitar.

    Add The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists to your Itinerary

    The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Durham City

    Neil Gore, presents this SELL OUT one-person version of the classic novel by Robert Tressell featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music and song. Meet the famous characters and enjoy the scenes, speeches and songs, featuring the…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
  9. ‘Iron Ladies’ Film screening followed by Q&A with special guest Heather Wood - Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future.

    Add ‘Iron Ladies’ Film screening followed by Q&A with special guest Heather Wood - Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future to your Itinerary

    ‘Iron Ladies’ Film screening followed by Q&A with special guest Heather Wood - Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future

    Type

    Type:

    International Womens Day

    Durham

    Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future ‘Iron Ladies’ Film screening followed by Q & A with special guest Heather Wood.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Mar 2026Open 13:30 -
    More info for ‘Iron Ladies’ Film screening followed by Q&A with special guest Heather Wood - Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future
  10. Founders of For the Love of the North Paul and Lucy Hull stand hand-in-hand beside an old stone wall and a vintage signpost in a quaint village.

    Add Front Row Talks: Paul and Lucy Hull - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Front Row Talks: Paul and Lucy Hull - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Barnard Castle

    Just like The Bowes Museum, For the Love of the North celebrates artists, designers and makers. Join Paul and Lucy Hull for an inspiring talk on supporting Northern creatives and how thoughtful design can deepen our connections with the places we…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Mar 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
    More info for Front Row Talks: Paul and Lucy Hull - The Bowes Museum
  11. View of the sea and beach from the clifftops

    Add Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington to your Itinerary

    Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Easington Colliery, Peterlee

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Nearby Sunday 2k junior parkrun events for 4 to 14 year olds and their families can be found here.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Heritage Coastal Path parkrun, Easington
  12. Guided walk in Wolsingham: a group of walkers and a dog on a scenic woodland trail.

    Add Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham to your Itinerary

    Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland

    Our monthly guided walks take place on the 2nd Saturday of every month leaving Wolsingham Town Hall in the Market Place at 10am.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2026to12 Dec 2026
    More info for Free Monthly Guided Walks - Wolsingham
  13. Crook Hall

    Add Family crafts: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Family crafts: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Get creative and make book-themed craft to take home.

    Free, no need to book, just turn up and join in on the day. Normal admission applies.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Feb 2026to26 Feb 2026
    More info for Family crafts: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens
  14. Trader at Barnard Castle Farmer's Market at stall taking money from customer

    Add Barnard Castle Farmers' Market to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Farmers' Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is one of the North East’s most popular markets featuring a wide range of artisan food and crafts from the region. Open 9:00 to 14:00 on the first Saturday of each month.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Barnard Castle Farmers' Market
  15. Crook Hall

    Add World Book Day trail: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    World Book Day trail: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Step into a world of stories this February half term at Crook Hall Gardens. Unlock secrets hidden among the pages of your favourite books and become the hero of your own adventure. Every twist in the path brings a new challenge along this self-led…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to8 Mar 2026
    More info for World Book Day trail: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens
  16. Behind the Scenes Tour of Raby Castle. An open white door, close up view of handle and lock..

    Add Behind the Scenes Tour of Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Behind the Scenes Tour of Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Staindrop

    Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of history as we unveil the hidden stories and treasures of Raby Castle. Step beyond the velvet ropes and immerse yourself in the captivating world of this centuries-old architectural masterpiece.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026
    More info for Behind the Scenes Tour of Raby Castle
  17. 'County Durham Libraries, March is Women's History Month. Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future.'

    March is Women's History Month - Women of The Northeast: Past, Present and Future

    Type

    Type:

    International Womens Day

    ​​​​​​County Durham Libraries, March is Women’s History Month - Women of the Northeast: Past, Present and Future

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2026
    More info for March is Women's History Month - Women of The Northeast: Past, Present and Future
  18. Poster for Funergy event with date, time, contact details.

    Add FUNergy: The ULTIMATE Half-Term Blast! to your Itinerary

    FUNergy: The ULTIMATE Half-Term Blast!

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Peterlee

    Get ready for a super fun, active day this Thursday 26th February 2026 at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suites.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for FUNergy: The ULTIMATE Half-Term Blast!
  19. Durham Cathedral

    Add February half term activities at Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    February half term activities at Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Enjoy a day out at Durham Cathedral and enjoy colouring activities, alongside free family-friendly mini tours of Durham Cathedral - celebrating 40 years as a UNESCO world heritage site!

    Free Mini Tours

    Monday 23 February - Friday 27 February,…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Feb 2026to1 Mar 2026
    More info for February half term activities at Durham Cathedral
  20. Danish duo Glimtvis in a cafe.

    Add Glimtvis at Steam Machine Brewing Company to your Itinerary

    Glimtvis at Steam Machine Brewing Company

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Newton Aycliffe

    Nordic Americana is on the cards when Danish duo Glimtvis play Steam Machine Brewing Company, in Newton Aycliffe on 19th March - their first ever UK non-festival show.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
    More info for Glimtvis at Steam Machine Brewing Company
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