Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • Free Events
      • Festive Fun
      • Twixmas Events
    • 2026 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • A couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

  • Two people in the pool at Seaham Hall Hotel

    Discover Wellness in Durham

  • People walking at Seaham Hall spa surrounded by candles

    Romantic Getaways

  • Durham Cathedral and riverbanks in the snow

    Winter Breaks

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

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.

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 160

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Crookfest 26. List of bands, and background image of a crowd with their hands in the air.

    Add Crookfest'26 to your Itinerary

    Crookfest'26

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Willington , Crook

    Crook Fest 2026. ​​​​​One day. Three stages. 18 bands.

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026Open 11:30 - 22:30
    More info for Crookfest'26
  2. Marcus Brigstocke

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Marcus Brigstocke - Vitruvian Mango to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Marcus Brigstocke - Vitruvian Mango

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Award winning MAN Marcus Brigstocke thinks we might still serve some useful function. But what is it? This new tour show will resolve the entire issue once and for all (in a non-patriarchal, open minded, progressive sort of way).

    Dates

    From:
    4 Mar 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Marcus Brigstocke - Vitruvian Mango
  3. 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
  4. Ariel view of Wolsingham Show

    Add Wolsingham Show 2026 to your Itinerary

    Wolsingham Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Agricultural Show

    Wolsingham

    Celebrate the county’s farming life at England’s oldest and Durham’s biggest open-air Agricultural show. A jam-packed weekend of family-friendly entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026
    More info for Wolsingham Show 2026
  5. 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
  6. Sam Avery

    Add Sam Avery "Thunderstorm" to your Itinerary

    Sam Avery "Thunderstorm"

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    In his trademark punchy style, Sam takes you on a whirlwind journey through the chaos of the modern.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Jan 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    More info for Sam Avery "Thunderstorm"
  7. Greenhouses at Raby Castle’s beautifully restored 18th-century Walled Gardens.

    Add Gardeners' Walk & Talk - Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Gardeners' Walk & Talk - Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Gardeners’ Walk & Talk at Raby Castle – Daily at 12pm. Led by a member of our expert gardening team, this complimentary garden tour offers a relaxed and informative experience, perfect for visitors interested in historic English…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Jan 2026to28 Jan 2026
    More info for Gardeners' Walk & Talk - Raby Castle
  8. Smiling person with short, curly blonde hair and round brown glasses, resting their chin on one hand. They are wearing a patterned blue-and-white top

    Add Front Row Talks: Gillian Smellie to your Itinerary

    Front Row Talks: Gillian Smellie

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Barnard Castle

    The fashion industry plays a significant role in the climate crisis and is often guilty of greenwashing. Join Gillian Smellie for an enlightening talk on ethical fashion and discover how intentional choices can help you adopt a more sustainable…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Feb 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
    More info for Front Row Talks: Gillian Smellie
  9. Crowds of people enjoying a cricket match at Durham Cricket's Banks Homes Riverside Stadium

    Add Durham Cricket - England Women V New Zealand Women ODI to your Itinerary

    Durham Cricket - England Women V New Zealand Women ODI

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Chester le Street

    England Women take on New Zealand Women in a thrilling one day international on Sunday 10 May 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026
    More info for Durham Cricket - England Women V New Zealand Women ODI
  10. Little girl and boy participating in 'Little Dragons' at Durham University Oriental Museum.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Jan 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  11. Wedding Showcase Bowburn Hall Hotel. 
Background of poster shows a room at Bowburn Hall Hotel set for a wedding reception.

    Add Wedding Showcase - Bowburn Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Wedding Showcase - Bowburn Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Wedding Fairs and Events

    Durham

    Begin your happily ever after at Bowburn Hall Hotel and let all of the stress slide away as you celebrate the most precious day of your life with us.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    24 Jan 2026Open 12:00 - 16:00
    More info for Wedding Showcase - Bowburn Hall Hotel
  12. Silhouette of a person photographing The Milky Way from the hillside

    Add Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    nr Mickleton

    Due to popular demand, we have laid on this exclusive event to educate the little ones on all things spacey!

    Dates

    From:
    24 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    7 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    More info for Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory
  13. The Hound of The Baskervilles 22nd - 28th November 2026.

    Add The Hound of the Baskervilles - The City Theatre to your Itinerary

    The Hound of the Baskervilles - The City Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Back Silver Street, Durham

    A reduced cast production of this classic tale.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 14:30 -
    From:
    23 Nov 2026to27 Nov 2026Open 19:30 -
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 14:30 -
    More info for The Hound of the Baskervilles - The City Theatre
  14. 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
  15. Dorinda Kealoha - Coastal Engagement Officer standing in front of a background of reeds.

    Stronger Shores Talk Series: Cetaceans of Durham’s Coast (Online via Zoom)

    Type

    Type:

    Virtual Event

    Explore the fantastic work being done with our volunteers to help to protect the amazing marine mammals that call our coast home.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 20:00
    More info for Stronger Shores Talk Series: Cetaceans of Durham’s Coast (Online via Zoom)
  16. Lucy Pringle sitting in a meditative pose. Credit: Chris Parkinson

    Add The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Staindrop

    Founded by Lucy, a holistic counsellor, meditation teacher, and reiki practitioner, Guid-ed offers transformative experiences that blend science with spirituality integrating somatic healing, mindset work, breathwork, and energy alignment.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Jan 2026
    More info for The Raby Reset: Wellness Foundations at Raby Castle
  17. Paul Sinah

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Paul celebrated his 30th anniversary in stand-up last year and despite his continued quiz successes, his Radio 4 series, and his decision to write a memoir, rather than a hastily patched together murder mystery, Paul is not ready to exit the stage…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Paul Sinha - 2 Sinha Lifetime
  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. Shoppers on Church Street, Seaham at Seaham Seaside Market

    Add Seaham Seaside Market to your Itinerary

    Seaham Seaside Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Seaham

    Seaham Seaside Market is a weekly market held every Friday.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Seaham Seaside Market
  20. 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
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2026 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Publications,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council