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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. South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Add South Causey Monthly Dog Walk to your Itinerary

    South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Dog-Friendly

    Stanley

    Join the South Causey Dog Walking Club every 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am for a picturesque stroll through the beautiful Beamish Valley. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for South Causey Monthly Dog Walk
  2. Strahinja Mitrović

    Add Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series Continues in July with Strahinja Mitrović (Double Bass) to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series Continues in July with Strahinja Mitrović (Double Bass)

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Bishop Auckland

    Serbian double bassist Strahinja Mitrović is studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in the class of esteemed cellist Louise Hopkins.

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:30
    More info for Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series Continues in July with Strahinja Mitrović (Double Bass)
  3. Rapunzel written in gold on a purple background.

    Add Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime to your Itinerary

    Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Durham City

    In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their tracks.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime
  4. Classic cars on display at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Add Classic Car Day by NECPWA - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Classic Car Day by NECPWA - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Beamish

    Beamish Museum is playing host to The North of England Classic & Pre-War Automobiles Club, with an incredible display of classic vehicles.

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Classic Car Day by NECPWA - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  5. Summer Craft Fayre. Colourful Illustration of patterned plates, jugs, and vases on a stall.

    Add Summer Craft Fayre - Chester le Street Methodist Church to your Itinerary

    Summer Craft Fayre - Chester le Street Methodist Church

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Chester le Street

    Summer Craft Fayre on Saturday 20th June, 9.30am–1.30pm.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 09:30 - 13:30
    More info for Summer Craft Fayre - Chester le Street Methodist Church
  6. Old drawing of Durham Cathedral

    Add A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Durham City

    As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Durham Cathedral being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delve deeper into the architecture and how people have cared for the building over the centuries.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Mar 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    More info for A Treasure and a Legacy: Conservation at Durham Cathedral
  7. Carrie Hope Fletcher concert poster

    Add Carrie Hope Fletcher: The Ghost Light Tour to your Itinerary

    Carrie Hope Fletcher: The Ghost Light Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers, Cinderella, Calamity Jane), one of the UK's most beloved musical theatre stars, is set to light up cathedrals across the UK in her breathtaking new Ghost Light concert tour.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
    More info for Carrie Hope Fletcher: The Ghost Light Tour
  8. Photograph of two people holding drinks and observing framed paintings displayed on a gallery wall. The setting includes a grand piano and art.

    Add Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Barnard Castle

    The Bowes Museum opens its doors for an evening of culture, with after-hours gallery access, live performances and a programme of hands-on activities. Highlights include curator-led Spotlight Tours, Silver Swan performances, a silent disco and…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:00
    More info for Bowes Lates - The Bowes Museum
  9. The Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival

    Add Durham Christmas Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Christmas Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham Market Place, Durham City

    Durham Christmas Festival returns – the perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Christmas Festival
  10. Willow weaving flower creations.

    Add Willow Weaving Flower Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Willow Weaving Flower Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Have you ever fancied trying a willow weaving workshop?

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    More info for Willow Weaving Flower Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  11. Little Farmers - Tiny Tots. Illustration of a tractor on a hill against a background of blue sky and sunshine.

    Add Little Farmers: Tiny Tots - High Farm Holiday Park to your Itinerary

    Little Farmers: Tiny Tots - High Farm Holiday Park

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland

    Little Farmers: Toddler Sensory Experience at The Paddocks.

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2026to29 June 2026Open 11:30 - 15:30
    More info for Little Farmers: Tiny Tots - High Farm Holiday Park
  12. Impressionist seascape painting depicting a rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the coast.

    Add Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum is a major partnership between The Bowes Museum and the Musée d'Art Moderne André Malraux (MuMa), Le Havre.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to14 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum
  13. Wallace and Gromit with cymbals and a tenor horn - A Grand Day Out.

    Add Wallace & Gromit A Grand Day Out with Live Brass Band to your Itinerary

    Wallace & Gromit A Grand Day Out with Live Brass Band

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham

    Spend a delightful afternoon at Redhills: Durham Miners Hall as we bring the much‑loved Wallace & Gromit classic A Grand Day Out to the big screen — complete with the joyful sound of the Durham Miners' Association Brass Band

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 15:00 - 16:00
    More info for Wallace & Gromit A Grand Day Out with Live Brass Band
  14. Pink and purple flower arrangement.

    Add Cestrian Flower Club - Methodist Church to your Itinerary

    Cestrian Flower Club - Methodist Church

    Type

    Type:

    Demonstration

    Chester-le-Street

    Flower arranging demonstration by Sue Elsdon, Master Florist.

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:30
    More info for Cestrian Flower Club - Methodist Church
  15. Ever Ready Band performing.

    Add EverReady Band performing Myth, Magic & More - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    EverReady Band performing Myth, Magic & More - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    One of the North East's most celebrated brass ensembles, EverReady Band brings epic stories and cinematic soundscapes to life in the beautiful surroundings of Durham Cathedral as part of the 2026 Durham Brass Festival.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for EverReady Band performing Myth, Magic & More - Durham Cathedral
  16. Colourful fused glass wind chime.

    Add Fused Glass Wind Chime Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Fused Glass Wind Chime Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us and Nat from Northern Sky Designs for an afternoon of creative fun at our Fused Glass Wind Chime Workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    More info for Fused Glass Wind Chime Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  17. 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
  18. Image of a group of people at a Durham Book Festival event who are seated and clapping.

    Durham Book Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Durham Book Festival

    Durham

    The Durham Book Festival takes place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, celebrating the power of the written word.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
    More info for Durham Book Festival 2026
  19. 1900s Pit Village band hall

    Add Beamish Folk - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Beamish Folk - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Beamish

    Beamish Folk is a new folk music session taking place on the second Sunday of each month in our 1900s Pit Village band hall, 11.30am-1.30pm.

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    12 July 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 13:30
    More info for Beamish Folk - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  20. Orchestra North East Ann Dobson Hall, Van Mildert College. July 5th, 3pm. Graphic image of cello.

    Add Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall to your Itinerary

    Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Millhill Lane,, Durham

    Orchestra North East will be performing on Sunday July 5th 2026 at 3pm in the Ann Dobson Hall, Van Mildert College, Millhill Lane, Durham DH1 3LH.

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:30
    More info for Orchestra North East Concert - Ann Dobson Hall
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