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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. 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
  2. Jonathan Eyre at the Wurlitzer Organ

    Add NETOA Christmas Concert with Jonathan Eyre FRCO at the Wurlitzer Organ to your Itinerary

    NETOA Christmas Concert with Jonathan Eyre FRCO at the Wurlitzer Organ

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Howden le Wear, Crook

    JONATHAN EYRE plays a concert of Christmas music including Carols, etc. at the mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    More info for NETOA Christmas Concert with Jonathan Eyre FRCO at the Wurlitzer Organ
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. Blue seaglass bracelet.

    Add Sea Glass Bracelet Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Sea Glass Bracelet Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us and Christine from Glass of Kinds for a morning of creative fun at our very first Sea Glass Jewellery workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    More info for Sea Glass Bracelet Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  6. Bee Responsible. Collage of a swarm of bees and close up of a bee on a flower.

    Add Half Day Bee and Beekeeping Related Courses - Unit A The Old School to your Itinerary

    Half Day Bee and Beekeeping Related Courses - Unit A The Old School

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    A selection of bee related short courses, hosted at our workshops beside the River Tees in Middleton-In-Teesdale. Join our expert Beekeeper to learn something new about bees!

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2026to14 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    More info for Half Day Bee and Beekeeping Related Courses - Unit A The Old School
  7. 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
  8. Heritage Open Days Logo

    Heritage Open Days 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
    More info for Heritage Open Days 2026
  9. Poster showing a pink rose.

    Add David Austin Exclusive Rose Talk - Poplar Tree Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    David Austin Exclusive Rose Talk - Poplar Tree Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Durham

    An Afternoon with David Austin Roses.

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    More info for David Austin Exclusive Rose Talk - Poplar Tree Garden Centre
  10. A community hall set out with tables and chairs

    Add Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Coffee Morning to your Itinerary

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Coffee Morning

    Type

    Type:

    Local Events

    Sedgefield

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club welcome members of the public to join us for a coffee morning where we have tea/coffee, a bite to eat and a raffle.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Coffee Morning
  11. Family speaking to staff on a locomotive at Beamish.

    Add Summer of Fun 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Summer of Fun 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Beamish

    Throughout the summer holidays, experience a variety of engaging activities across the museum’s different time periods.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Summer of Fun 2026 - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  12. Illustration of people in traditional formal dress at a Masquerade Ball.

    Add Eve Valentine's Masquarade Ball - The Manor House Hotel Spa to your Itinerary

    Eve Valentine's Masquarade Ball - The Manor House Hotel Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Dance

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    Join us for an unforgettable evening of glamour, mystery, and suspense at the Eve Valentine's Masquerade Ball, co-hosted by Dean Midas. Inspired by the award-winning slasher films shot within the venue, this exclusive event combines elegant…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2027Open 19:00 - 23:45
    More info for Eve Valentine's Masquarade Ball - The Manor House Hotel Spa
  13. 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
  14. Runners partaking in Park Run by the river, with Durham Cathedral in the background.

    Add Durham parkrun to your Itinerary

    Durham parkrun

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Stockton Rd , Durham

    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 2026to26 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Durham parkrun
  15. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add History of Durham City Walk - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    History of Durham City Walk - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Durham

    A guided walk from Crook Hall Gardens delving into the history of Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026to27 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for History of Durham City Walk - Crook Hall Gardens
  16. 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
  17. Audience enjoying an evening outdoor theatre performance at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Welcome To Jurassic Park! A roarsome outdoor cinema experience at Raby Castle with a screening of Spielberg's dinosaur classic!

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 18:30 - 22:00
    More info for Outdoor Cinema – Jurassic Park - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  18. Lumley Castle, the author Glenda Young and the front cover of a book

    Add Glenda Young Author Talk with Cream Tea - Lumley Castle to your Itinerary

    Glenda Young Author Talk with Cream Tea - Lumley Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Chester-le-Street

    Enjoy a special afternoon with cream tea at Lumley Castle with a book talk by bestselling author Glenda Young.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
    More info for Glenda Young Author Talk with Cream Tea - Lumley Castle
  19. Family walking in the grounds of Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Dads Go Free Father's Day Weekend - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Dads Go Free Father's Day Weekend - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Staindrop

    Celebrate Father's Day Weekend at Raby Castle – Dads Go FREE!

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to21 June 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    More info for Dads Go Free Father's Day Weekend - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  20. Stripey amber sea glass necklace.

    Add Sea Glass Necklace Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Sea Glass Necklace Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us and Christine from Glass of Kinds for an afternoon of creative fun at one of our very first Sea Glass Jewellery workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    More info for Sea Glass Necklace Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
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