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
      • Durham on Screen
      • 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
      • Father's Day Events
      • Summer Holidays
      • Free 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
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Visitor Guides
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Kids dressed up as Harry Potter in the cloisters

    Durham On Screen

  • Children playing with sand at Locomotion

    Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham

  • A couple sat at the pool at Seaham Hall

    Summer Breaks

  • Fireworks at Kynren

    Summer Holidays

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: 177

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Clay Pigeon Shooting in the beautiful Beamish Valley

    Add Clay Pigeon Shoot - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Clay Pigeon Shoot - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event

    Stanley

    Experience the thrill of clay pigeon shooting in the beautiful Beamish Valley.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026
    From:
    18 July 2026
    From:
    15 Aug 2026
    From:
    19 Sept 2026
    From:
    17 Oct 2026
    From:
    21 Nov 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026
    More info for Clay Pigeon Shoot - South Causey Inn
  2. Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon. 27th September - 3rd October 2026.

    Add Murdered To Death by Peter Gordon - A Comedy - The City Theatre to your Itinerary

    Murdered To Death by Peter Gordon - A Comedy - The City Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Back Silver Street, Durham

    A spoof Miss Marple set in a country mansion.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 14:30 -
    From:
    28 Sept 2026to2 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 14:30 -
    More info for Murdered To Death by Peter Gordon - A Comedy - The City Theatre
  3. Man with flowers at Durham City Farmers' Market

    Add Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market to your Itinerary

    Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Durham city

    Durham’s Food Producers’ and Crafters’ Market is now on the first Thursday of each month – open from 9am until 4.30pm, or until stock has sold out.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market
  4. Colourful houses lining a canal with small boats and reflections in the water in Burano, Venice, Italy

    Add Evening Language Courses - The Centre for Foreign Language Study to your Itinerary

    Evening Language Courses - The Centre for Foreign Language Study

    Type

    Type:

    Lecture

    Elvet Riverside, New Elvet

    Yearly, October – April: The Centre for Foreign Language Study at Durham University offers evening language courses which are open to all. Languages available include Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian,…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Apr 2026to26 June 2026
    From:
    12 Oct 2026to11 Dec 2026
    From:
    18 Jan 2027to19 Mar 2027
    More info for Evening Language Courses - The Centre for Foreign Language Study
  5. The Chloé Piano Trio

    Add Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series - Chloë Piano Trio (violin, cello & piano). to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series - Chloë Piano Trio (violin, cello & piano).

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Bishop Auckland

    The Chloé Piano Trio, Tunnell Trust Award Winners 2024/25, was formed in 2017 by talented emerging musicians at the Royal College of Music, London. They previously were Kirckman Trust Young Artists and winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:30
    More info for Bishop Auckland Music Society 2026 Concert Series - Chloë Piano Trio (violin, cello & piano).
  6. Tom McGuinness, The Hewer, 1980s, oil on board. Gemini Collection, Zurbarán Trust

    Add Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness - Mining Art Gallery to your Itinerary

    Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness - Mining Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Bishop Auckland

    Our new Tom McGuinness exhibition opens on 18 February 2026. In his centenary year, the Mining Art Gallery celebrates this quiet man who communicated through his art – he did not seek simply to record details of the mining industry but expressed…

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026to24 Dec 2026
    More info for Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness - Mining Art Gallery
  7. Photo of Dan Whitehouse

    Add Dan Whitehouse Continues To Renew, Reinvent and Reimagine with James Thoroughgood at The White Room Music Cafe to your Itinerary

    Dan Whitehouse Continues To Renew, Reinvent and Reimagine with James Thoroughgood at The White Room Music Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Stanley

    Dan Whitehouse is always searching for something new. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the acclaimed Black Country artist has continually evolved, shifting from the introspective acoustic singer-songwriter of his early solo records into…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026Open 19:30 - 22:45
    More info for Dan Whitehouse Continues To Renew, Reinvent and Reimagine with James Thoroughgood at The White Room Music Cafe
  8. Headshot of Laura Lexx smiling.

    Add Funny Way To Be Comedy: Laura Lexx - YO-YO to your Itinerary

    Funny Way To Be Comedy: Laura Lexx - YO-YO

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    In a 10 year marriage eventually your partner sees it all. Every bad idea. Every silly decision. The real twist is that somewhere along the way, you have to believe them. And maybe, just maybe.. you learn to love yourself too.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Funny Way To Be Comedy: Laura Lexx - YO-YO
  9. Child with dinosaur model at High Force Waterfall.

    Add May Half Term: Discover Dinosaurs at High Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    May Half Term: Discover Dinosaurs at High Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Forest-in-Teesdale, Durham

    Breathe in the fresh summer air and stomp into a prehistoric world of fun at High Force Hotel & Waterfall. Our brand‑new Discover Dinosaurs Trail is waiting for little explorers who love big adventures and fascinating history.

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for May Half Term: Discover Dinosaurs at High Force Waterfall
  10. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add Crook Hall Gardens Tour: Horticulture - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Crook Hall Gardens Tour: Horticulture - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Nature

    Durham

    Join our gardening guru volunteers for a horticultural tour of Crook Hall Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026to30 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Crook Hall Gardens Tour: Horticulture - Crook Hall Gardens
  11. Silhouette of three people swimming at dawn - Seaham Slope Beach, near the pier.

    Add Mental Health Swims - Seaham to your Itinerary

    Mental Health Swims - Seaham

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Seaham

    Mental Health Swims is an award-winning, mental health peer support community. The regular dip at Seaham takes place on the last Sunday of every month - booking required.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Mental Health Swims - Seaham
  12. 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
  13. Wine and a selection of scones and jams.

    Add Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force to your Itinerary

    Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force

    Type

    Type:

    Food Events

    Forest-in-Teesdale, Durham

    Monday - Saturday Celebrate in the heart of Upper Teesdale with our cosy Fireside Afternoon Tea at High Force Hotel.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Fireside Afternoon Tea and Waterfall Walk at High Force
  14. 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
  15. Text reads, 'Summer Sing-a-Long starring the Forget Me Not Singers. 7 June 2026, 2pm-3pm.' Graphic image of pink flowers and leaves in the background.

    Add Summer Sing-a-Long - Chester-le-Street Methodist Church to your Itinerary

    Summer Sing-a-Long - Chester-le-Street Methodist Church

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Chester le Street

    Summer Sing along free event starring the 'Forget Me Not Singers' 7th June 2026, 2pm - 3pm. 

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
    More info for Summer Sing-a-Long - Chester-le-Street Methodist Church
  16. Someone taking control of a historic Steam locomotive.

    Add Steam Driver Experiences - Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Steam Driver Experiences - Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Historical

    Marley Hill, Tanfield

    Enjoy the Thrill of Driving a Historic Steam Locomotive at Tanfield Railway!

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026
    From:
    1 Aug 2026
    From:
    31 Aug 2026
    More info for Steam Driver Experiences - Tanfield Railway
  17. Ayclive poster, 24th/25th July, with the image of a crowd in the background showing festival goers enjoying themselves.

    Add Ayclive 2026 - Oakleaf Sports Field to your Itinerary

    Ayclive 2026 - Oakleaf Sports Field

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newton Aycliffe

    Ayclive Festival is a vibrant, community-driven music event in Newton Aycliffe, organised by dedicated volunteers passionate about live entertainment and local pride. Created to celebrate the town's 75th anniversary, its inaugural event took place…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00
    From:
    25 July 2026Open 11:30 - 23:00
    More info for Ayclive 2026 - Oakleaf Sports Field
  18. 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
  19. G4 members wearing santa hats and suits.

    Add G4 Christmas 2026 - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    G4 Christmas 2026 - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their 'G4 Christmas' tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Nov 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for G4 Christmas 2026 - Durham Cathedral
  20. A group of parkrun volunteers in pink jackets outside Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.

    Add Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens - parkrun to your Itinerary

    Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens - parkrun

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    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 Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens - parkrun
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 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
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Visitor Guides,
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