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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. An ornate 19th-century lace parasol with an intricately patterned cream lace canopy. The handle is made of ivory or bone with a decorative metal finia

    Add Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection to your Itinerary

    Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection marks 20 years since the landmark exhibition Fine & Fashionable: Lace from the Blackborne Collection and commemorates the gift of the Blackborne lace collection to The Bowes Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to11 Apr 2027Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Lace and Legacy: Fashion Treasures from The Blackborne Collection
  2. Mrs Claus sitting beside the Christmas Tree at Adventure Valley

    Add Winter Wonderland - Adventure Valley to your Itinerary

    Winter Wonderland - Adventure Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Brasside, Durham

    Winter Wonderland is back for 2025 at Adventure Valley! From the 29th November to the 21st December – Each Weekend AND the 22nd, 23rd December & 24th December. In the ‘Christmas week’.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to21 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    From:
    22 Dec 2025to24 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for Winter Wonderland - Adventure Valley
  3. Marian Art in Durham Cathedral (artwork showing depiction of Mary).

    Add Marian Art in Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Marian Art in Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    The College, Durham

    Join Professor Jane Heath from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University on this specially curated tour of the Marian Art in Durham Cathedral.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 11:00 -
    More info for Marian Art in Durham Cathedral
  4. Crowds of people enjoying a cricket match at Durham Cricket's Banks Homes Riverside Stadium

    Add Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International to your Itinerary

    Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Chester le Street

    England Men take on India Men in an exciting T20 International on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026
    More info for Durham Cricket - England Men v India Men T20 International
  5. Jim Smith holding a lamb

    Add Jim Smith "Prime Cuts" - The Witham to your Itinerary

    Jim Smith "Prime Cuts" - The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Barnard Castle

    Jim Smith is one of Scotland's most beloved farming comedians, bringing his unique blend of rural humour and sharp storytelling to audiences across the country.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Dec 2025Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Jim Smith "Prime Cuts" - The Witham
  6. Two girls drawing at the Young Artists' Club - The Auckland Project

    Add No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project to your Itinerary

    No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project

    Type

    Type:

    Local Events

    Bishop Auckland

    Discover the works of great artists throughout history, and create your own pieces of art. Thursdays.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland Project
  7. 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 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Barnard Castle Farmers' Market
  8. Close-up of a mannequin wearing a vibrant, multicoloured fuzzy coat in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. Underneath is a white shirt with a bold pin

    Add Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary to your Itinerary

    Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary (28 March 2026 – 6 September 2026) is a multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion's most provocative and imaginative designers.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary
  9. Two women and three children walking around the lake at Hardwick Park

    Add Passport to Nature: Winter Wildlife Walk to your Itinerary

    Passport to Nature: Winter Wildlife Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Sedgefield

    It might be cold outside but that does not stop the wildlife at Hardwick Park! Join the education team as we explore the park's tranquil beauty, from the rustling of winter leaves to the tracks left by the park's wildlife. Whether you're a nature…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2025Open 07:00 - 09:00
    More info for Passport to Nature: Winter Wildlife Walk
  10. 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 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market
  11. External view of The Spanish Gallery

    Add The Spanish Gallery Guided Tour to your Itinerary

    The Spanish Gallery Guided Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Bishop Auckland

    Our knowledgeable guides offer in-depth insights and personalised attention, enhancing the experience for all visitors.

    Venue

    The Auckland Project, Bishop Auckland

    Dates

    From:
    28 July 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for The Spanish Gallery Guided Tour
  12. Christmas Choir performing at South Causey Inn.

    Add Christmas Choir at South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Choir at South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    A wonderful Christmas Event for all the family...Step into a winter wonderland this festive season and join us at South Causey Inn for a truly heart-warming Christmas Carol Event.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
    From:
    15 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
    More info for Christmas Choir at South Causey Inn
  13. Black Horse Beamish Market

    Add Christmas Market to your Itinerary

    Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas Markets

    Beamish

    Browse a charming selection of unique gifts and seasonal delights - perfect for ticking off your Christmas list in style.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00
    More info for Christmas Market
  14. Pom Pom from a Santa hat on a green background

    Add Breakfast With The Grinch & Cindy Lou - Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Breakfast With The Grinch & Cindy Lou - Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get ready for a morning of mayhem as the mean, green, Christmas-crunching Grinch takes over breakfast! 

    We've teamed up with Make My Day Events to bring Whoville's most mischievous resident to life, promising a festive feast with a side of playful…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    From:
    23 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 11:30
    More info for Breakfast With The Grinch & Cindy Lou - Lumley Castle Hotel
  15. Toy.51 Model Train Set c.1840s at The Bowes Museum. Photography by Claire Collinson.

    Add S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail to your Itinerary

    S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    An exhibition showcasing historic fashion, toys and artworks that reflect on how the railway reshaped lives and culture.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2025to1 Feb 2026
    More info for S&DR200 - Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail
  16. 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
  17. A Nightmare Before Christmas with a spooky Christmas decoration and event date

    Add Durham Cricket's A Nightmare Before Christmas to your Itinerary

    Durham Cricket's A Nightmare Before Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester-le-Street

    On Saturday 13th December, join us for a spine-tingling night of thrills, chills, and festive delights at Durham Cricket's alternative Christmas party, where the weird and wonderful are welcome, and the unexpected is guaranteed.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 23:45
    More info for Durham Cricket's A Nightmare Before Christmas
  18. Someone making a Christmas Wreath

    Add Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea to your Itinerary

    Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Join us for a charming wreath-making experience with estate-grown greenery, a glass of prosecco, and a delicious festive afternoon tea.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 14:00 - 17:00
    More info for Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea
  19. Shadforth Art Exhibition. 13th December 2025

    Add Shadforth Art Group Exhibition to your Itinerary

    Shadforth Art Group Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Shadforth

    Shadforth Art Exhibition - Saturday 13th December 2025, 2pm – 5pm.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025Open 14:00 - 17:00
    More info for Shadforth Art Group Exhibition
  20. Children and families enjoying the 'Forest of Light' at Beamish Hall Hotel

    Add Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Our Forest of Light is a captivating illuminated experience set within our enchanted ancient woodland.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to4 Jan 2026
    More info for Forest of Light at Beamish Hall Hotel
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