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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. Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa exterior view of entrance. Logo celebrating their 25th Anniversary top right.

    Add 25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa to your Itinerary

    25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Summer Event

    Seaham

    This year, Seaham Hall celebrates 25 years as one of the UK’s most iconic five-star hotel and spa destinations. Our 25 Years in the Making celebrations will honour the people, moments, and memories that shaped Seaham Hall—and we invite you to be…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026
    More info for 25 Years in the Making - A Celebration, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa
  2. A child sitting on the ground toasting marshmallows, supervised by an adult - Forest School activities at St Johns Hall Meadowfield.

    Add Noo Noo Forest School - St Johns Hall Meadowfield to your Itinerary

    Noo Noo Forest School - St Johns Hall Meadowfield

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Meadowfield

    Forest school for primary age.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    18 July 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    More info for Noo Noo Forest School - St Johns Hall Meadowfield
  3. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add Guided Walk: Durham and the River Wear - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Guided Walk: Durham and the River Wear - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Durham

    Explore the city's green spaces and wander along the River Wear.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 13:00 - 15:15
    From:
    5 July 2026Open 13:00 - 15:15
    More info for Guided Walk: Durham and the River Wear - Crook Hall Gardens
  4. Child, sitting next to adult, engaging in science, technology, engineering and maths-related activities.

    Add Crank it Up! -  Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Crank it Up! - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Beamish

    Join Beamish Museum for a host of science, technology, engineering and maths-related activities taking place over this special weekend!

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026
    More info for Crank it Up! - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  5. 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
  6. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026 to your Itinerary

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bishop Auckland

    Step into Kynren, a live action outdoor theatre spectacular that immerses you in 2000 years of history on an epic scale.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026
  7. Pianist, Warren Mailley-Smith.

    Add Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham

    Step into the tranquil glow of candlelight and enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Rachmaninov 2nd Piano Concerto by Candlelight - Durham Cathedral
  8. 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
  9. Bingo Night £25 Entry - includes first seven games and a delicious pie, peas and chips meal (vegetarian option available). Bingo balls on poster.

    Add Bingo Night - High Farm Holiday Park to your Itinerary

    Bingo Night - High Farm Holiday Park

    Type

    Type:

    Competition / Game

    Bishop Auckland

    Gather your squad for a night of bingo, laughs, and tasty treats!

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026Open 18:30 - 22:00
    More info for Bingo Night - High Farm Holiday Park
  10. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add May Half Term: Pollinator Trail - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    May Half Term: Pollinator Trail - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham

    Explore the gardens on a self-led trail to discover buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026to18 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for May Half Term: Pollinator Trail - Crook Hall Gardens
  11. A group of performers singing.

    Add Ensemble 84 to your Itinerary

    Ensemble 84

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Peterlee

    Shakespeare - 28th May to 6th June followed by Pits, People and Players - 9th to 13th June, 125 years of Horden's history.

    Dates

    From:
    28 May 2026to6 June 2026
    From:
    9 June 2026to13 June 2026
    More info for Ensemble 84
  12. Actors, 'The Handlebards', lined up with their arms crossed at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Open Air Theatre | Handlebards | As You Like It - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Open Air Theatre | Handlebards | As You Like It - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Open Air Theatre at Raby Castle. Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 22:00
    More info for Open Air Theatre | Handlebards | As You Like It - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  13. Jean Martyn at the Theatre Organ

    Add Britain's Got Talent finalist Jean Martyn at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ to your Itinerary

    Britain's Got Talent finalist Jean Martyn at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Howden le Wear, Crook

    Britain's Got Talent finalist JEAN MARTYN play a concert of light classical and popular music at the mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Oct 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    More info for Britain's Got Talent finalist Jean Martyn at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Two performers smiling at the camera surrounded by colourful puppets.

    Add The Magic Sweet Jar - Durham Fringe Festival to your Itinerary

    The Magic Sweet Jar - Durham Fringe Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Palace Green, Durham

    A play for children aged 6 -11 about a young girl who falls through a portal into a world made entirely of sweets. Filled with live music, puppets, homemade masks, and interactive storytelling, audiences are encouraged to help bring the story to…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 14:15 - 15:30
    More info for The Magic Sweet Jar - Durham Fringe Festival
  17. Trains at Locomotion

    Add Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Shildon

    Featuring a display of classic buses from across the region.

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
    More info for Yesterbus Classic Bus Gathering - Locomotion
  18. outer space galaxy

    North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    The North Pennines Stargazing Festival is returning for 2026 – running between Friday 16 October and Sunday 1 November.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
    More info for North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2026
  19. Saturday Night at the Movies, movie reel.

    Add Saturday Night at the Movies - Merryoaks Community Hall to your Itinerary

    Saturday Night at the Movies - Merryoaks Community Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Charity event/Fundraiser

    Durham

    This lively, nostalgic show blends humour, insight, and local Durham film heritage-plus an intermission with refreshments. Tickets £5 with all proceeds going to the centre for future community events - e.g. Dementia Cafe, Kids Holiday clubs. Tickets…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 19:30 - 21:30
    More info for Saturday Night at the Movies - Merryoaks Community Hall
  20. Scouting for Girls concert poster with image of Durham Cathedral.

    Add Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Durham City

    Scouting For Girls will be performing their greatest hits live in Durham Cathedral.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 19:45 - 22:00
    More info for Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral
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