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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. Poster for After Dark social events taking place at The Light, A person standing facing an exhibit.

    Add After Dark - The Light to your Itinerary

    After Dark - The Light

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Aykley Heads, Durham

    Art. Music. Drinks. Late. First Friday every month starting 2 October 2026.

    Venue

    The Light, Durham City

    Dates

    From:
    2 Oct 2026to4 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for After Dark - The Light
  2. An adult and small child walking hand in hand down an autumnal path.

    Add Christmas Vine Wreath Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden to your Itinerary

    Christmas Vine Wreath Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Join florist Debbie from The Northern Flower Garden to celebrate the festive season as you make wreaths together. During this workshop, you’ll create a slightly more pared-back style of wreath, perfect if you love a natural, understated look.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
    More info for Christmas Vine Wreath Workshop with The Northern Flower Garden
  3. The comedy store logo, a red cartoon smiling mouth on a white circle on a pink background.

    Add The Comedy Store (February) to your Itinerary

    The Comedy Store (February)

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Durham City

    With over 35 years’ experience in the business and as the premiere name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent, and remains the place to see stars of the future.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2027Open 19:30 -
    More info for The Comedy Store (February)
  4. Two photos of festive wreaths.

    Add Christmas Floristry Workshops - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Christmas Floristry Workshops - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    Join us this Christmas for a series of festive floristry workshops under the guidance of professional florist Sue McGhee from Botanical House of Gardenia. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own beautiful Christmas Door Wreath or Christmas…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 15:30
    More info for Christmas Floristry Workshops - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  5. A bottle of champagne and two full glasses.

    Add New Year’s Eve Dining at High Force Hotel to your Itinerary

    New Year’s Eve Dining at High Force Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Looking for a quiet New Year’s Eve away from the crowds? As the year draws to a close, settle into the cosy comfort of our countryside hotel, where weathered floorboards, roaring fires and the gentle warmth of the season create a truly relaxing…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
    More info for New Year’s Eve Dining at High Force Hotel
  6. Poster showing Dolly Parton Story event

    Add The Dolly Story - The Pavilion to your Itinerary

    The Dolly Story - The Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Peterlee

    Dolly Parton Tribute - Live Music.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 15:00 - 19:00
    More info for The Dolly Story - The Pavilion
  7. Abstract landscape painting depicting a vast glowing orange sun or sky above a dark, hazy horizon. Swirling grey, gold, green and red tones create an

    Add Unquiet Earth: Labour and Landscapes to your Itinerary

    Unquiet Earth: Labour and Landscapes

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    Featuring artists and thinkers including J. M. W. Turner, George Frederic Watts, Joséphine Bowes, Luke Howard and Marianne North, Unquiet Earth: Labour and Landscapes explores two centuries of changing relationships between people, place and the…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2027to3 Oct 2027Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Unquiet Earth: Labour and Landscapes
  8. A large circular standing wreath in an autumnal forest landscape.

    Add The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    This Christmas, step into a world of festive magic at High Force Waterfall. As you wander through the enchanting woodland trail,  you’ll discover that something has gone terribly wrong…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to1 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    More info for The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall
  9. Four people wearing red festive clothing, hugging and laughing in the snow with a horse drawn carriage behind.

    Add Grand Cinema: White Christmas (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: White Christmas (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s Grand cinema. The Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland, has been recreated and brought to life in our 1950s Town.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 13:45 -
    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 13:45 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: White Christmas (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  10. 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
  11. View of players on Barnard Castle Golf Course on a sunny day.

    Add Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club to your Itinerary

    Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Events

    Forest-in-Teesdale,

    Nestled in the stunning countryside of Teesdale, Barnard Castle Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of the North East.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Stay and Play at High Force Hotel and Barnard Castle Golf Club
  12. Dogs wearing jumpers running around an autumnal forest.

    Add Santa Paws Christmas Walk & Breakfast - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Santa Paws Christmas Walk & Breakfast - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Wrap up warm in festive Christmas attire for both you and your furry friend, grab the lead, and join us for a magical festive morning in the countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 09:00 -
    More info for Santa Paws Christmas Walk & Breakfast - South Causey Inn
  13. Santa Claus is reading a story to a group of children.

    Add Santa Comes to Lunch to your Itinerary

    Santa Comes to Lunch

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Carville, Durham

    Bring the magic of Christmas to life with Santa lunch - the perfect festive family treat and a wonderful way to celebrate the season together. Enjoy a delicious two-course lunch from 12 noon, while the children are delighted by face painting,…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
    More info for Santa Comes to Lunch
  14. An orchestra of brass band players on stage, decorated with pine branches and baubles, on a red background with text that reads 'DMA Brass Band Christ

    Add DMA Brass Band Christmas Concert to your Itinerary

    DMA Brass Band Christmas Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Flass Street, Durham

    A Festive Celebration of Music! Durham Miners Association Brass Band Concert at Redhills : Durham Miners Hall. Join us for a magical afternoon of seasonal cheer as the DMA Brass Band fills the Pitman’s Parliament with the joyful sounds of Christmas!…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for DMA Brass Band Christmas Concert
  15. A person wearing a beige trench coat kneels on a dark stage looking up in fear.

    Add A Christmas Carol with Guy Masterson to your Itinerary

    A Christmas Carol with Guy Masterson

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Barnard Castle

    DICKENS’ MYSTICAL CHRISTMAS FABLE BROUGHT TO LIFE! THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for A Christmas Carol with Guy Masterson
  16. 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
  17. Exhibition poster for Alia Gargums exhibition depicting her recent textile and sculptural works from the New Contemporaries exhibition

    Add Alia Gargum - I Forget My Words to your Itinerary

    Alia Gargum - I Forget My Words

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Providence Row, Durham

    Alia Gargum is a sculpture and installation artist who composes her work through critical and personal exploration of politics and culture, focusing on her heritage through diasporic means. Metalwork, fabric and installation elements are…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2026to11 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Alia Gargum - I Forget My Words
  18. White cursive writing reads, 'New Year's Eve Gala' against a black sparkly background. The Manor House Hotel and Spa

    Add New Years Eve Gala to your Itinerary

    New Years Eve Gala

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    West Auckland, Bishop Auckland

    Celebrate the arrival of 2027 in style at our spectacular New Year's Eve Gala. Enjoy an elegant evening with a beautifully crafted five-course menu, followed by music, dancing and a vibrant atmosphere as we count down to midnight.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027Open 19:00 - 01:00
    More info for New Years Eve Gala
  19. A white wooden door surrounded by festive pine decorations and wreaths.

    Add Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn to your Itinerary

    Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop, Darlington

    Weave festive magic in the Conservatory with Periwinkle Barn and immerse yourself in the scent and spirit of Christmas at our Luxury Garland Workshop. Set within the enchanting surroundings of Raby’s glasshouse Conservatory, this seasonal experience…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Festive Garland Workshop with Periwinkle Barn
  20. Hands tending to a Christmas wreath on the table.

    Add Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    We’re delighted to bring our Christmas Wreath Workshops back for another magical season.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Nov 2026to17 Dec 2026Open 17:00 -
    More info for Christmas Wreath Workshops - South Causey Inn
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