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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. Isabel Maria.

    Add Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass to your Itinerary

    Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham City

    Celebrating the incredible versatility of brass, Brassed On will perform a show featuring North East local artists.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for Brassed On featuring Dilettante, Vice Killer & Isabel Maria alongside brass
  2. Audience enjoying Adventure cinema on a sunny day at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza Outdoor Cinema at Raby Castle

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 18:00 - 22:00
    More info for Adventure Cinema – Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  3. Text reads, 'A Night Under The Big Top, The Grand Finale of Durham Cricket's Christmas Circus'. Graphic image of circus tent.

    Add A Night Under The Big Top - Durham Cricket to your Itinerary

    A Night Under The Big Top - Durham Cricket

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Riverside, Chester-le-Street

    Celebrate the grand finale of Durham Cricket's Christmas Circus with a festive arrival drink, three-course meal, classic funfair games, DJ and dancing. A magical Christmas party where festive traditions meet the nostalgic charm of the fairground.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 00:00
    More info for A Night Under The Big Top - Durham Cricket
  4. Wellbeing equipment in preparation for wellness treatments.

    Add Wellbeing Retreats - Crux Fitness to your Itinerary

    Wellbeing Retreats - Crux Fitness

    Type

    Type:

    Wellness Event

    Stanley

    Our wellbeing retreats are a unique experience providing skills and techniques to help reset your nervous system and tackle the stresses of every day life.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 10:00 -
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 10:00 -
    More info for Wellbeing Retreats - Crux Fitness
  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. 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
  7. Audience enjoying outdoor cinema in the sunshine at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.

    Add Adventure Cinema – The Gruffalo & Stick Man - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Adventure Cinema – The Gruffalo & Stick Man - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

    Staindrop

    Adventure Cinema – The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U).

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
    More info for Adventure Cinema – The Gruffalo & Stick Man - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  8. Exterior view of Crook Hall Gardens during summertime.

    Add Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Durham

    Local musicians make a visit extra special.

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    21 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    19 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Live Music at Crook Hall Gardens - Crook Hall Gardens
  9. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Barnard Castle Farmers' Market
  10. The Female of the Species by Joanne Murray-Smith. 12th - 15th August 2026. Illustration of a woman's hands in cuffs.

    Add The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre to your Itinerary

    The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Back Silver Street, Durham

    Margaret Mason is a best selling women's lib author with writer block. Will a visit from a fan help or hinder? And why the handcuffs?

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026Open 19:30 -
    More info for The Female of the Species - Comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith - The City Theatre
  11. Traditional Teddy Bear in a pink dress.

    Add Traditional Teddy Bear Making Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Traditional Teddy Bear Making Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lanchester

    There is nothing more satisfying than passing on a craft. That is why we are proud to offer once more a Traditional Bear Making workshop where this time you get the opportunity to meet (and make) Sophie. Sophie has been specially designed for our…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    More info for Traditional Teddy Bear Making Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  12. 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
  13. Little girl and boy participating in 'Little Dragons' at Durham University Oriental Museum.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Jan 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  14. Three singers in traditional clothing, next to a Christmas tree, performing festive live music during Beamish Museum's Christmas Evenings.

    Add Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings to your Itinerary

    Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Beamish Museum Christmas Evening Tickets on Sale Soon!

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026to4 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    10 Dec 2026to11 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to18 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    More info for Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings
  15. Opulence at Lumley Castle Hotel

    Add Opulence at Lumley Castle Hotel to your Itinerary

    Opulence at Lumley Castle Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Music Event

    Chester-Le-Street

    Lumley Castle Hotel at Chester-le-Street, County Durham, will be the backdrop for Opulence, running on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September.

    While the big-name performers are not being unveiled until later this month, organisers have promised it will…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to5 Sept 2026
    More info for Opulence at Lumley Castle Hotel
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Toy Story Crafts. Collage of photos showing Toy Story key rings, Etch-A-Sketch and personalised Toy Story room signs.

    Add Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us for a Toy Story craft day packed with creativity! Make your own Alien Key Ring, build an Etch‑A‑Sketch–inspired frame, and design a personalised Toy Story Room Sign. Three crafts, endless fun.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre
  19. Club Member with her flower arrangement.

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

    Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Sedgefield

    A flower club workshop where participants make a flower arrangement led by area demonstrator Val Guest, of 40 years experience. Refreshments provided and you can take home your creation.

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 19:15 - 21:15
    More info for Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club - Workshop
  20. 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
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